Open Trip Whale Shark Sumbawa 2 Days 1 Night from Lombok

Affordable Whale Shark Open Trip from Lombok to Saleh Bay, Sumbawa

Swim with the Gentle Giants of Saleh Bay

Want to swim with whale sharks in Sumbawa without booking a private tour?

This open trip Whale Shark Sumbawa 2 Days 1 Night from Lombok is designed for solo travelers, couples, backpackers, and budget-conscious travelers who want to join a scheduled trip to Saleh Bay, Sumbawa.

You will travel from Lombok to Sumbawa by public bus and ferry, stay overnight near Labuan Jambu, then depart early in the morning by boat to the whale shark point in Saleh Bay.

This is a simple, affordable, and adventurous way to experience one of Sumbawa’s most unforgettable marine encounters: snorkeling near whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean.

Trip Highlights

Join an affordable whale shark open trip from Lombok
Swim and snorkel near whale sharks in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa
Travel overland from Lombok to Sumbawa by public bus and ferry
Stay overnight near Labuan Jambu village
Early morning boat trip to the whale shark point
Local crew coordination around the whale shark area
Underwater photo and video included
Good option for solo travelers, couples, backpackers, and small groups
Departures available every day except Friday
Easy snorkeling activity, no diving license needed

Day 1 — Lombok to Sumbawa by Public Bus and Ferry

Your trip starts with hotel pickup in Lombok and transfer to the bus station in Mataram.

From Mataram, you will continue the journey to Sumbawa by public bus and ferry. The route crosses from Lombok to Sumbawa and continues overland toward Labuan Jambu, the main gateway area for whale shark trips in Saleh Bay.

This first day is mostly a travel day. You will pass local roads, ferry crossing, and Sumbawa landscapes before arriving near Labuan Jambu in the evening.

After arrival, check in at the hotel, meet the local guide or crew, and rest before the early morning whale shark trip.

Estimated schedule:

08:30 — Hotel pickup in Lombok and transfer to bus station
10:00 — Depart from Mataram to Sumbawa
19:00 — Estimated arrival at Labuan Jambu
19:30 — Check in hotel and meet the local guide

Overnight: Labuan Jambu area
Meals: Not included on Day 1

Day 2 — Whale Shark Snorkeling in Saleh Bay, Return to Lombok

Early in the morning, the boat departs directly from the Labuan Jambu area to the whale shark point in Saleh Bay.

The best chance to see whale sharks is usually around sunrise, when the sea is calmer and local fishing platforms are active in the bay.

Once whale sharks are found, the local crew will guide the snorkeling session. You can enter the water, keep a respectful distance, and enjoy the rare experience of swimming near the largest fish in the ocean.

After the snorkeling session, return to the hotel for breakfast, shower, and check-out. Then continue the journey back to Lombok by bus and ferry.

Estimated schedule:

04:00 — Depart by boat to Saleh Bay
06:00 — Arrive at the whale shark snorkeling area
06:00–08:00 — Snorkeling and swimming near whale sharks
08:00 — Return to Labuan Jambu
10:00 — Breakfast, shower, and check-out
11:00 — Depart to Lombok by bus
20:00 — Estimated arrival in Mataram, Lombok

Meals: Breakfast

Price

Sumbawa Whale Shark Open Trip from Lombok

Price: USD 185/person

This open trip price is designed for travelers who want a more affordable whale shark experience from Lombok to Sumbawa.

The trip uses shared public transport arrangements, including public bus and public ferry, making it more budget-friendly than a private tour.

Pick-up and Drop-off Point

Free Pick-up Area

Mataram City
Senggigi area

Extra Charge Area

Kuta Lombok
Tetebatu

Additional charge for pickup from Kuta or Tetebatu: USD 35

If you stay outside the standard pickup area, please contact us first so we can recommend the easiest meeting point.

