09 Oct 2023

Exploring Indonesia's Sumbawa and Satonda Islands

The start of our Indonesian Explorer voyage saw Heritage Adventurer sailing towards the spectacular volcanic ridges and coastal settlement on the north coast of Sumbawa Island. This morning, between a village tour and visit to the Dalam Loka Palace temple, we visited a rice paddy with a difference.

Water Buffalo racing is a tradition that makes Sumbawa unique from every other Indonesian Island and, in celebration of their harvest and abundance, we observed (some even took part) racing 2 decorated Water Buffalos and accurately tilling the length of the paddy field with each contestant hoping to claim the title of winner.

Houses here are beautiful, simple timber structures, elevated above ground to permit water movement in monsoon season and provide natural air conditioning. Moringa trees are common at the front door of houses and our guide described how all parts of the tree are used to treat various illnesses. Many people here keep pet birds for song competitions and create bonsai coconut trees and frangipani! While bonsai is practiced throughout Asia and Japan, every country has distinct differences and we were amazed to see tiny dwarfed coconut palms and squat frangipani covered in sweetly scented flowers.

This afternoon at Satonda Island, while took to the crystal clear waters in the salty lake created by a large tsunami in the 1800s, our kayakers explored the coastline and roosting bats along its shores, the snorkellers discovered an incredible underwater world and seawall displaying a variety of corals. Some lucky guests enjoyed drifting alongside one of the resident Hawksbill Turtles.

Images © S. Bradley, Heritage Expeditions