Sumbawa

Sumbawa is roughly circular island, with a "tail" to the southwest, about 70 km across and a total area of about 4,725 km² (1,825 sq mi). The island's inhabitants are 85% Sasak, a people, closely related to the Balinese, but mostly practising Islam. The population is about half a million. The main island of Sumbawa is larger than Bali and Lombok combined.

Sumbawa lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire. It is a volcanic island, including Mount Tambora - which exploded in 1815. The volcano, and its sacred crater lake, are protected by a National Park established in 1997. Sumbawa Besar and Bima are the two largest towns on the island, and are the centers of distinct cultural groups that share the island.

The island of Sumbawa is particularly know for great conditions for surfing. The two main surfing areas are West Sumbawa and the Lakey area.

There is an old palace of sultan from southern Celebes used to celebrate golden times thanks to aroma sandalwood and wild horse business. Sumbawa is also knowno for production of traditional wooden ships and very interesting little seaport called Sape.