Include

Hotel pickup in Lombok and transfer to bus station
Round trip public bus Lombok – Sumbawa
Round trip public ferry ticket Lombok – Sumbawa
1 night accommodation near Labuan Jambu
Breakfast on Day 2
Boat trip to the whale shark point
Bagan and local crew fee
Entrance and conservation fee
Underwater photo and video
Life vest
Local trip assistance

Not Included

Lunch and dinner
Personal expenses
Tipping
Travel insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Additional hotel before or after the trip
Extra pick-up/drop-off outside standard area, if applicable

Ready to Join the Sumbawa Whale Shark Open Trip?

Join the open trip, share the journey, and enjoy a rare marine adventure with the gentle giants of Sumbawa.

Message us on WhatsApp to check the next available departure.

Who Is This Trip For?

This tour is suitable for:

Solo travelers
Couples
Backpackers
Budget-conscious travelers
Small groups
Families with children who are comfortable with long travel and early morning boat trips
Travelers staying in Lombok who want to visit Sumbawa affordably

This trip is best for guests who are flexible, adventurous, and comfortable using public transport as part of the journey.

Important Notes

Whale sharks are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed 100%. However, Saleh Bay is one of the most popular areas in Sumbawa for whale shark encounters.

The boat crew will coordinate with local fishing platforms to give you the best possible chance of seeing whale sharks.

Please follow all instructions from the local crew during the snorkeling session. Do not touch, chase, ride, block, or disturb the whale sharks.

This is an open trip with public transport, so the schedule may be affected by ferry timing, road conditions, sea conditions, and local operational situations.

What to Bring

Swimwear
Towel
Change of clothes
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Waterproof bag
Camera or GoPro
Personal medicine
Some cash for lunch, dinner, and personal expenses
Light jacket or comfortable clothes for the bus journey

Booking & Payment

To reserve your seat, a 50% deposit is required.

The remaining balance can be paid on departure day.

To check availability, please send us:

Travel date
Number of participants
Hotel name or pickup point
Full name of participants
WhatsApp number
Any special request

Because this is an open trip, we recommend booking early to secure your seat and confirm the departure schedule.

Cancellation Policy

Full refund for cancellation at least 7 days before arrival
Cancellation within 7 days of the trip may be charged 50% of the package price
Last-minute cancellation one day before or on the day of the trip may be charged full payment

Open Trip or Private Trip — Which One Should You Choose?

Choose this Open Trip if:

You want a more affordable option
You are traveling solo or as a couple
You do not mind joining other travelers
You are comfortable with public bus and ferry travel
You are flexible with schedule and travel style

Choose a Private Trip if:

You want more comfort and flexibility
You travel with family or a private group
You prefer private car transport
You want a smoother door-to-door experience
You want a more personalized itinerary

If you are not sure which option is better, message us on WhatsApp and we will help you choose the most suitable trip.

FAQ

What is the difference between open trip and private trip?

An open trip means you join a scheduled trip and share the journey with other travelers. It is more affordable, but less flexible than a private trip. A private trip is arranged only for your group and usually uses private transport.

Is this trip suitable for solo travelers?

Yes. This open trip is a good option for solo travelers who want to join a whale shark trip without paying for a private tour.

Does this trip depart every day?

The trip is available every day except Friday, depending on operational conditions and seat availability.

Where is the pickup area in Lombok?

Free pickup is available around Mataram City and Senggigi. Pickup from Kuta Lombok or Tetebatu may require an additional charge.

What transport is used for this open trip?

This open trip uses public bus and public ferry for the Lombok–Sumbawa round trip journey.

Are whale shark sightings guaranteed?

No. Whale sharks are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, Saleh Bay is known as one of the best places in Sumbawa to see whale sharks.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You do not need to be an expert swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water and able to follow the crew’s instructions.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Life vest is included. Please contact us before booking to confirm mask, snorkel, and fin availability, or bring your own snorkeling gear for the best comfort.

Is underwater photo and video included?

Yes. Underwater photo and video are included in this open trip package.

How do I book this open trip?

Send us your travel date, number of participants, hotel location, and WhatsApp number. We will check seat availability and confirm the next available departure.

