Sumbawa and its offshore jewel Moyo Island represent Indonesia at its most raw and remote — Princess Diana's favourite hideaway, world-class surf breaks, and Amanwana's legendary tented camp in untouched jungle.
Sumbawa sits east of Lombok in the Indonesian archipelago's sweep toward Flores and Komodo. Larger than Bali but visited by a tiny fraction of its tourists, Sumbawa is for those who have exhausted the better-known islands and seek something genuinely wild. Off its northern coast, Moyo Island — a protected nature reserve — has hosted some of the world's most recognisable faces: Princess Diana visited in 1993, kicking off a quiet tradition of the ultra-wealthy finding their way here.
The experience of Sumbawa and Moyo is not about facilities. It's about extraordinary nature delivered through just enough comfort to make it sustainable: world-class surf at Lakey Peak, freshwater waterfalls deep in Moyo's jungle, the Batu Bulan (Moonstone) waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool.
Why Sumbawa & Moyo for Luxury Travel?
- Moyo Island — 90% protected nature reserve; virtually zero development outside Amanwana; one of the world's last truly undisturbed tropical destinations
- Princess Diana's hideaway — Aman's Moyo Island camp was her secret retreat; the association has maintained its ultra-exclusive positioning
- Lakey Peak — one of Asia's most celebrated surf breaks, producing powerful right-handers that attract WSL-level surfers
- Batu Bulan Waterfall — a hidden cascade on Moyo Island accessible only by jungle trek; crystalline pools untouched by mass tourism
- Authentic Indonesia — Sumbawa's Samawa culture, traditional horse racing festivals, and weaving traditions are entirely distinct from Bali
Indonesia Tourism covers Sumbawa and Moyo Island officially.
Top Luxury Properties 2026
1. Amanwana, Moyo Island — Tented Perfection
Amanwana is arguably the most remote Aman property in Southeast Asia — and one of the most extraordinary hotel experiences anywhere in the world. Twenty jungle tents sit within Moyo Island Nature Reserve, a protected area where development is controlled by the Indonesian government.
The Tents: Twenty ocean-facing and jungle tents on elevated timber platforms. Each tent has a proper king bed, en-suite bathroom (hot shower, flush toilet), air conditioning, and a private deck with hammock or daybeds. These are not glamping tents — the canvas structures are maintained to the Aman standard.
What Amanwana Offers:
- Batu Bulan Waterfall — exclusive access; the jungle trek and waterfall pool shared only with other Amanwana guests and the island's wildlife
- Snorkelling and diving — Moyo Island's surrounding reef is pristine; resident dive masters lead daily excursions
- Wildlife tracking — macaques, megapode birds, deer, and monitor lizards; naturalist guides lead dawn walks
- Complete digital detox — limited connectivity is a feature, not a bug
- Cuisine — Indonesian and international, using Sumbawa's fresh seafood and local spices
Rates: From USD $1,400/night (full board — meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and activities included)
2. Lakey Peak — Surf Lodges & Boutique Stays
For the surf-focused luxury traveller, Hu'u Bay near Lakey Peak offers boutique accommodation with direct access to one of Asia's finest surf breaks.
Lakey Peak Surf:
- Right-hand point break peeling for up to 200m on a good swell
- Best swell direction: SSW–SW (strongest May–October)
- World Surf League Asia events held here periodically
Sumbawa Surf Resort: Purpose-built for the surf-luxury category — air-conditioned rooms, pool, daily surf guiding, boat transfers to offshore breaks. From USD $150/night.
3. Mount Tambora Expedition
Mount Tambora, whose 1815 eruption was the largest in recorded history, rises to 2,850m from Sumbawa's northern coast. Guided multi-day trekking expeditions reach the summit and descend into the 6km-wide caldera — a bucket-list experience of geological drama.
The Expedition: 2–3 day trek, camping in the caldera; expert volcanic geology guides; views into a caldera bigger than some entire islands in the region.
When to Visit
Dry season (May–October): Best for all activities. Surf peaks June–September. Amanwana most pleasant May–October.
Wet season (November–April): Amanwana closes December–February. Sumbawa's surf loses consistency.
Getting to Sumbawa
Direct flights: Lion Air and Garuda operate Bali → Sumbawa Besar (SWQ): ~45 min. Sumbawa Besar → Amanwana speedboat: ~20 min.
Via Lombok: Fly to Lombok Praya (LOP), ferry to Poto Tano (~2 hours), drive to Sumbawa Besar.
For Amanwana, the resort coordinates all transfers.
*More remote Indonesia guides:* Best luxury dive resorts Raja Ampat 2026 | Best luxury resorts Komodo & Flores 2026 | Best luxury resorts Sumba, Flores & Wakatobi 2026
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