Moyo Island is north of Sumbawa Island in Indonesia. It’s known for its beautiful white sandy beaches. One of the main attractions is Mata Jitu Waterfall, surrounded by lush tropical plants. This peaceful waterfall makes Moyo Island a great place to visit for nature lovers.
FROM BALI TO LOMBOK
Our journey to Moyo Island began early in the morning, starting with our first stop at Lombok Island. We planned to catch the earliest Ferry to ensure we had enough time to cross Sumbawa Island right after. Despite leaving home at 5:00 AM, we missed the ferry we aimed for and had to wait until 9:00 AM for the next one. Ferry schedules aren’t fixed hourly and can vary due to how many passengers they can take. The cost is 165,000 IDR for a motorcycle and two people. The ferry left later than expected, and after a five-hour journey and we had to wait another two hours before we could dock. By then, it was already late in the day, we’re so tired, hungry and dirty. We decided to stay on a simple Bamboo Hut hotel with Mt. Rinjani view.
The hotel area was actually nice, in the middle of the rice fields, but the room is smelly and dirty. We’re checking out early and taking small road to reach Kayangan Harbour.
FROM LOMBOK TO SUMBAWA
The Ferry is avaible every hour and it takes around 1 hour until we arrive Poto Tano harbour, Sumbawa. The Ferry ticket for 2 person + 1 motorbike is 75,000.
For more detailed information on ferry destinations, schedules, and ticket prices, visit official ferry service website or inquire directly at the terminal.
Sumbawa Island is part of the West Nusa Tenggara province. It lies between Lombok and Flores islands. Sumbawa is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and friendly local people. The island has a mountainous terrain and is famous for Mount Tambora, an active volcano. Agriculture and fishing are important activities for the people living there. After a five-hour drive from Poto Tano, we finally arrived in Sumbawa Besar. The road to Sumbawa Besar was stunning, with lovely views all along the way. We enjoyed seeing the natural beauty of the coastline during our journey.
HOW TO GET TO MOYO ISLAND BY MOTORBIKE?
We stayed one night in Sumbawa Besar, a quiet town that serves as a gateway to many other destinations in the region. The next morning, we had to be ready at Goa Harbour by 10 a.m. for our boat trip. Although it’s said that boat departures are scheduled every day at 12 p.m., in reality, departures at Goa Harbour are not fixed and depend on the number of passengers. Once the boat reaches its full capacity, it departs immediately. This is why we arrived at 10 a.m. Our boat actually departed at 1 p.m. because we had to wait for someone delivering daily supplies that one of the local shops had ordered. This flexible schedule is common in many parts of Indonesia, making each trip uniquely timed and adding to the local charm.
Upon arriving at the harbor, a man approached us directly to collect the payment for our boat ticket. Unlike other passengers who pay directly to the boat operator, we paid this man, which seemed unusual but is a common practice in Indonesia. The same man was there when we returned, ready to collect the ticket payment again. For this trip, we paid 275,000 IDR, which covered two people and one motorbike. If you’re traveling with a motorbike, there’s a convenient option to leave it at one of the coffee shops just before the entrance to the harbor. This can be a good choice if you prefer not to take your bike on the boat.
The boat ride itself takes about two hours. It’s better to bring your own water and food since it’s very hot during the trip. Additionally, the boat’s engine can be quite noisy, so if you’re sensitive to sound, you might want to bring earplugs. Despite the noise, the trip offers beautiful views of the surrounding waters and islands.
TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO SUMBAWA BY MOTORBIKE
#1 Choose the Right Motorbike: Opt for a larger model like the Nmax for added comfort and storage space. Most rentals in Bali allow you to bring your motorbike across islands, making it easier to travel long distances.
#2 Travel Light: Pack minimally and consider using or installing a storage box on your motorbike. This will help keep your belongings secure and make your ride more comfortable.
#3 Plan Your Route and Check Ferry Schedules: Map out your route in advance and familiarize yourself with ferry schedules from Bali to Sumbawa. Knowing the timings will help you avoid long waits and ensure a smoother journey.
#4 Ensure Motorbike Maintenance and Safety Gear: Check your motorbike’s condition before the trip, including tires, brakes, oil, and lights. Always wear appropriate safety gear such as a helmet, gloves, and sturdy footwear for protection.
#5 Stay Hydrated and Rested: Long rides can be exhausting, so keep hydrated and take regular breaks to rest and stretch. Staying alert and comfortable is crucial for a safe journey.