Moyo Island, located near Sumbawa, offers a variety of activities for travelers seeking adventure. Explore the breathtaking Moyo Island waterfall, and follow this Moyo Island travel guide to discover how to get to this remote island from Sumbawa Besar. Enjoy the unique experiences Moyo Island has to offer. In total, we stayed four nights on this unique island and we will share everything we know about it. So buckle up and get ready for an adventure.
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1. Overview of Moyo Island
Moyo Island, located just off the coast of Sumbawa, is a remote Indonesian island that offers a unique blend of adventure, nature, activities and local life. With a population of around 1,000 people, Moyo Island remains relatively untouched by modern development. The island spans approximately 350 square kilometers, and boasts a diverse landscape of dense jungles, pristine beaches, and stunning waterfalls.
Getting to from Sumbawa Besar to Moyo Island can be quite challenging, as it’s accessible only by public boat from Sumbawa that only runs once per day if the weather is good. This remoteness contributes to its allure, as it allows travelers to experience a truly authentic Indonesian adventure.
Interestingly, about 60 percent of the island is a natural reserve called Moyo Island Hunting Park which actively protects and preserves the surrounding ecosystem. This conservation effort ensures that Moyo Island remains a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
In the following sections, we’ll share our favorite moments from our 4-day adventure and provide you with valuable tips and insights for planning your own Moyo Island experience. Let’s dive in!
2. How to get to Moyo Island
Getting to Moyo Island is an adventure in itself! Here’s our Moyo Island travel guide which includes everything you need to do in order to reach this remote island when visiting Sumbawa.
Step 1: Fly to Sumbawa Besar Airport
The best way to start your journey to Moyo Island is by flying to Sumbawa Besar Airport. Several flights connect major Indonesian cities to Sumbawa, so finding a convenient flight should be relatively easy. It is a very small airport mostly connecting Lombok and Bali. Prices for a return flight from Bali were around 2.4 Million IDR per person. One of the best ways to book a flight in Indonesia is Traveloka
Step 2: Taxi to Pantai Goa
Once you landed and got your luggage head outside the terminal and find a taxi driver. Ask them to drive you to the public boat, which mostly departs from Pantai Goa. It can happen that it departs from a different area. Best to ask the locals, they usually know what is going on. The taxi ride is roughly 10 minutes. We paid 100.000 IDR (~6€) which is fairly high for a short ride but we lacked alternatives and had to hurry not to miss the boat.
There is no designated waiting area or comfortable seats to wait at Pantai Goa. We were greeted by our friendly captain. We arrived at 12 pm (which was still too early). Since we had no more water, the captain borrowed us his scooter to get some water and some pop mie (instant noodles).
Step 3: Public Boat from Sumbawa Besar to Moyo Island
Moyo Island is only accessible via public boat, which usually leaves once a day at 12 pm from Pantai Goa in Sumbawa Besar. Keep in mind that these boats can be delayed – we experienced a two-hour delay during our trip.
Friendly captain
Our boat ride was an unforgettable experience, as we chatted with the friendly captain and interacted with the locals. The boat was also loaded with various goods and even some animals (baby chickens)! We were the only tourists on board, which made the experience even more authentic. Be aware that the boat is quite basic and lacks any kind of safety measures like life vests. However, we felt comfortable as the boat was relatively big.
Contact your accommodation before you travel
Before you set off, it’s a good idea to check the boat’s availability with your accommodation on Moyo Island, as they can help you with the latest schedule and any changes. Some accommodations even have private boats which can make your travels a lot easier.
Time, costs and dolphins
The boat ride from Sumbawa Besar to Moyo Island takes around 2 hours, and although it can be exhausting, it’s a unique journey that adds to the overall adventure. I paid 100.000 IDR as an International passenger and Ika paid the local price of 75.000 IDR. You will pass beautiful scenery and if you are lucky even dolphins! We got lucky and saw a few dolphins swimming close to our boat. A word of advice: bring a headset, as the boat can be quite loud, and don’t expect the most comfortable seating.