Wayan – Senior Sumbawa Adventure Specialist

15+ years of experience arranging adventure trips across Lombok and Sumbawa. Wayan helps travelers plan safe, smooth, and memorable whale shark trips to Saleh Bay.

Explore More Adventure Sumbawa

Open Trip Whale Shark Sumbawa from Lombok: A Shared Adventure to Saleh Bay

By Wayan Sumbawa & AdventureSumbawa.com Team

For travelers who want to experience one of Indonesia’s most memorable marine adventures without booking a fully private trip, joining an open trip whale shark Sumbawa package is a practical and exciting choice.

This trip is designed for visitors who are already in Lombok and want to continue their journey to Sumbawa to swim or snorkel near whale sharks in Saleh Bay.

Sumbawa is still quieter and less commercial than Bali or Lombok. That is part of its charm.

The island offers a more authentic travel experience, with long coastal roads, local villages, blue ocean, dry hills, fishing communities, and wide open landscapes. For many international travelers, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.

This whale shark open trip from Lombok is especially suitable for solo travelers, couples, backpackers, and small groups who want to share the cost with other guests.

Instead of arranging transport, ferry tickets, accommodation, boat, and local guide separately, the open trip format makes everything easier to manage.

Why Choose a Sumbawa Whale Shark Open Trip?

A sumbawa whale shark open trip is a shared tour where you join other travelers on the same schedule.

This makes the package more affordable than a private tour while still giving you access to the main highlight: the whale shark experience in Saleh Bay.

The open trip concept is ideal for travelers who are flexible, easygoing, and comfortable sharing the journey.

You may share the car, ferry, hotel, and boat with other participants depending on the final group size. For many guests, this shared experience makes the trip more social and fun.

A Sumbawa whale shark open trip is also a good option if your main goal is to reach the whale shark area safely and efficiently from Lombok. The route is not as simple as a short beach transfer.

It includes land transport, ferry crossing, a road trip across Sumbawa, an overnight stay, and an early morning boat trip. Having a local team organize the details helps reduce confusion and saves time.

The Journey from Lombok to Sumbawa

The Lombok to Sumbawa whale shark open trip usually starts with pickup from Lombok or a meeting point arranged before departure.

From Lombok, the route continues to Kayangan Port in East Lombok. After that, guests take the ferry to Poto Tano Port in West Sumbawa.

The ferry crossing gives you a real island-travel experience. You will see the sea between Lombok and Sumbawa, local ferry activity, and the changing landscape as you enter a less crowded part of Indonesia.

After arriving in Sumbawa, the trip continues by road toward the whale shark area.

This overland journey may take several hours, depending on traffic, ferry timing, weather, and road conditions. Along the way, you may see coastal views, dry hills, local settlements, and daily life in Sumbawa.

Because the route is quite long, this package is arranged as a 2 days 1 night trip. This is much more realistic than trying to do the full journey in one day.

Staying overnight near the whale shark area allows the group to start early the next morning, when the whale shark activity is usually better.

Saleh Bay Whale Shark Tour Experience

The main highlight of the package is the Saleh Bay whale shark tour. Saleh Bay, also known as Teluk Saleh, is one of the most well-known areas in Sumbawa for whale shark sightings.

The bay is wide, calm, and surrounded by coastal hills, small islands, fishing villages, and local fishing platforms called bagan.

Whale sharks are often seen around these bagan because small fish gather in the area.

Local boat crews usually communicate with fishermen and check recent conditions before heading to the whale shark point.

Their local knowledge is very important because this is a natural wildlife experience.

It is important to understand that whale sharks are wild animals. No ethical tour operator can guarantee a 100% sighting.

The local team can choose the best timing, follow the latest information, and take you to the right area, but the final result depends on nature. This honesty is important for responsible tourism and helps guests arrive with realistic expectations.

When whale sharks are present and conditions are safe, guests may enter the water for snorkeling.

Before entering, the guide or boat crew will explain the basic rules. You should stay calm, keep a respectful distance, avoid touching the