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Sumbawa
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Overview
Elaborately contorted and sprawling into the sea, Sumbawa is all volcanic ridges, terraced rice fields, dry expanses and sheltered bays. Though well connected to Bali and Lombok, it's a very different sort of place 鈥 far less developed, mostly very dry, much poorer, extremely conservative and split between two distinct peoples. Those who speak Sumbawanese probably reached the west of the island from Lombok, while Bimanese speakers dominate the Tambora Peninsula and the east. Although Sumbawa is an overwhelmingly Islamic island, in remote parts underground adat (traditional law and lore) still thrives.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Sumbawa
Some of the best ikat and songket sarongs are made by members of a women鈥檚 weaving klompok (collective) in the conservative mountain village of Poto, 12km鈥
Sumbawa
Pulau Moyo's most famous attraction is this fairytale waterfall, whose cascading pools of turquoise water have entranced at least one princess (locals鈥
Sumbawa
The old Sultan鈥檚 Palace, former home of Bima鈥檚 rulers, still reflects the colonial style of a 1927 renovation. Past the large verandas, the interior is鈥
Sumbawa
The Dalam Loka was built over 200 years ago for Sultan Mohammad Jalaluddin III and presently covers an entire city block. The remains of this once鈥
Sumbawa
Rise early and hit the steamy, exotic Pasar Syketeng. Its dank alleyways come alive as young and old descend to barter and haggle for every conceivable鈥
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