Saleh Bay And Sumbawa Whale Shark

Did you know? The name Saleh Bay in Sumbawa was a gift from Sultan Muhammad Jalaluddin III to Lalu Muhammad Saleh Dea Mele Bandri. The Sultan honored him for his role in overcoming a rebellion, granting him vast lands, stretching as far as the eye can see, both land and sea. Saleh Bay is located in the eastern part of Sumbawa Island, near Pidang Village, Tarano District. This hidden gem offers a variety of exciting adventures for travelers.

Explore Semi-enclosed Waters & Area of Saleh Bay

Saleh Bay spans an impressive 1,459 square kilometers with a length of 282 km—twice the size of Jakarta. The bay is semi-enclosed and connects directly to the Flores Sea. Its shimmering blue waters are dotted with uninhabited islands. While some of these islands house Bajo and Bugis fishermen, most remain untouched, offering pristine natural beauty.

At the mouth of Saleh Bay, Moyo Island stands out with its stunning landscapes. This island serves as a natural barrier, protecting the bay from the waves of the Flores Sea. Two narrow straits separate Moyo Island, dividing the northern part of Saleh Bay from Sumbawa Island and the smaller Satonda Island.”

Moreover, exploring these islands feels like stepping into a secluded paradise. With white sandy beaches and expansive grasslands, they offer a peaceful escape from the outside world.

Moyo Island, famous for its beauty, is like a wave barrier for the Flores Sea. The island sits right at the mouth of the bay, with two small straits dividing it between the northern part of Saleh Bay and the main island of Sumbawa, and the northern end of a small island called Satonda.

Why Saleh Bay is Perfect for Whale Sharks

In addition, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish species in the world, calls these waters home. Despite their massive size of up to 12 meters or more, these gentle giants are harmless to humans. You can often spot these slow swimmers in tropical waters, and Saleh Bay in Sumbawa is one of the best places to swim alongside them.

Furthermore, the waters of Saleh Bay, which are 95% enclosed, create the perfect habitat for whale sharks. With shallow depths and an abundance of food, the bay attracts these creatures year-round. If you dream of swimming with these majestic whale sharks in sumbawa, Saleh Bay is the ideal destination for you.

There are several routes to reach the area. You can travel through Sumbawa Besar or the villages of Ai Paya and Labuhan Jambu in the Tarano district. Each route offers scenic views and unique experiences.

Moyo Island as Saleh Bay Entrance

Moyo Island, famous for its natural beauty, stands tall at the mouth of the bay, as if it were a shield from the huge waves of the Flores Sea. The island lies between two small straits that separate it from the northern part of Saleh Bay and the main island of Sumbawa. At its northern end, there is a small island known as Satonda.

Plan Your Sumbawa Whale Shark Adventure with Sumbawa Adventour

Are you curious to swim with whale sharks? At Sumbawa Adventour, we specialize in organizing tours that let you dive into this unforgettable experience. Our Sumbawa tour packages offer a variety of options, including a visit to Moyo Island and the Mata Jitu Waterfall. Whether you’re exploring the authentic islands or marveling at the majestic whale shark in sumbawa, Saleh Bay tourism promises a breathtaking adventure.