Satonda Island emerged as a mysterious volcano 10,000 years ago.

Satonda Island, with its captivating crater-lake, is a sight of remarkable beauty that you shouldn't miss on your sail to Lombok. This island was established as a Marine Nature Park in 1999 and continues to be a protected area, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. Spanning three kilometers from north to south, this island with coral-fringed shores presents an intriguing geographical feature.

The island is essentially a volcano cone, forcefully rising after an eruption occurred 1000 meters below the sea floor millions of years ago. The caldera filled with water has formed a stunning lake nestled at the core of the island, just fifty meters from the shoreline. Despite its brackish nature, the water is crystal clear and refreshingly cool for swimming, reaching depths of over 80 meters.

A delightful shaded pathway encircles the lake, providing a leisurely stroll. Look out for the fruit bats that reside in the trees surrounding the area. Evidence of the island's volcanic past can be spotted on the main beach, scattered with pumice stone, a lightweight volcanic material that floats on water.

Satonda Island serves as a popular stopover for cruisers traveling between Flores, Labuan Bajo, and Lombok. Due to its proximity to the Sumbawa's Mt Tambora peninsula, it has also become a favoured detour for climbers en route to or from Mt Tambora volcano.

The link between Satonda Island and the catastrophic eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 has drawn numerous scientists to study the area. Legend has it that the lake was once filled with freshwater until the massive eruption caused a tidal wave to inundate it with seawater. While this tale adds a fascinating element, its accuracy remains uncertain. But hey it’s a great story!

Once, Mount Tambora raised as high as 4,300 m above sea level. The eruption of 1815, the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history, killed over 100,000 people and caused a climate cooling in 1816, know as year without summer. Today, Mount Tambora stands at about 2,722 m and has a 1,100 m deep caldera.

European scientists have noted that the salinity of Lake Satonda surpasses that of regular seawater. The inception of saltwater in the lake coincided with the formation of the old crater of Satonda around 10,000 years ago. The flora and fauna residing in Satonda Lake resemble those found in ancient seas, making it a compelling research destination for many experts. The site holds numerous discoveries waiting to be unveiled.

The lake is not the sole attraction here; a volcanic sandy shoreline with clear, tranquil waters is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Snorkeler's will be captivated by the shallow reefs surrounding the island, showcasing a diverse array of tropical fish in various sizes and colors. Satonda Island is renowned for its unique corals like Nephtea and Labophyton, snd get a glimpse into coral conservation efforts while snorkelling.

The unique black sand of a volcano 

Our next endeavour was a trek to a lookout point along the southern rim of the crater. While most of the path consists of steps, the upper portion transitions into a challenging dirt trail. However, those brave enough to undertake this 45-minute hike will be rewarded with a breathtaking view from the top. The ridge provides a panoramic vista of the lake and the towering Mt Tambora on Sumbawa. It is advisable to embark on this journey early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Remember to carry an ample water supply, regardless of the time of day. You will have company on this hike, as mischievous monkeys chatter in the trees and often scamper across the path.

For those seeking a more relaxed adventure, consider kayaking or paddle boarding  on the lake. The serene waters offer a leisurely paddle, with opportunities to observe bats, monkeys lounging in the trees, and the beautiful birdlife souring high and circling  the lake. The crater's formation creates an amphitheater, allowing you to immerse yourself in the harmonious sounds of the rainforest at water level.

Due to its unique charm, Satonda Island has become a sought-after destination for travellers, both local and international, making it a must-visit spot for many. Despite the challenging access, visitors need to be dedicated to reach the island. However those of us with our own boats can enjoy the tranquility and mysteries of Satonda most of the time undisturbed, this exclusivity adds to the appeal of our travel choice.

Satonda Island welcomes visitors year-round, with most cruisers arriving in the middle to late August after exploring Komodo National Park. When anchoring, it's crucial to be cautious to avoid damaging coral heads with anchors or chains in this Marine Park. We used SAS satellite imagery to help us find a Sandy patch. Visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of Rp150,000 per person in 2023/24.

