Embark on a 2-day, 1-night adventure from Sumbawa to Labuan Jambu and Saleh Bay, a renowned destination for encounters with wild whale sharks. Travel by shared chartered vehicle, stay overnight in Labuan Jambu, and join an early-morning traditional boat trip to Saleh Bay.

The journey from Sumbawa Airport to Labuan Jambu takes approximately 2 hours, while the journey from Poto Tano Harbour to Labuan Jambu takes approximately 4 hours, depending on road conditions, traffic, weather, and your exact pickup location.

DAY 1 – SUMBAWA TO LABUAN JAMBU

Pickup is arranged from your hotel, accommodation, Sumbawa Airport, or Poto Tano Harbour. Our team provides a shared chartered vehicle, not public transport, to ensure a safer and more comfortable journey. The vehicle may be shared with other travellers joining the same whale shark programme and travelling to the same destination.

From Sumbawa Airport to Labuan Jambu, the journey takes approximately 2 hours. From Poto Tano Harbour to Labuan Jambu, the journey takes approximately 4 hours. Along the way, enjoy views of Sumbawa’s countryside, villages, hills, plantations, and coastal landscapes.

Upon arrival in Labuan Jambu, check in to a local hotel or guesthouse and stay overnight in a private air-conditioned room. As Labuan Jambu is a remote area, the facilities may be simpler than those found in larger cities or star-rated hotels.

DAY 2 – WHALE SHARK ADVENTURE IN SALEH BAY

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

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

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

A simple breakfast will be served 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 approximately 80–90%. However, this is only an estimate, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Whale sharks may appear close to the boat, remain for a short time, 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 the possibility of sightings. If whale sharks are not found, the trip will continue as conditions allow. No refund or compensation will be provided if whale sharks are not encountered.