Satonda Island
Island Volcanic island with a saline crater lake
Off Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara, Satonda Island features a saline crater lake and surrounding coral reef; visitors arrive by boat for snorkeling, scientific interest in the lake and short island walks.
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Satonda Island is a small volcanic island off the northern coast of Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, notable for its saline crater lake. The island is uninhabited and is valued for its unique terrestrial and marine ecology.
The dominant feature is a volcanic crater lake that sits within the island’s interior; visitors and researchers focus on the lake and the surrounding shoreline. The waters around the island host coral reefs and are used for snorkeling and diving access by day trips from Sumbawa.
The island was formed by volcanic processes and its crater lake is a distinct geological feature that has attracted scientific interest for studies of salinity and isolated aquatic ecosystems. The island remains largely undeveloped and natural in character.
Satonda lies off the north coast of Sumbawa in central Indonesia, within West Nusa Tenggara province, and is reached by small boat from Sumbawa ports.
- Saline crater lake: The island is uninhabited and notable for a saline crater lake formed by volcanic activity, which contrasts with surrounding marine waters.
What to See #
- Crater lake: A saline volcanic crater lake occupying a central basin on the island; it is the island's principal natural feature and a subject of scientific study.
- Reefs and marine edges: Fringing coral reefs and shallow marine areas surround the island and provide snorkeling and diving sites that are accessed by small boats from Sumbawa.
How to Get to Satonda Island #
Satonda is reached by boat from Sumbawa’s ports (for example, Sanggar). Charter boats and local operators from Sumbawa Besar or Dompu arrange day trips; travel time depends on sea conditions and the departure point.
Tips for Visiting Satonda Island #
- Take a local boat from Sanggar or Dompu and arrange timing with local guides; landings can be tricky in wind.
- Bring snorkeling gear - clear water and reef life around the island are excellent on calm days.
- Respect conservation rules; parts of the island are protected for their unique crater-lake ecology.
Best Time to Visit Satonda Island #
Best accessed in the dry season (May-October) when sea conditions are most reliable.
Weather & Climate near Satonda Island #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1312 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (269 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (240 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (218 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Light rainfall.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 5 mm.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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November
November is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (219 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
