The Heart of Indonesia’s Ring of Fire
Komodo Sumbawa
Tidal Forces: Shaping Exotic Beauty Above and Below
Isolated on the edge of the Indian Ocean, the Komodo Archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for stunning peaks like Padar and Lawa Laut. While Komodo and Rinca are the largest islands, there are 26 additional scenic islands, each with unique endemic wildlife due to strong tidal isolation, including approximately 5,700 Komodo dragons, the world’s largest reptiles. Saleh Bay, covering half a million acres, divides Sumbawa Island into distinct lowland and highland ecosystems. Moyo Island sits at the mouth of Saleh Bay, alongside the larger islands of Liang, Ngali, and Rakit. Dominating the eastern skyline is Tambora Volcano, known as the Pompeii of the East. The Sape Strait, which separates Sumbawa and Komodo, is a hidden gem teeming with pelagic sea life.
Land
Home to Tambora, the world’s greatest eruption in modern history
Sumbawa is part of the world’s Ring of Fire. Here stands Mount Tambora, alongside the majestic Satonda Island, which boasts a marine lake at its center, and Sangeang Api, rising from the blue sea. The cone-shaped Doro Api and Doro Mantoi Volcanoes, towering at 1,949 meters (6,394 feet), dominate the northern skyline of Sang Hyang Api Island, while a submerged volcano on Banta Island lies within ten thousand acres of marine protected waters bordering Komodo Island. Surrounded by strong tidal currents, these islands feature dry lowland rainforests and savanna woodlands, which restrict wildlife movement and give rise to many endemic species found only on specific islands.
Sea
World-Class Underwater
The 300,000 acres of protected marine waters around the Komodo Archipelago resemble a vast aquarium, home to giant manta rays, over a hundred reef fish species, five of the world’s seven sea turtle species, and 260 coral species. The Sape Strait, situated between Sumbawa and Komodo, acts as a vital channel for Pacific waters flowing south to the Indian Ocean, enriching the area with marine life such as bigeye trevally, tuna, barracuda, reef sharks, and oceanic manta rays. Dive into the seabed of active volcanoes like Sangeang Api, Satonda, and Pekat Bay to encounter black volcanic sand and fascinating creatures such as black rhinopias and rare octopuses. Saleh Bay is crucial for dolphins and the whale shark, the world’s largest fish.
Culture
Life by the Sea: The Modo Manggarai and Bajau Tribes
The first settlers of the region were Modo Manggarai tribesmen from Flores and Bajau Sea Nomads from Celebes. The coastal villages are primarily inhabited by fishermen who have lived here for over five centuries. These communities rely on fishing and collecting mollusks, using modern motorized canoes, handmade wooden goggles, and bamboo spears. Women engage in farming and weaving Ikat, drying coconut shells to create decorative bowls adorned with seashells, while men carve wooden Komodo statues for sale in Labuan Bajo. In contrast to the dry savannahs of Komodo and Sape, Sang Hyang Island is lush and fertile, making it ideal for agriculture. As Sequoia approaches this remote island, you might spot buffalos swimming along the beach.
Komodo Sumbawa Safari
Thrilling Adventure from Majestic Volcanoes to Seabed
Dive into vibrant marine life on the black volcanic sand of an active volcano, exploring shallow reefs and underwater walls for pelagic fish sightings, including dogtooth tuna. Enjoy activities like kayaking, tubing, and water skiing along the rugged savanna hillsides and pristine beaches. In the late afternoon, stroll on powdery beaches and hike to witness the tropical sunset. Visit Satonda Island to hang a stone on its trees, then kayak into its stunning marine lake. Discover Moyo’s rainforest and swim in tranquil freshwater waterfalls. Start your day with coffee in Saleh Bay, enjoying views of Tambora Volcano and local fishermen’s nets. Experience swimming with whale sharks, engage in buffalo racing that marks the paddy planting season, or take a helicopter ride to the historic Tambora Volcano, known for its monumental eruption in modern history.
Service Excellence
Dedicated Concierge
Flexible Itinerary
