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Amanwana: Secluded Indonesian Paradise

In search of a lesser known Indonesia, we were whisked off to a seclude island paradise in West Nusa Tenggara. Moyo Island is accessible by a short flight from Bali to Sumbawa Besar, then a car ride and boat ride. Amanwana is an exclusive hideaway on the island, one of two which make up Indonesia's youngest national park - Moyo Satonda National Park. The tented lodge was a very comfortable basecamp for our explorations.



Where to for our first adventure? Setting off from the resort and doused in mosquito repellent, we hiked to Crocodile Head to watch the sun set over the Flores Sea to end our first evening. The next morning, we rode an open-top jeep through jungle tracks to Mata Jitu, also known as Barry's Falls. We swam in the cascading limestone pools deep in the tropical forest, the cool spring-fed water a welcome respite in the late morning heat. And in true Amanwana excursion-style, fresh fruit and homemade cakes were served in rustic woven baskets.



Back at the resort, we snorkelled along the beach. The house reef at Amanwan is very healthy, with large schools of tropical fish. I am hoping to go diving on my next trip back and enjoy the rich marine biodiversity of the area.



The planned excursion for our third morning at the resort was what I have been waiting to tick off my bucket list for at least over a decadde. We were going to swim with whale sharks! Saleh Bay is home to one of the largest whale shark populations in the world. Just as the sun rose over Mt. Tambora, we arrived at a local fishing boat known as a bagang where we would dock and snorkel. Swimming with these gentle giants was such a magical feeling! The sun rays streaming into the water while the whale sharks came up to the surface to feed near the bagang. Saleh Bay is now a marine protected area with the aim of conserving these sharks.



Thank you Aman and Amanwana for this special trip, and for showing me a lesser known part of Indonesia.



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