Moyo Island

Moyo lies off the northern coast of Sumbawa, about three hundred and fifty square kilometres of dry forest and savanna designated as a hunting and nature reserve, with deer, wild cattle, macaques and a large bird list including megapodes. Its interior holds Mata Jitu, a set of tiered waterfalls falling through a sequence of blue-green travertine pools that can be swum in - the reason most day visitors come, reached by a rough track and a walk. The coast has fringing reef with good snorkelling. The island acquired a certain fame when Princess Diana stayed at the luxury resort here in the 1990s, and the same property has continued to attract that clientele; alongside it are village homestays and a couple of simpler operations, which is a wide spread of options for one small island.

What you'll find

• Mata Jitu falls - tiered blue-green travertine pools in the island interior.
• Dry forest and savanna - a hunting reserve with deer, cattle and megapodes.
• Fringing reef - snorkelling straight off the coast.
• A wide price range - a famous luxury resort alongside village homestays.

When to go

May to September. Two days.

What to expect

The interior track to the falls is rough and needs a guide or motorbike. Accommodation is either very expensive or very basic with little between. Boats depend on weather.

Nearby

Satonda island is east; Sumbawa Besar is on the mainland opposite.

Key facts