Saleh Bay is a part of Sumbawa Island, in the Sumbawa Isles in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Indonesia, so it is one of the premier places in Indonesia for everything water related. What makes Saleh Bay so attractive is the remarkable sea life. Saleh Bay is well known for providing relatively safe encounters with the Whale Shark, which is currently regarded as the largest fish in the world. Whale sharks are fascinating creatures in the watrer that provide some unforgettable memories while swimming with the “gentle giants” and “friendly” whale sharks that inhabit the waters surrounding Sumbawa. Swimming with Whale Sharks should be on everyone’s bucket list, and this is the guide you on your Teluk Saleh Sumbawa Whale Shark adventure. We are ready to provide you with the adventure of a lifetime, and Only Trek Indonesia can provide the magic.
The Fact Behind Saleh Bay’s Whale Shark Aggregation
What is it about these tranquil, gigantic animals that draw our fascination? Whale Shark conservation specialists in Indonesia have determined that Saleh Bay holds Whale Sharks. With 1,459 square kilometers approximate, it is also one of Indonesia’s largest enclosed shallow bays. As a result, it has a 95% shallow enclosed bay, thus making it ideal for Whale Shark feeding, nursing with juveniles, and an aggregation point and migration route year round. Most of the Whale Shark locations are not safe. However, the Whale Sharks in Teluk Saleh are safest and most gentle in the world. As a result, Saleh Bay is the most gentle in the world. For more detailed information, the exclusive map is available with Trek Indonesia.
Traveling to Sumbawa Island and Starting the Tour with the Sumbawa Whale Shark
Although you will be experiencing the Sumbawa Whale Shark experience, we’ll get to that in a moment; first, you must get to Sumbawa Island which is located between Lombok and Flores. The most common access to Sumbawa Island is by flight as there are daily flights servicing Sumbawa Besar to the Sultan Muhammad Kaharudin III Airport (SWQ) (or by ferry from Kayangan Port (East Lombok) to Poto Tano Port (West Sumbawa) which is a two hour drive further to get to Sumbawa Besar).
Once you arrive at Sumbawa Besar, starting your trek to Labuan Jambu Village (Tarano District) will be approximately another 3 hour drive, Labuan Jambu Village is a coastal village, most of the Whale Shark tours start from this Village. Most of the village guesthouse and homestays, welcome travelers to stay for an authentic experience as part of the voyage is to visit the whales in their natural habitat. So pack your bags and begin your trek with expectation! And as a reminder Trek Indonesia it is here for you to plan the rest of your adventure.
Optimal Time/Strategy for your Encounter
To successfully improve your odds of an encounter with the Whale Shark in Teluk Saleh, it is important to strategize your timing accordingly. This region can only be accessed by Begoq, which is a traditional fishing boat, that takes up to one to two hours to reach the Whale Shark site. Whale Sharks typically appear in the morning – around the hour of 6:00 AM – when the local fishermen are pulling their nets. Therefore, tour operators will typically suggest leaving Labuan Jambu around 4:00 AM.
Whale Shark encounters are non-seasonal and it is safe to say it does not typically depend on the weather conditions to float. The better time to visit and snorkel is between the months of April and November when the water is calm and very clear. Most importantly, tour operators work directly with the fishermen themselves, which means you will save a significant amount of time by knowing ahead of time where the Whale Shark is located and ry using the chance of a poor experience. Trek Indonesia assures you will have some fantastic memories.
Essential Safety Tips for Whale Shark Interaction
Engaging with Whale Shark in Sumbawa is done safely as this specie is preserved and endangered. These regulations are in place for the safety of the participants and the protection of the sharks. Guests are informed about the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for going in the water:
- Distance Rule: You must maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters from the Whale Shark’s side and 4 meters from the tail. You may get injured by the Whale Shark’s powerful and swift movements.
- No Contact: You may not touch the Shark. The stair case shape whale sharks use as a defence can injure you and their injury may kill the fish.
- Audio and Visual Silence: You may not make excessive noise and you must have the camera flash off. The Whale Shark will become agitated with the disruption.
- Guided Interaction: While in the water, you must be accompanied by a local guide as they are trained to follow and intervene with Shark contact violations.
- Noisy Boat: The boat must be attached the bagan with the engine off and snorkeling must be done in silence.
Tour operators take care of your safety by providing everyone life jackets and recognizing the proper number of people allowed on each boat. These procedures create a safe environment for you to enjoy this experience responsibly. Safety first, adventure always! Only Trek Indonesia employs certified local guides!
Making Your Trip Preparation Even Smoother
Here are some more tips to help you enjoy the Sumbawa Whale Shark tour in Teluk Saleh:
- Pack a snack. The early days mean you must eat or ask the guide to prepare light snacks. Breakfast is ideal.
- Avoid a sunburn. The new Begoq rides do not have adequate shade. Please take high-SPF sunscreen. Its still a good idea to request a sun cover tarpaulin (terpal) from the guide.
- Prepare for loud noises. The transition in the fishing boats takes two hours and is loud. Bring earplugs.
- Whale Sharks are scary! If you do see a Whale Shark, stay calm. You are safe and the best policy is to swim away slowly.
- Getting on and off the boat can be dangerous. Be sure to ask your guide to assist you.
Trek Indonesia is not licensed to take you! And you still don’t have a waterproof camera for marine life! Book your Teluk Saleh tour today! Capture as many moments as possible on this adventure.