Next Episode we will go deep into Saleh Bay to swim with the Whale Sharks.

For more information and to see the moving pictures click the play button 

▶️ https://tinyurl.com/DreamtimeSailEp97

To see our adventures in Komodo National Park you can read about them here

▶️http://dreamtimesail.blogspot.com/2024/06/komodo-nation-park-essentials-to-know.html

or hit the pay button for an action packed 20 minutes to see all the highlights in the park ▶️  https://tinyurl.com/DreamtimeSailEp9

Thank you for reading another of our blogs we hope you enjoyed the read. 

Cheers R&K 

Below are a selection of photos from the passage to Satonda and Satonda visit. We hope you enjoy them.

L

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Through our social media, YouTube, blog and books, our goal is to provide valuable insights to help future sailors prepare effectively. If you are heading into Indonesia you maybe further interested in 2 of our interactive Ebooks we have written. 

Indonesia Awaits - This is an interactive EBook and it is full of the information you need for visas to enter Indonesia, for yourself and crew. What boat paperwork you need and additional paperwork you will need to supply. There are links to the Government Websites for downloading or completing  online documentation. We take you through what you need to complete on these form and contacts for visa agents.

the other book 

It’s Time to Set Sail -  This is an interactive EBook and it is full of the information you need to know so that you can leave Australia via boat. The interactive links take you to the relevant government department pages to either download or complete online documents. We take you through what you need to complete on these form and contacts for export agents.

You can find both books on PAYHIP DREAMTIMESAIL  ▶️https://payhip.com/Dreamtimesail

Additionally, we are sharing bi-weekly episodes of our "Dreamtime in Indonesia" Series 4, detailing our journey from Thursday Island to various Indonesian destinations. Each episode offers practical advice and showcases the remarkable people and places we encountered in Indonesia. We hope you find our content informative and enjoyable. 

• We talk about essential items such as spare parts, tools, safety equipment, and navigation aids.
• Provide tips on where to source supplies and provisions before setting sail in Indonesia.
• Share personal anecdotes or stories about unique experiences while sailing in Indonesia.
• Highlight the importance of preparation and planning for a successful sailing adventure.
• Offer insights on cultural aspects, local customs, and navigating Indonesian waters.
• We invite audience engagement by encouraging questions or comments about sailing in Indonesia.

DREAMTIME SAIL YOUTUBE ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/c/Dreamtimesail

If you would like more from us consider becoming a Patreon where you have personal contact with us through email, live FaceTime and a private group where you can ask just about anything 😜. This group gets up to date information as it’s happening, with live interactive tracks and waypoints.

Patreon’s receive many other benefits including the books we have just mentioned for free. So if you think this might be for you come on over and have a look at our Patreon Page.  

DREAMTIMESAIL PATREON ▶️ https://www.patreon.com/DreamtimeSail

Thank you for reading our latest blog update Cheers R&K 

You maybe also be interested in the following 🔽

We found paradise but we may never leave as our anchor is stuck solid. You can watch it here. 

▶️  http://tinyurl.com/DreamtimeSailEp87

All you need to know about Provisioning - if this is your first big adventure, provisioning can be a little daunting. This EBook helps you work out what you need, with a full interactive provisioning spreadsheet. Passage plan meals, with recipes. 

You can find more detail on this book ▶️ https://payhip.com/b/SvXry

This interactive Ebook takes from Brisbane to Horn Island without a night passage, discovering beautiful parts of the Queensland coast rarely visited. The EBook supplies all of our tracks and anchorage waypoints, with what anchoring conditions we were in. But it also gives you full details of what to see and do at each remarkable destination.

You can find out more about this EBook here ▶️  https://payhip.com/b/pxLMX

If you would like to buy all 4 of the above EBooks to help your sailing journey you can at a discount. Because you have read to this far on our blog, as a thank you we say here’s 20% off the bundle price!

So head to our book store ▶️ https://payhip.com/Dreamtimesail 

and use this code at checkout  ▶️ WOTZCNM6JL

Other books you might enjoy 

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