Bima & Raba

Introducing Bima & Raba

Bima and Raba together form the major town in the eastern half of Sumbawa. Bima, Sumbawa’s chief port, is a grubby run-down place that becomes mud-bound in the wet season and frazzled in the dry. You’ll want to get out sharpish. Raba, a few kilometres east, is the much more orderly but dull administrative centre.

The Bima region has been known since the 14th century for its sturdy horses, which were exported to Java. Today, Bima is a conservative Islamic place with one mediocre sight – the former sultan’s palace – though the pasar malam (night market) on Jl Flores is worth a wander.

Virtually everyone is here to take the ferry (or a flight if they’re lucky) to Labuanbajo in Flores; they then head to Rinca or Komodo for a dragon-spotting session. Remember one thing: the ferry between Sumbawa and Flores no longer stops at Komodo, no matter what some hustlers may claim.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009