Pulau Moyo Reserve: Sumbawa

Further along Nusa Tenggara to the east of Lombok lies Pulau Moyo and its Reserve. A fantastic place to visit and is a place of adventure.

Pulau Moyo is an attractive island three kilometres off the north coast of Sumbawa, lying to the east of Lombok.

Two thirds of Pulau Moyo is actually a game reserve. The central plateau with its grassy savannah land and intermittent forested areas is ideal for the Rusa Deer as well as the feral cattle released there.

The coastline has some beautiful beaches of fine coral sand and not the black volcanic sand like you find on a lot of islands in the archipelago. There are beautiful coral reefs which make it excellent for scuba diving or just snorkelling. The reef at the southern end of the island is probably the best of all.

There are a few inhabitants on the island and this consists of around 21 villages concentrated in the northern end. From Moyo there are splendid views of Gunung Tambora (2,821m) to the east, the highest mountain in Sumbawa which erupted quite violently in 1815 but now has amazingly beautiful forests on its western slopes.

Tambora can be climbed from the side in three days and is well worth a visit. It has an enormous crater and within, a two-coloured lake. From the crater there are also spectacular views over Teluk Saleh and the rest of Sumbawa to the east, and to the west, Pulau Moyo to Lombok and Gunung Rinjani.

The wildlife on the reserve has adapted to the fairly dry habitat and these include Rusa Deer, feral cattle, numerous birds such as Orioles, Sunbirds, Coucals, Koels and Drongos. Of course there are several species of shore birds along the coastline.

The Forestry Staff at Sumbawa Besar are the best to contact regarding planning, advice and if you are lucky, transport!.