Moyo Island
Moyo lies off the northern coast of Sumbawa, between Lombok and Flores, and most visitors encounter it as the first major stop on the Lombok to Komodo sailing route — the two-to-four-day boat trips that run between the two islands.
The island's draw is Mata Jitu, a waterfall of stacked travertine pools. Mineral-rich water has built shallow limestone terraces, one above the next, filled with turquoise water and shaded by forest. You can swim in several of them and there is a rope swing at the main pool. It is often called the Queen's Waterfall, after a widely repeated story that Princess Diana visited during a stay on the island in the 1990s.
There is a second, wilder fall at Diwu Mba'i, less visited and reached on a rougher path.
Moyo is largely a nature reserve, with forest covering most of it, wild deer, macaques and a large population of fruit bats that stream out at dusk. The reefs off the north coast are healthy and good for snorkelling, and the island has one long-established luxury resort plus a few simple homestays.
Reaching Moyo independently means a boat from Sumbawa Besar or Badas, but the overwhelming majority of visitors arrive on a sailing itinerary. The walk from the landing point to Mata Jitu takes 20–30 minutes, sometimes with an ojek available.
Travel tips for Moyo Island
- Most people arrive on a Lombok to Komodo sailing trip, where Moyo is the standard first or second stop.
- Mata Jitu is a 20–30 minute walk from the landing point; motorbike taxis are sometimes available.
- You can swim in the terraced pools — the rock is slick, so move slowly between levels.
- Bring cash for the small entry and guide fees; there is no ATM on the island.
- Dry season, April to November, for the calmest crossings and clearest water.
- Stay for dusk if you can — the fruit bat colony leaving the forest is a genuine spectacle.
Popular tours here
- Komodo Tour from Lombok
- Lombok to Komodo Sailing Trip
Frequently asked questions
Where is Moyo Island?
Off the northern coast of Sumbawa, between Lombok and Flores, and a standard stop on the Lombok to Komodo sailing route.
What is Mata Jitu waterfall?
A series of stacked travertine pools filled with turquoise water on Moyo Island, swimmable and shaded by forest, also known as the Queen's Waterfall.
How do you get to Moyo Island?
Most visitors arrive on a multi-day sailing trip between Lombok and Komodo; independently, boats run from Sumbawa Besar or Badas.
Can you swim at Mata Jitu?
Yes — several of the terraced pools are deep enough to swim in, and there is a rope swing at the main pool.
Is there accommodation on Moyo Island?
Yes — one long-established luxury resort and a small number of simple homestays, though most visitors come as part of a boat itinerary.