Pulau Moyo (Moyo Island) is a sizeable island off of the north coast of Sumbawa. It is known for the national park that envelopes it and for its abundance of wildlife and extensive coral reefs.
The island is just a few kilometers offshore from West Sumbawa (not far from the capital, Sumbawa Besar) and reaches up to East Sumbawa. In essence, Pulau Moyo is one of the most diverse destinations in the whole of Sumbawa and comes with good snorkeling and trekking as well as wildlife spotting.
There are all kinds of monitor lizards here along with native deer, monkeys, sharks and turtles in the sea. You can even stay in the park near the headquarters in the south at Tanjung Pasir, from where boats can be chartered to explore the offshore reefs.
Be aware that there are minimal facilities and amenities on Pulau Moyo and you’ll need to bring over food and drink for your stay in the national park. Bringing over a snorkel mask from the mainland is also a good idea if you intend on snorkeling.
Getting There & Away
Pulau Moyo is a few hours by road and boat from Sumbawa Besar in the northern part of West Sumbawa. Flights arrive in Sumbawa Besar from Bali (the nearest major airport) in under an hour, from where taxis and bemos run to town. Bemos then run from Seketang Market to Air Bari, where the port is. Charters then run out to Pulau Moyo. Those arriving in West Sumbawa by boat from Lombok land at Port Tano, from where buses run to Sumbawa Besar.