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“From Labuan Bajo, tourists travel on pinisi ships, each carrying 40-50 foreign visitors,” said Jamaluddin Malady, Head of the NTB Tourism Office, during an interview in Mataram on Tuesday (30/12/2024).
During the holiday season, dozens of pinisi ships dock daily in the waters of Teluk Saleh. Tourists also have the option of starting their journey from Labuan Jambu Village in Terano District, Sumbawa Regency, by hiring local fishermen’s boats for a fee of approximately IDR 600,000.
“Travel operators regard this destination as the world's number one for whale shark observation because NTB boasts the largest population of whale sharks in Indonesia,” Jamaluddin added.
Besides Teluk Saleh, other prominent whale shark observation sites include Labuan Sangur, Calabai, and the waters around Mount Tambora.
Whale shark colonies are commonly found near bagang—traditional fish traps using nets and lights. The lights attract small fish and shrimp, the primary food source for whale sharks, making these areas their preferred habitat.
“The whale shark population in Sumbawa’s waters is extraordinary and a major draw for NTB’s tourism,” Jamaluddin remarked.
Moreover, NTB stands out as the only region in Indonesia to establish a Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD) specifically dedicated to managing whale shark tourism, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable eco-tourism.
With proper management, whale shark observation tourism in Teluk Saleh is expected to not only boost NTB’s tourism sector but also raise awareness about marine conservation.
As a leading tourism destination, Teluk Saleh continues to captivate visitors seeking a unique experience of observing whale sharks in their natural environment. *ant
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