Swimming with Giants: Whale Sharks in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa

Your journey begins in the dead of night, while the island of Sumbawa is still fast asleep.

From Sumbawa Besar, you'll head to the small fishing village of Labuan Jambu, where a traditional Indonesian boat will take you to Saleh Bay, one of the few places in the world where you can see whale sharks in their natural habitat.

As the boat crosses the dark waters of the bay, the first signs of dawn gradually appear on the horizon. Ahead lies an encounter with the largest fish on the planet, which can grow up to ten metres long. Whale sharks come here in search of food and gather near the fishing platforms, where food left in the water after the nets are hauled in attracts these ocean giants.

The best part begins at sunrise. Imagine slipping into the clear water and suddenly spotting a huge spotted silhouette rising from the depths. A whale shark glides slowly past nearby, giving you a good look at the distinctive pattern on its back, its broad head and its powerful tail. Despite their impressive size, these fish feed mainly on plankton and pose no threat to humans.

You'll have the chance to snorkel, watch the whale sharks and take photos. No special training is required, and the organisers provide all the necessary equipment. The main thing is to keep your distance, avoid touching the animals and not disturb their natural behaviour.

After snorkelling, you can relax on the boat, have a snack and enjoy the morning views of the bay. You'll then return to Labuan Jambu and head back to Sumbawa Besar. On the way, there is an option to stop for lunch in Plampang.

You'll be back at your hotel in the afternoon, taking with you memories of the night journey, the sunrise in the middle of the bay and the chance to see the largest fish on the planet in their natural habitat.

Whale sharks move freely around Saleh Bay, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Whether they appear depends on natural conditions, and it is precisely this unpredictability that makes the trip all the more exciting.

After all, the chance to be up close to such remarkable marine creatures is worth travelling hundreds of kilometres for.

The MyBaliTrips team has put together a trip to Saleh Bay on the island of Sumbawa for you and taken care of all the arrangements: transfers, the boat trip, snorkelling gear and an escort.

All you have to do is set off to meet one of the ocean's most remarkable inhabitants.

⚡Our managers will answer any questions you may have👇🏼

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