Sumbawa: 2-Day, 1-Night Whale Shark Adventure

Embark on a 2-day, 1-night adventure from Sumbawa to Labuan Jambu and Saleh Bay, known for encounters with wild whale sharks. Travel overland, stay overnight, and join an early-morning traditional boat trip.

DAY 1 – SUMBAWA TO LABUAN JAMBU

Pickup is around 1:00 PM from your hotel, accommodation, or Sumbawa Airport. Our team arranges a chartered vehicle to Labuan Jambu. The overland transfer is shared with other travellers joining the same whale shark programme and travelling to the same destination.

The drive takes approximately 2–3 hours, depending on roads, traffic, weather, and pickup location. See Sumbawa's countryside, villages, hills, plantations, and coastal landscapes.

Upon arrival, check in to a local hotel or guesthouse and stay overnight in a private air-conditioned room. Labuan Jambu is remote, with facilities that may differ from larger cities or star-rated hotels.

Rest and prepare for the early-morning whale shark adventure.

DAY 2 – WHALE SHARK ADVENTURE IN SALEH BAY

At around 4:00 AM, our staff will wake you up and prepare you for the adventure. Travel to the harbour and board a traditional wooden Begog boat, shared with other travellers and local crew.

The boat travels towards the traditional bagang fishing platforms in Saleh Bay. The journey takes around 1 hour or longer, depending on sea conditions, weather, currents, and whale shark activity.

Snorkelling usually takes place around 7:00 AM, but timing may change according to weather, visibility, sea conditions, local operations, and whale shark activity.

Enjoy a simple breakfast on the boat, including coffee, tea, bread, and fruit.

IMPORTANT WHALE SHARK INFORMATION

Whale sharks in Saleh Bay are wild animals living freely in their natural environment. They are not captive, captured, or controlled by the operator. We do not chase, force, or intentionally feed whale sharks to guarantee an encounter.

The estimated chance of seeing whale sharks is around 80–90%, but this is only an estimate and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Whale sharks may appear close to the boat, remain briefly, stay farther away, move to another area, or not be seen at all.

Weather, sea conditions, visibility, currents, fishing activity, and whale shark behaviour may affect sightings. If whale sharks are not found, the trip will continue as conditions allow. No refund or compensation is provided if whale sharks are not encountered.

TRANSPORT & OPERATIONAL INFORMATION

All schedules are approximate and may change due to traffic, road conditions, weather, sea conditions, wildlife activity, and local operational circumstances. For safety, the guide and crew may adjust the schedule, route, location, or activity order when necessary.

Be prepared for shared transport, a 4:00 AM start, a traditional wooden boat, simple local accommodation, and changing natural conditions.