This was the best decision we made during our entire vacation! My friend and I originally booked the trip because we wanted photos with whale sharks, but we came back with memories we'll be talking about for years. Moyo Island completely won us over — the nature there is so wild and untouched, and there are hardly any people around. It really feels like you're discovering the place for the first time. We rode motorbike taxis through the middle of the jungle to the waterfalls, spent time swimming there, and later relaxed on the completely empty Takat Sagale Beach. But the whale sharks at sunrise were on a whole different level. At first we were honestly terrified because they're huge, but the moment we got into the water, all the fear disappeared. They're so calm and graceful, just gliding past while feeding on plankton. We still watch the videos and can't quite believe that actually happened to us!
The tour of the islands of Sumbawa and Moyo
This three-day journey to Sumbawa and Moyo Island takes you far beyond the usual tourist routes and into one of Indonesia’s most untouched corners. Remote beaches, tropical jungles, and unforgettable wildlife encounters come together to create an experience that feels worlds away from Bali’s busy resorts.
Your adventure begins on Moyo Island. Riding on a local motorbike taxi, you'll travel through lush tropical forest to reach the famous Mata Jitu Waterfalls. Hidden among dense greenery, a series of turquoise natural pools cascade through the jungle, creating one of the island’s most beautiful landscapes. Later, you’ll have time to relax on the white sands of Takat Sagele Beach before spending a peaceful evening at your beachfront villa.
The highlight of the trip awaits at sunrise on your second day in Saleh Bay. Before dawn, you'll head out onto the water in search of whale sharks, the largest fish on Earth. Despite their enormous size, these gentle giants are completely harmless to humans and are known for their calm, slow-moving nature. Watching them glide through the water—and, if conditions allow, observing them from just a few meters away—is an experience few travelers ever forget.
Every encounter with whale sharks is unique and entirely dependent on nature, making each sighting feel even more special. Between the waterfalls of Moyo Island, the untouched landscapes of Sumbawa, and the rich marine life of Saleh Bay, this journey offers a rare opportunity to experience a quieter, wilder side of Indonesia.
Tour options:
What to expect
10:30 AM — A representative of Sumbawa Snorkeling will meet you at Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport (SWQ). Afterward, your driver will take you to the port.
11:00 AM — You will depart on a speedboat to Moyo Island (the journey takes about 45 minutes). During the trip, you can enjoy panoramic views of the sea and picturesque shores.
11:45 AM — Arrival at the unique Moyo Island, known for its untouched nature and secluded bays.
12:00 PM — Lunch at a seaside restaurant with an ocean view, where you can enjoy local cuisine and fresh seafood.
1:30 PM — You will take a motorcycle taxi to the famous Mata Jitu waterfalls, located in the heart of the tropical forest. This place is renowned for its emerald turquoise water surrounded by lush jungle greenery. Here, you can swim and relax in the natural pool.
3:30 PM — Return to Labu Aji village. Next, you will head to the secluded beaches of Takat Sagele and Poto Jarum, where you can relax on the white sand, enjoy excellent snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, and swim in crystal-clear water.
5:30 PM — You will return to Sumbawa, where a transfer to Samawa Seaside Cottages awaits you. Check-in at the hotel and relax.
7:00 PM — If desired, you can have dinner at the hotel restaurant, which offers Indonesian and international cuisine.
2:00 AM — Early departure from the hotel with a representative from Sumbawa Snorkeling towards Labu Jambu village (the journey takes about 1.5 hours).
4:00 AM — Arrival at the port, where a comfortable boat.
5:30 AM — Departure to the whale shark habitat in Saleh Bay. An experienced team will attract the sharks using special bait (krill) so that you can safely and comfortably observe these incredible creatures at the water's surface.
6:30 AM — You will have the opportunity to personally dive into the water and go snorkeling near whale sharks—this is a rare and thrilling experience that will be memorable for a lifetime.
7:30 AM — Light breakfast on board: fresh tropical fruits, tea, and coffee.
9:30 AM — Departure from the location back to port (departure time may vary depending on shark activity and weather conditions).
11:00 AM — Return to Labu Jambu village port.
12:00 PM — If desired, you can have lunch at Seafood Corner restaurant located right on the water, serving fresh local seafood dishes.
1:00 PM — Return to the hotel, free time.
7:00 PM — Dinner at Sumbawa Seaside Resort restaurant or one of the recommended restaurants in the city center where you can try traditional dishes and relax after an eventful day.
10:00 PM — Free time to relax at the hotel.
7:00 AM — Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, a representative from Sumbawa Snorkeling will arrange your transfer to Sumbawa Airport (SWQ). It’s time to say goodbye to hospitable Sumbawa and share bright impressions from your unforgettable journey.
Important
According to clause 7.3 of the MyBaliTrips.com User Agreement, MyBaliTrips.com is not responsible for the presence of whale sharks. Please note that whale sharks are wild animals that move freely in their natural environment. They determine their own routes and appearance at the spot, which means that every encounter is a matter of natural conditions, good fortune, and timing rather than a guaranteed part of the program.
Travelers reviews
My boyfriend and I spent a long time deciding where to go besides the usual places around Bali, and eventually chose Sumbawa. Honestly, we expected it to be interesting, but not that interesting. The trip to Mata Jitu Waterfall was one of the highlights. The waterfall is absolutely incredible!! The water is such an unreal color that at first it looks like someone edited the photos. The whale sharks were definitely the most unforgettable part of the trip. We had to wake up when it was still basically the middle of the night, and at that moment all I wanted was to go back to sleep. But within an hour it was obvious that it was completely worth it. When a fish that huge swims right past you, it's impossible not to feel like an excited kid. We spent the rest of the day talking about it. Even my boyfriend, who usually says organized tours aren't really his thing, admitted afterward that this was one of the most memorable experiences we've had in Indonesia.
What's included
- transfer from the hotel or villa and back
- snorkeling
- 2 nights Samawa Seaside Resort
- breakfast
- English Speaking Guide
- rent GoPro
- snorkeling equipment
- flight ticket
- insurance
- Rp 1,000,000 / person — transparent canoe
- Rp 900,000 — drone photo and video shooting
- dinner
sunscreen with high SPF
easy change of clothes
swimsuit/ swimming trunks / shorts
hat
headlamp
for people with average physical abilities
if necessary take pills against motion sickness
for children over the age of 6
refunds are processed with a 10% deduction if the cancellation is made by the client at least 48 hours before the event or with an official hospital document.
refunds are based on the exchange rate set by the Bank of Indonesia on the payment date.
full refunds are provided if the provider is unable to deliver the service fully.
refund requests are reviewed within 5 business days of the request date.
refunds are issued within 5 banking days from the agreement of the refund decision.
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