The beauty of Saleh Bay lies not only in its vast waters but also in the natural conditions and lifestyles of the surrounding communities. The waters of Saleh Bay are a habitat for a variety of fish and marine life, offering significant potential for marine tourism development. Coastal communities around Saleh Bay also have a close relationship with the sea, as fishing is a part of their daily lives.
One of the reasons Saleh Bay is increasingly well-known is the presence of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). Whale sharks are one of the largest fish in the world and are a marine species of significant conservation value. Saleh Bay is one of the locations in Indonesia that serves as an important habitat for whale sharks, as they are often found in significant numbers. Based on research by the Indonesian Conservation Foundation from 2017 to 2022, at least 108 individual whale sharks have been identified in Saleh Bay. This number makes Saleh Bay known as one of the largest whale shark habitats in Indonesia after Cenderawasih Bay. The presence of such large numbers of whale sharks has become a major draw for marine tourism in Saleh Bay and is increasingly attracting tourists.
Saleh Bay can be reached by land from Mataram City to Sumbawa Island. Tourists can first take a ferry from Kayangan Port in Lombok to Poto Tano Port in Sumbawa. The crossing takes approximately one to two hours, depending on weather conditions and ship operations. After arriving at Poto Tano Port, the journey continues by land transportation to the coastal areas of Saleh Bay, such as Labuhan Badas District, Tarano District, or other areas serving as departure points for whale shark tourism. Travel time by land depends on the destination and road conditions. From the coast, tourists then continue their journey by boat or tour boat to the whale shark sighting location. Because some access to tourist areas still depends on weather conditions and sea transportation, tourists are advised to use the services of local guides and prepare their trips well.
