The regency of West Sumbawa lay about 350 kilometres to the east of Bali, a journey which involves flights, ferries and many winding roads. Due to this relative remoteness, for many years West Sumbawa was far off the beaten track for the majority of surf adventurers, open to just a handful of surf charter boats and only the most intrepid surfers venturing overland. Over recent years, rapid development of the local economy fuelled by a billion dollar expansion of the Batu Hijau gold and copper mine has improved regional infrastructure, to the point now there are paved roads leading up to most of the main surf breaks and accommodation areas. No longer do surfers have to slog through muddy dirt tracks or crawl over mountainous rocky potholed roads in the back of rusting, crowded, smoky public buses. Simply strap your boards on to your car or bike, hit the road and then settle in for the ferry rides. Alternatively, just navigate the airport queues and board your flight to Sumbawa Besar for an outer island surf experience like no other.
The team at Surf West Sumbawa have been travelling these routes for more than twenty years so have developed an extensive network of transport contacts for drivers, car and motorbike rental, ticketing agents and more, so don’t wait any longer, contact us now for a smooth and streamlined travel experience on your West Sumbawa surf trip!
When traveling to surf in West Sumbawa, it is important to consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against any unexpected events or accidents. Here are some travel insurance options to consider:
– Adventure Sports Coverage: Many standard travel insurance policies do not cover high-risk activities like surfing. However, some insurance providers offer Adventure Sports Coverage, which specifically covers activities like surfing, scuba diving, and other adventure sports. Be sure to check the policy’s terms and conditions to make sure surfing is covered.
– Surfing-specific insurance: Some insurance companies offer surfing-specific coverage that can protect you against accidents, injuries, and theft of surfing equipment. These policies can also include emergency medical evacuation coverage in case of a serious injury.
– Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance policies can also cover surfing as well as other activities and incidents that can occur during travel, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost or stolen luggage, and more.
When selecting a travel insurance policy, be sure to check the coverage details and compare different policies to find one that fits your specific needs and budget. It is also a good idea to read the fine print and understand what is and isn’t covered before purchasing the policy. Finally, be sure to carry a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact information with you at all times while traveling.
By far, the most popular and economical route for driving to West Sumbawa is to come by motorbike overland via Lombok. Whether you bring the bike from Bali on the 5 hour public vehicle ferry leaving Padang Bai to Bangsal harbour in Lombok, or pickup one in Lombok, this path is frequently travelled and easy to navigate even without the modern luxuries of smart phones and GPS. Traversing Lombok takes several hours depending on traffic from West to East, followed by a 2 hour ride on the ferry to Poto Tano, West Sumbawa. From Poto Tano, follow the road south as it meanders along the coast through the well signed villages leading to the popular surf spots. This is generally a long day, with most trips taking the better part of 12 hours all up from Bali to West Sumbawa, which is why many surf travellers choose to break it up with a stay in Lombok on the way there or back. Driving by car is also a viable option, but does attract a higher fee on the ferries so best shared in groups for the budget conscious.
Flying to West Sumbawa is by far the fastest and more direct transport option, but does come at a cost. The most direct option is to fly Bali (DPS) to Sumbawa Besar (SWQ). These flights usually stop for a short time in Lombok to exchange a few passengers, before landing an hour or so later in Sumbawa Besar. This capital city is actually in the neighbouring regency of Sumbawa, same-same but different to your destination of West Sumbawa, where the capital city is Taliwang. From Sumbawa Besar to Taliwang is a journey of approximately 2.5 hours by road. From Taliwang to the surfing spots in West Sumbawa takes another 30 minutes to an hour depending on your destination.