North West Sumbawa
Travelled this place 12 years ago and nice to see it's still as remote as back then.However bringing a lady with me this time, I was wondering if anyone knows of anywhere to stay, guest houses, home stay or what ever from inbetween pototano and kota utan (utan city?) - on the coast line?
Leaving tomorrow morning, overnight in Lombok, leaving early in the morning, crossing by ferry on motorbike.
Any help appreciated. Thank you.
M
1
I've spent a lot of time in Sumbawa over the years and have never heard of "Kota Utan". After leaving Poto Tano you have two choices: east to Sumbawa Besar (about 90 mins) or south to Taliwang, Maluk, Sekongkan and then if you really want an adventure onward to Tongo, SP3, and then to Lunyuk where you would overnight. From Lunyuk there is a spectacular ride that will take you north across the saddle and you will rejoin the main west - east highway about 10-15 kms east of Sumbawa Besar city. But be warned - shortly after leaving Sekongkan the road is gravel all the way to Lunyuk. It's ok but you will need to travel slowly so it may take 4- 5 hours to reach Lunyuk. There are a number of cheap hotels in Maluk. I stay at the Kiwi Bar usually. There is a "kos" (rooming house) right on the beach. Just ask "Mana kos?" and locals will direct you. Hotels in Sekongkan are expensive (IDR 300,000 per night at Yo Yo's) but there is one cheapie on the right between Sekongkan Atas and Sekongkan Bawah. In Sumbawa Besar the best place to stay because it has a pool and is right on the beach is Kencana Beach Hotel 12 km east of SB. But it may be closed because of the civil unrest last month which was directed at the Balinese community. A good contact is Eric at Ciptasari Bakery on Jalan Hasanuddin. He welcomes travellers warmly and is a good source of knowledge about thgings to see and do in and around SB. If you want to see some photos of the places I've mentioned go to: http://journals.worldnomads.com/merantau2
Utan is on the map mid-way between Poto Tano and Sumbawa Besar.Sure to find a sleep somewhere.
What’s at Alas ?
3
Alas is a very unattractive market town, dusty, tumble-down, blisteringly hot if stuck in a tangle of benhurs and bemos - in short Alas is the sort of place you'd end up stranded in if you were really out of luck. Utan might be on the map but I can assure you it must be a very small place. Sleep in Sumbawa Besar or Maluk if you go the other way.
