Bima Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Bima is accessible through Muhammad Salahuddin Airport, which connects to major Indonesian cities like Denpasar and Makassar with flights lasting approximately 1-2 hours. From Mataram in Lombok, the journey by road takes about 8 hours across Sumbawa Island, with regular bus services available. The ferry terminal is located about 15 minutes from the city center, with reliable local transportation options including bemos (minivans) and ojeks (motorcycle taxis). If arriving by private vehicle, ample parking is available near the port area, though it's advisable to arrive early during peak season when spaces fill quickly.

Nestled on the eastern coast of Sumbawa Island, Bima stands as a gateway to the natural wonders of Eastern Indonesia. This historic port city blends traditional Bimanese culture with maritime heritage, creating a distinctive atmosphere where local life unfolds against a backdrop of volcanic mountains. As a key ferry hub in the region, Bima offers travelers an authentic Indonesian experience away from the more touristed paths, with access to pristine beaches, traditional villages, and the stunning landscapes that define this part of the archipelago.

Bima enjoys a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons that shape the travel experience. The dry season from May to October offers ideal conditions for exploring, with sunny days and minimal rainfall making ferry crossings more comfortable and predictable. November marks the beginning of the Bima Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of local traditions featuring horse races, traditional dances, and crafts exhibitions. Ferry services operate year-round but run more frequently during the dry months, with some routes reducing schedules during the December-March monsoon period. April and May represent excellent value periods, with fewer tourists but increasingly favorable weather conditions.

Bima serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Eastern Indonesia's island treasures. Regular ferry services connect to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island (approximately 8 hours), the gateway to Komodo National Park with its famous dragons and world-class diving spots. Closer to home, the island of Sangeang (2-hour ferry ride) offers remarkable volcanic landscapes and pristine snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. For those seeking untouched beaches, Waworada Bay is accessible by a short ferry trip and features white sand shores framed by lush hills. The journey between Bima and Sumba Island provides one of the region's most scenic maritime routes, passing numerous small islands with opportunities to witness traditional whaling villages and untouched coastlines.

The Sultan's Palace (Istana Asi Mbojo) stands as Bima's cultural centerpiece, housing royal artifacts and offering insight into the region's rich heritage as a once-powerful sultanate. Food enthusiasts should sample local specialties like sepat (spicy fish soup) and nasi puti (rice wrapped in banana leaves) at the bustling Pasar Sentral market, where vendors offer fresh catches from the surrounding waters. The traditional village of Maria, just outside the city, presents an opportunity to witness traditional Bimanese architecture and weaving techniques passed down through generations. For nature lovers, a trip to Wawo Forest Reserve rewards visitors with diverse flora, endemic bird species, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, all within easy reach of the port area.

Bima was once the center of a powerful sultanate that controlled much of eastern Sumbawa and parts of western Flores, with maritime trade routes extending as far as Malacca and Makassar. The unique Mbojo language spoken in Bima is distinct from other Indonesian languages and contains many nautical terms reflecting the region's seafaring history. Local shipbuilders still construct traditional wooden pinisi boats using techniques unchanged for centuries, creating vessels that continue to ply the waters between islands. The region is also home to the rare Tambora horse, a small but sturdy breed that survived the catastrophic 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora, which remains the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history.