Moyo Island, Sumbawa

Moyo Island Anchorage

The Moyo Island anchorage is on the South West of the island in a wide open bay. There is an area of sand in about 10m close in to shore. We stayed for two nights and had stellar conditions. At night the water was so still the whole night’s sky reflected in the water. The water visibility is incredible around here too. Clearest water, we could see small sting rays and fish below us as well as the marks the anchor chain made in the sand. Ashore, nearby, is the island’s smallest village of only a few families. You’ll see goats along the shore and monkeys in the trees. Apparently there is a cave full of bats near here too. The coral is bombed around here but there are some fish to entertain you if you fancy a snorkel.

Things to do ashore

Must see Waterfall!

Moyo Island (Pulau Moyo) may possess the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen. The water glows a bright blue amongst the shadows of the surrounding jungle due to the limestone. The waterfall cascades down over several terraces and forms a beautiful swimming hole where you can jump off a rock into the cool, glowing water. Conveniently there is a fallen log to the side of the pool which makes for a relaxing place to sit while still in the water as iridescent dragonflies hover.

There are three ways to get to the waterfall. Walking, motorbike or by jeep. We went by motorbike which was quite an experience. The drivers were very skilled in negotiating the very rough track which varies from good concrete path to smashed up concrete rubble. There were minor casualties though. One of us with a slightly burnt calf from one exhaust pipe and the other, a cut heel from when a bike fell. At least it wasn’t the broken ankle that I was expecting.

After the bike ride there is a short walk down and over the waterfalls which offer plenty of photographic opportunities.

If you prefer to walk, the scenery is nice. For both options you can get a guide or a driver from the jetty. No doubt you’ll be warmly received by a gentleman with good english there.

Jeep trips to the waterfall are available from the resort and were a long way out of our price range.

Bike, with driver, was 100,000 rupiah each. Take your togs plus a dry change of clothes. The ride back is VERY uncomfortable if you have a wet and slippery bottom. I felt like I’d given birth to an Indonesian by the time we got back to the village.

Takat Segele, diving and snorkelling spot

Takat Segele is a tiny blip of an island, just a mound of dead coral can be seen from the surface. Below, the fish are as plentiful as confetti at a Coldplay concert, so many schools of small colourful fish. The coral on the other hand is rooted, the parts we saw were bombed and dead. However, we spoke a tourist in the village who said some parts are amazing. He’d dived it that day. We spent awhile snorkelling around the shallows and saw two turtles as well. Takat Segele is located just off the main village of Labuhan Aji. There is a mooring buoy available or at high tide pop your anchor on the top of the island like we did.

**2018 update: We visited this coral mound again and were disappointed to see so few fish. Locals were spearfishing there and one was anchored, his anchor dumped in the coral.

Labuhan Aji, the main village

The main village of Labuhan Aji has a population of about 600 people. There is a small concrete jetty, a couple of home stays and warungs.

Sunset Moyo Cafe/Bar

After our motor bike trip to the waterfall we sought some lunch near the jetty at a beachside cafe, Sunset Moyo. What a treat this place is! Out front along the waterfront are bean bags and wooden seating looking out over the ocean. While inside the bamboo fence is a little green oasis consisting of 5 cabins and a little bar. It is delightfully designed in a local style and littered with shells and plants. We stayed and had cold beers and a fabulous lunch of bbq fish which was glazed in kecap manis, turmeric and chilli. Very nice indeed. It was only opened a year ago and is owned by a local girl and her European partner. Both speak english.

Amanwana Resort

We dined at the resort in 2016 and were welcomed. When we returned in 2018 there was no welcome and we were told that we had to pay 50 USD to use the dinghy dock. Doesn’t appear that cruising yachts are welcome here any more.