Things To Do
in Dompu
Dompu Regency sits on the western coast of Sumbawa Island in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The area blends volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and traditional villages with a warm, rural charm. Mount Tambora and surrounding highlands shape dramatic scenery and offer rewarding treks.
Visitors come for seafood, laid-back coastal towns, and the opportunity to explore a less-touristed corner of Indonesia.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Dompu and settle into your accommodation. Take a stroll around the local area to get a feel for the vibrant culture. Sip on a traditional Indonesian coffee at a nearby café.
Visit the Dompu Market to experience the local hustle and bustle while tasting some fresh tropical fruits. Explore nearby historical sites and learn about the region's rich heritage. Engage with locals and maybe pick up some handcrafted souvenirs.
Dine at a local restaurant specializing in traditional Sumbawan cuisine. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and try dishes such as ikan bakar (grilled fish) and sambal terasi. Wrap up your first day with a leisurely walk along the waterfront under the stars.
Head out to the traditional villages surrounding Dompu to witness local craftsmanship. Interact with artisans and observe the intricate weaving techniques passed down through generations. Capture stunning photos of the beautiful landscapes.
Visit the Dompu Museum to delve deeper into the area's history and culture. Discover the fascinating stories of the indigenous people and their way of life. Participate in a local cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor by dining on the meal you’ve prepared in the cooking class. Share the experience with fellow travelers and engage in conversations about your learnings. End the evening with a traditional dance performance if available.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🏨1 night in a budget hotel | $25-50 |
| 🚗Local transportation (short ride) | $2-8 |
| 🧺Groceries for a week | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, uncrowded scenery with both coast and mountains
- Fresh seafood and warm, welcoming local culture
- Limited tourist infrastructure in remote areas
- Fewer guided-tour options and slower development than Bali or Lombok
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Tolong" - Please/Help
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much is this?
- "Di mana kamar mandi?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Dompu
Visit one of these nice places.
A coastal overlook with fishing boats and dramatic sunrises over the Sumbawan Sea.
Rugged volcanic slopes and caldera views—great for panoramas at dawn or dusk.
Long sandy shore with palm trees and silhouettes of boats at sunset.
Colorful stalls and daily life captured in the soft morning light.
Food in Dompu
Dompu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spicy grilled chicken with chili, garlic and lime; a regional staple you’ll find at most eateries.
Must-Try!
Char-grilled fish with chili-lime sambal and fresh herbs, cooked fresh from the day’s catch.
Water spinach dressed in a sharp chili dressing with crushed peanuts; a refreshing side or light dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling morning market selling fresh seafood, tropical fruit, vegetables, spices and local snacks.
Rowerides of seafood stalls along the quay offering grilled fish, prawns and shellfish with spicy sambal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly in villages and respect local customs. Use respectful greetings (Selamat pagi/siang/sore) and ask permission before photographing people.
Safety
Tipping in Dompu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not required. Round up bills or leave small sums (IDR 5,000–20,000) for good service; in nicer restaurants, 5–10% is common.
Cash (IDR) is widely used in Dompu. Some larger towns accept cards, but many remote places are cash-only; ATMs are limited outside town centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season (roughly May–October) brings sunny, warm days with light winds. Ideal for beach days and hill hikes, but stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
Wet season (roughly November–April) brings frequent showers and higher humidity. Trails can be slippery and some roads may close after heavy rain; plan flexible itineraries.
Dompu at Night
Hiking in Dompu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging multi-day trek to the crater rim with dramatic views across Sumbawa.
Shorter coastal hikes along limestone cliffs and secluded beaches around Dompu.
Airports
How to reach Dompu by plane.
Closest airport on Sumbawa Island; transfer by road to Dompu takes a few hours depending on conditions.
Major hub in Lombok; transfer to Dompu requires a road journey (and possibly a ferry) and takes several hours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous community in the Dompu Regency; predominantly Muslim and closely tied to local traditions.
A major ethnic group on Sumbawa with shared language and cultural ties to Dompu.
Smaller numbers of migrants from neighboring islands such as Bugis and Flores contribute to local diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport among locals and youths.
Commonly played in community centers and schools; many residents grow up playing it.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dompu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes are meat- or fish-based here. Look for Plecing Kangkung, vegetable curries or tofu/tempe dishes and request no fish sauce. When in doubt, ask for plain rice with vegetables.