3. Where to stay on Moyo Island
When planning your trip to Moyo Island, it’s essential to find the perfect accommodation for your needs. While there aren’t many options available, the island does offer a range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences.
Maleo Moyo Hotel & Dive Resort
We chose to stay at the Maleo Moyo Hotel & Dive Resort, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision. Located on the west coast of the island, this resort boasts a beautiful garden, a relaxing pool area, and direct beach access. We highly recommend booking one of their bungalows, as it offers more privacy and comfort, although it’s a bit pricier. Keep in mind that it can get hot, so be prepared for the tropical climate.
As the name suggests, the resort also offers diving excursions, allowing you to explore Moyo Island’s stunning underwater world. An added bonus is that the owner has his own boat, and he kindly offered to take us back to the mainland when our trip came to an end. The resort is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the island’s port.
Amanwana Resort
For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, the Amanwana Resort is a perfect choice. This high-end resort is located further south on the island and offers an unparalleled level of comfort and service. With prices starting at around €1,200 per night, it’s definitely an indulgence, but one that guarantees an unforgettable stay.
In conclusion, Moyo Island has accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. Whether you choose to stay at the Maleo Moyo Hotel & Dive Resort as we did or indulge in luxury at the Amanwana Resort, you’re sure to have an incredible time exploring this remote paradise.
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4. Activities on Moyo Island
Sumbawa and Moyo Island is a treasure trove of exciting activities and natural wonders. Here’s a list of our favorite things to do during our 4-day stay:
Chase Waterfalls
Moyo Island is home to some truly breathtaking waterfalls. Air Terjun Mata Jitu is one of the most famous, featuring natural pool formations and crystal-clear water. Not far from Mata Jitu is Lady Diana Waterfall, named after Princess Diana, who visited the waterfall in the past. These two waterfalls are just a short walk apart, making it easy to visit both in one day. For us, one of the best activities on Moyo Island!
Got curious? Make sure to read our detailed blog post about the magical Mata Jitu Waterfall.
Another must-see waterfall is Air Terjun Diwu Mba’i. Here, you can jump from a rope into the refreshing water below. Just a word of caution: be careful when flying your drone in this area. We sadly lost ours when it collided with the rope and fell into the water.
Go Off-Road in the Jungle
Explore the island’s vast and untouched jungle by taking an off-road adventure on a bike. The lush vegetation and diverse wildlife make for a thrilling experience that you won’t forget. The roads are not paved and lead you directly into the jungle. You should be an experience driver as the road is difficult to navigate and almost all scooters are not automatic. Ika loved driving the manual bike and was one of her favorite activities while staying on Moyo Island.
Snorkel at Crocodile Head
Snorkeling at Crocodile Head is a fantastic way to discover Moyo Island’s vibrant marine life. The corals were alive and you will see plenty of colorful fish. The beach however was rather trashed with all kinds of plastic. During our trip, we faced some rough weather and choppy waters, which limited our snorkeling opportunities. However, Crocodile Head still offers an incredible underwater experience. Make sure to follow the advice below from our Moyo Island travel guide and book a local guide as the roads are confusing and difficult to drive on. More on our tour guide in the section below.
Go Diving
Moyo Island is a diver’s paradise, and we highly recommend trying it out during your stay. We met a friendly 28-year-old Englishman named Andrew, who is a dive instructor currently renovating an old dive school in the north of the main village. Set to open in just a few weeks, we can’t recommend his dive school enough. The atmosphere is fantastic, and you can learn more about Andrew and his project in our video.
Google Maps is currently not set up for his resort called “Bluemotion” but you can find the location under its former name “Moyo Dive Center”
Get a tour guide
As part of your Moyo Island Travel Guide, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of hiring a local guide to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. During our stay, we had the pleasure of booking most of our activities with Rudian, a 19-year-old local from the village who was incredibly helpful, friendly, and even treated us to a fresh coconut from his garden.
