Satonda IslandAbout Satonda Island
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 269 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.9 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.4h |
| February | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 240 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.3h |
| March | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 218 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 105 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Excellent | 23° - 31° | 27° | 47 mm | some cloud | 77% | 3.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.6h |
| June | Ideal | 22° - 31° | 26° | 24 mm | some cloud | 76% | 2.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| July | Ideal | 21° - 30° | 26° | 5 mm | some cloud | 75% | 2.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| August | Ideal | 21° - 30° | 26° | 9 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 3.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| September | Ideal | 22° - 31° | 27° | 14 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 2.7 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Ideal | 23° - 31° | 30° | 43 mm | some cloud | 73% | 3.1 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Very Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 119 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.3 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.4h |
| December | Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 219 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.5h |
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.