Tour Overview
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime two-day adventure from Lombok to the pristine waters of Saleh Bay, Sumbawa, where you’ll swim alongside the ocean’s gentle giants — whale sharks! This immersive island-to-island journey combines a scenic ferry crossing, a picturesque overland drive through Sumbawa’s countryside, an authentic local homestay experience, and the unforgettable thrill of snorkeling with wild whale sharks in their natural habitat.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Days / 1 Night |
| Start / End | Lombok Island |
| Destination | Saleh Bay, Sumbawa |
| Tour Type | Private or Sharing Group |
| Availability | All year round |
| Best Season | Dry season (April–November) |
| Activity Level | Easy — suitable for beginners, families, couples & solo travelers |
| Highlight | Snorkeling with wild whale sharks 🐋 |
Tour Highlights
- 🐋 Swim and snorkel alongside majestic whale sharks in the calm waters of Saleh Bay
- ⛴️ Scenic ferry crossing from Lombok to Sumbawa across the Alas Strait
- 🏡 Authentic overnight stay at a local homestay near Labuan Jambu fishing village
- 🌿 Overland journey through Sumbawa’s lush tropical landscapes
- 🤿 All snorkeling equipment, private boat, meals & expert local guide included
- 📸 Incredible photo opportunities with the world’s largest fish
What Are Whale Sharks?
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the largest fish in the ocean, growing up to 12–18 meters in length. Despite their enormous size, these filter-feeding gentle giants are completely harmless to humans. Saleh Bay in Sumbawa is one of Indonesia’s premier locations to encounter them in the wild, as they gather here year-round to feed on plankton-rich waters. All encounters are conducted responsibly with safety and marine conservation as top priorities.
Detailed Itinerary
🗓️ Day 1: Lombok → Sumbawa — The Journey Begins
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:00 – 08:00 | Pick-up from your hotel/accommodation in Lombok (Senggigi, Mataram, Kuta, or airport). Meet your English-speaking guide and begin the journey. |
| 08:00 – 10:00 | Scenic drive to Kayangan Harbor in East Lombok. Enjoy views of lush hills, rice paddies, and coastal scenery along the way. |
| 10:00 – 12:00 | Board the public ferry from Kayangan to Poto Tano Harbor, Sumbawa. Relax on deck and enjoy views of the Alas Strait and surrounding islands. (Ferry duration: ~2 hours) |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Arrive at Poto Tano. Lunch at a local restaurant near the harbor — taste authentic Sumbawanese cuisine. |
| 13:00 – 16:00 | Overland drive to Saleh Bay / Labuan Jambu fishing village. The route winds through Sumbawa’s scenic interior — tropical forests, rolling hills, and traditional villages. |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Arrive at your accommodation near Labuan Jambu. Check-in at the local homestay or guesthouse. Freshen up and unwind. |
| 17:00 – 18:30 | Free time. Explore the fishing village, stroll along the coastline, or watch the sunset over Saleh Bay. |
| 18:30 – 19:30 | Dinner at the homestay or a local warung. Enjoy freshly caught seafood and local dishes. |
| 19:30 onwards | Rest and relax. Your guide will brief you on the next morning’s whale shark encounter — safety protocols, snorkeling tips & what to expect. Overnight at the homestay. |
🗓️ Day 2: Whale Shark Encounter → Back to Lombok
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 05:30 – 06:00 | Wake-up call. Light breakfast (coffee/tea, bread, fruit) at the homestay before heading out. |
| 06:00 – 06:30 | Walk to the jetty and board a traditional wooden fishing boat with your guide and local boat crew. |
| 06:30 – 09:30 | The main event! Cruise into Saleh Bay to search for whale sharks. The local crew knows the best spots. Once whale sharks are spotted, slip into the water and snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures. Spend 1–2 hours in the water depending on conditions and sightings. |
| 09:30 – 10:30 | Return to Labuan Jambu. Shower, pack your bags, and check out from the homestay. |
| 10:30 – 11:30 | Brunch / early lunch at the homestay or local restaurant. |
| 11:30 – 15:00 | Overland drive back to Poto Tano Harbor. |
| 15:00 – 17:00 | Board the ferry from Poto Tano back to Kayangan Harbor, Lombok. |
| 17:00 – 19:00 | Drive from Kayangan back to your hotel in Lombok. End of tour — drop-off at your accommodation. |
Note: All times are approximate and subject to change based on weather, ferry schedules, traffic, and whale shark sighting conditions.
