.png)
'A DREAM WEEK IN KERTASARI & WEST SUMBAWA
- AN ITINERARY'
As of May 2026
What would we do, which places we would explore, what adventures we wouldn't miss, for when our friends and family come visit?
Behold, below is our dream itinerary for staying in the area for a week or so. All tried, tested, always loved. You do what you will with it, mix and match, take sum, leave sum. For your pleasure.
Day 1 – Arrival in Kertasari
Arrive in Kertasari, settle into your accommodation (Living on Air? Bukit Samudra? Lafrin Brothers? Dream Surf?)
Swim or snorkel straight from the house reef in front of our dive shop. Vibrant corals and fish 30 meters into the ocean.
Sunset drinks and dinner at Kertasari Lodge for what we consider the best sunset spot in West Sumbawa (after our beach front of course! ;) ).
Day 2 – Diving Kertasari sites & beach chill
Half a day scuba diving adventure by the islands in the horizon: Mantahari, Bikini Bottom, Shark Avenue.... Lush, healthy reefs and a lovely morning in and on the water.
Afternoon:
Relaxing yoga session at Living on Air, or
Snorkeling, freediving, or simply chilling on one of the numerous white beaches in the area.
Evening:
Dinner and drinks at Bukito, tucked away in the jungle.
Early start for a half a day dive exploration in Poto Tano. Different topography and marine life, excellent visibility. One of the liveliest reefs we've seen in Indonesia.
For the non-divers, snorkeling conditions are excellent, and swimming off of an empty tropical beach feels like luxury.
Return to Kertasari for a relaxed evening and dinner at Bukit Samudra and their hillside restaurant overlooking Moro bay.
Day 3 – Poto Tano island hopping
Day 4 –Surf, surf, surf & Taco Tuesday
Kertasari is obviously known for its world class surfing. Surf any or every of the Moro Bay surf breaks.
Either with a surf coach or by yourself. Our partners at Dream Surf will take good care of you, whether you need a helping hand to push you on the waves, or just rent a board for the day.
Evening: Taco Tuesday & Latino beats at our dive shop beach restaurant.
Scroll down for rest of the itinerary...
Day 5 – Jungle Trek to Agal waterfall (Marente village)
Full-day jungle adventure to Agal waterfall, one of the highest in Indonesia.
Approx. 1.5 hours driving to Marente. Another 1,5 h trekking each way, following the river deep into rainforest. Monkeys, wild pigs, jumping over river rocks. Thousands of butterflies. Also creepy crawlies, you are in the jungle, remember!
On the way back, golden hour in Marente Village as pink skies glow over green rice fields. Truly one of the most beautiful sights we've experienced here in the northern parts of West Sumbawa. Slowly and quietly scoot your way back to Kertasari and enjoy the views.
Return to Kertasari for the night. Enjoy a dinner at Living on Air. Their beautiful and calm palm grove pulls you in with a promise of beach volley or a game of ping pong.
Day 6 – South Coast road trip: Scar Reef → Yoyos (overnight)
Hop on a scooter or car and head south.
Expect quiet, winding roads, very enjoyable cruising. The more south you get, the more mountainous and rain forest-y it gets.
First stop at Scar Reef Beach: an electric-blue water so bright you’ll want sunglasses.
Lunch at Shardana, an authentic Italian pizza resto, in a lush garden courtyard (get yourself some shade after the blindingly bright beach).
Continue to Yoyos:
Beach time or surfing at famous breaks.
Cold Bintang and beach chilling at Castaway Surf Resort
Sunset cocktails at Sapphire Restaurant (Kini Resort), perched on the mountain side, above the roaring sea. Views galore.
Overnight in Yoyos (we warmly, warmly recommend Kirana, Kini's sister hotel just a stone throw away).
Day 7 – Yoyos morning & return to Kertasari
Breakfast at Kirana’s restaurant overlooking its private bay. A gorgeous spot nestled in a narrow bay, giving Mediterranean vibes.
Breakfast or lunch at Kirana's is one ouf our fave day off activities.
Snorkel, freedive or scuba dive directly from the bay. They even have a freediving platform!
Midday return to Kertasari for your final night.
This night might be the perfect goodbye-night original Kertasari style: Beach bonfire, beers from a cooler, local lads playing guitar, quiet chatter and a cheeky late night dip into the dark sea. Dreamy (and romantic!)
Pro tip for coupla more days: Moyo Island (2–3 nights)
Have extra time? Head to Moyo Island marine park.
Dive, snorkel and jungle trek on this wild, untouched island, famously loved by Princess Diana.
Stay at Blue Emocean jungle resort a couple kilometers up the coast from the main (and only!) village.
This is deep nature: expect wildlife, insects and raw jungle beauty.
From Moyo you can:
Take a morning boat and fly out from Sumbawa Besar (11:00 flight to Bali), or
Travel back east to Poto Tano and ferry to Lombok.