Ika interviewed Rudi in front of his house after our exciting trip to Crocodile Head and our jungle exploration on Moyo Island. With his vast knowledge and enthusiasm, Rudi made our activities on Moyo Island truly unforgettable. If you’d like to experience Moyo Island with the help of a local guide like Rudi, you can contact him via WhatsApp (+6282359314821) or Instagram. It’s worth noting that speaking a little Bahasa Indonesia can be helpful when communicating with him, as well as other locals on the island.
5. Where to Eat
When it comes to dining options on Moyo Island, you’ll find that choices are limited due to the island’s remote location. Here’s what you can expect when searching for a bite to eat:
Local Shops and Restaurants
There are a few local shops on the island where you can grab a quick snack or a simple meal. However, don’t expect a wide variety of options or the same level of culinary diversity you might find in larger Indonesian cities or more popular tourist destinations.
Hotel Dining
During our stay, we primarily ate at our hotel, the Maleo Moyo Hotel & Dive Resort. Many visitors on the island choose to dine at their accommodations, as the options are often more varied and convenient. You can also explore the dining options at other hotels on the island, but keep in mind that choices will still be limited.
Price Considerations
Due to Moyo Island’s remoteness, food prices can be higher than what you might be used to in other parts of Indonesia. For example, a large beer can cost 80,000 IDR, compared to 35,000-50,000 IDR in Bali. Be prepared for these increased costs and budget accordingly.
6. Things to Know
Before you embark on your Moyo Island adventure, there are a few important things to be aware of that will help you better prepare for your trip:
Beach Conditions
While Moyo Island boasts some beautiful beaches, be prepared for the possibility of encountering litter and debris. As a remote and less touristy destination, the island may not have the same level of cleanliness you’d find at more popular tourist spots. Nevertheless, the natural beauty of the island remains a primary attraction.
Limited Electricity
On Moyo Island in Sumbawa, electricity is generally available only from 6 pm to 6 am. Be prepared for these hours of limited power supply by bringing portable chargers and planning your activities accordingly. This can be an opportunity to disconnect from your electronic devices and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and local culture of the island.
Sesame Cultivation
Moyo Island is famous for growing sesame, which is an integral part of the local economy. During your visit, you might have the chance to witness the cultivation process and learn more about this fascinating crop. Watch our latest video of Ika interviewing a local farmer at their sesame field (to be uploaded soon).
Internet connection
If you are located close to the main village on Moyo Island, you will have a 4G connection. This one is usually fast enough for streaming or video calls. However, it is not always safe that the connection is fast. At least that was our experience. If you move outside the main village, the connection becomes a lot weaker or is even non-existent.
Island of Goats
During your visit to Moyo Island, you’ll notice that there are plenty of goats roaming around. There are probably more goats than humans on the island :D. So keep an eye on the road when walking down the streets or you might end up in some goat poop. But don’t worry, these animals are friendly and do no harm.
In conclusion, our Moyo Island Travel Guide aims to provide you with an honest and open view of this remote Indonesian paradise. By being aware of these important aspects of the island, you can better prepare for your trip and make the most of your adventure. Embrace the unique aspects of Moyo Island, and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
7. Conclusion – Moyo Island Travel Guide
Our Moyo Island Travel Guide has provided valuable insights and inspiration for your adventure in this remote and fascinating Indonesian destination. Reaching Moyo island from Sumbawa Besar requires some effort, but the reward is an unforgettable experience exploring its waterfalls, jungles, and marine life. Embrace the unique charm of this less-traveled paradise, and be prepared for limited accommodation, dining options, and electricity.
Make the most of your Moyo Island trip by hiring a local guide, enjoying various activities, and immersing yourself in the local culture and economy. By being mindful of the environment and supporting the local community, you’ll contribute to the sustainable development of this beautiful island. We hope our honest and open Moyo Island travel guide, helps you create amazing memories as you venture off the beaten path and explore the wonders of Moyo Island in Sumbawa.
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