What’s Included ✅
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Transport | Private air-conditioned car/minivan for the entire trip (Lombok ↔ Sumbawa) |
| Ferry | Round-trip public ferry tickets (Kayangan ↔ Poto Tano) |
| Accommodation | 1 night at a local homestay/guesthouse near Labuan Jambu / Saleh Bay |
| Meals | Day 1: Lunch, Dinner |
| Snorkeling | Private wooden boat for whale shark spotting & snorkeling |
| Equipment | Full snorkeling gear — mask, snorkel, fins & life jacket |
| Guide | English-speaking tour guide throughout the trip |
| Water | Bottled mineral water during the tour |
| Permits | Local marine conservation & entrance fees |
What’s Excluded ❌
- ✈️ Flight tickets to/from Lombok
- 🏨 Accommodation in Lombok before/after the tour
- 🍺 Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks
- 💰 Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
- 💵 Tips for guide and boat crew (at your discretion)
- 🛡️ Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- 📷 Underwater camera rental (available as add-on on request)
Pricing 💰
| Group Size | Price per Person (Private Tour) |
|---|---|
| Solo Traveler | IDR 7,500,000 – 8,000,000 |
| 2 Persons | IDR 3,500,000 – 4,000,000 |
| 3 Persons | IDR 3,000,000 – 3,500,000 |
| 4 Persons | IDR 2,500,000 – 3,000,000 |
| 5+ Persons | Contact us for best rates |
Prices are estimates in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Sharing/join-in group tours start from approximately IDR 2,000,000 – 2,500,000 per person. Prices may vary by season
What to Bring 🎒
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| 👙 Swimsuit / rash guard | For snorkeling — wear under your clothes |
| 🩳 Quick-dry clothing & shorts | Comfortable in tropical weather |
| 🩴 Flip-flops or water shoes | Easy to slip on and off on the boat |
| 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen | Protect your skin & the marine ecosystem |
| 🕶️ Sunglasses & hat | Sun protection during the overland drive & boat ride |
| 📱 Waterproof phone pouch / GoPro | For capturing unforgettable moments |
| 🧻 Towel | For after snorkeling |
| 💊 Personal medication | Any prescriptions you need |
| 💵 Cash (IDR) | For personal expenses, tips & small purchases |
| 🔌 Power bank | Charging options may be limited at the homestay |
Responsible Whale Shark Interaction Guidelines 🐋
To ensure a safe and ethical experience for both you and the whale sharks:
- Keep your distance — maintain at least 3–4 meters from the whale shark’s body and 4 meters from the tail.
- No touching — never touch, ride, or chase a whale shark.
- No flash photography — flash can startle and stress the animals.
- Stay calm & quiet — move slowly in the water; splashing and loud noises disturb them.
- No feeding — these are wild animals that feed naturally on plankton.
- Follow your guide’s instructions at all times — they know the behavior patterns and safety protocols.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen — chemicals from regular sunscreen can harm marine life.
Why Choose This Tour? 🌟
- ✅ Guaranteed whale shark encounters — Saleh Bay has one of Indonesia’s most reliable year-round whale shark populations.
- ✅ Fully guided & supervised — professional team prioritizes safety, comfort, and responsible interaction.
- ✅ Authentic local experience — stay in a real fishing village, not a tourist bubble
- ✅ Flexible & customizable — private tours can be tailored to your pace and preferences.
- ✅ Island-to-island adventure — it’s not just about whale sharks; the journey itself is an epic experience across two islands.
Booking & Contact 📞
Ready to tick this off your bucket list? Contact us to check availability and secure your dates. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season (June–September & December–January).
📧 Email: tutikrinjanitrekker@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +6281 803 750 795