Tour de Mawil: When Riding Becomes a Commitment to Protect Sea Turtles

For many riders, touring is about freedom—open roads, long rides, and stories collected along the way. But Tour de Mawil was created to prove that riding can mean more than just reaching a destination. It can also be a commitment to protect nature and stand for something bigger.

Held at Mawil Beach, West Sumbawa, Tour de Mawil brings together motorcycle touring enthusiasts with one shared purpose: supporting sea turtle conservation. Mawil is one of the important nesting beaches for sea turtles, where these ancient creatures return year after year to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, habitat disturbance and egg poaching have long threatened their survival.

Tour de Mawil invites riders to experience Mawil not just as tourists, but as guardians.

The journey itself is part of the story. Riders travel from Mataram City (the capital city of West Nusa Tenggara) together through scenic coastal roads, open landscapes, rural villages, some developed areas, gold mining facilities by Amman, tropical rain forest and maze field just before arriving at Mawil Beach. Upon arrival, participants are welcomed by the local community and introduced to the work of the Mawil Sea Turtle Sanctuary. Through short talks and discussions, riders learn about the life cycle of sea turtles, the challenges they face, and why Mawil matters.

But this tour is not only about learning—it’s about action. Activities will include turtle monitoring (and observation of turtle laying eggs), beach clean-ups, symbolic adoption of turtle nests or hatchling, installation of conservation signboards, and shared commitments to protect nesting sites. Every rider becomes part of a collective message: motorcycles and conservation can ride side by side.

As the sun sets over Mawil Beach, the atmosphere shifts from adventure to reflection. The sound of waves, stories shared among riders and locals, and the quiet understanding that this place deserves protection create a powerful experience. Tour de Mawil turns a simple ride into a meaningful journey.

More than an event, Tour de Mawil is a movement. It challenges the idea that conservation belongs only to scientists or activists. Here, riders take the lead—using their passion, visibility, and brotherhood to raise awareness and inspire change.

Because the coolest ride isn’t the fastest one.
It’s the ride that protects the future.

Tour de Mawil — Ride for Turtles, Ride for the Future.

For further info and registration, scan the QR code on the flyers.

Heart racing, breath held — we just witnessed a sea turtle laying her eggs

The beach was quiet when we arrived, lit only by the moon and the soft glow of stars above Mawil. The sound of waves rolling onto the sand felt slower at night, as if the ocean itself was holding its breath. We walked carefully, guided by locals who know this beach like an old friend, speaking in whispers so we wouldn’t disturb anything waiting in the dark.

Then we saw her.

A large sea turtle emerged from the water, moving slowly but with purpose. Each step left deep tracks behind her, marks that told a story older than any of us standing there. We watched in silence as she searched for the right place, her flippers gently shaping the sand. Time seemed to stretch and disappear all at once. There was no phone signal, no rush—only the rhythm of the sea and the quiet work of a mother preparing a future she will never see.

When she began laying her eggs, the guides softly explained what was happening, reminding us how fragile this moment was. These eggs would face countless challenges—predators, tides, and human threats—but tonight, they were safe. Protected by the care of the community and the sanctuary that watches over this beach.

As she covered the nest and slowly returned to the ocean, a wave of emotion passed through us. Joy, awe, and responsibility all at once. It felt like being trusted with a secret, a reminder that nature still offers miracles when we choose to protect it.

Walking back under the moonlight, we didn’t talk much. We didn’t need to. Watching a sea turtle lay her eggs at Mawil wasn’t just an experience—it was a connection. To the ocean. To the people who guard it. And to a promise that, together, we can help these ancient travelers continue their journey for generations to come.

How to Get to Mawil Sea Turtle Sanctuary

Reaching Mawil Sea Turtle Sanctuary (9.08222° S, 116.97808° E) is an adventure in itself, offering a scenic journey through the beautiful landscapes of West Sumbawa, Indonesia. 

The sanctuary is located at Mawil Beach, about 3 hours drive from Taliwang City (the capital of West Sumbawa) or the same time from Sultan Kaharuddin Airport in Sumbawa Besar. Visitors can rent a car, a motorbike, hire a local taxi-bike (ojek), or arrange private transport through the sanctuary. 

The route takes you past coastal villages, rice fields, and rolling green hills before arriving at the quiet shores of Mawil. 

For those coming from Lombok, ferries operate daily to Poto Tano Harbor, followed by a one-hour drive to Taliwang City. Whether you come by road or sea, the journey is filled with local charm and breathtaking views — the perfect prelude to a meaningful experience with sea turtles and the Mawil community.

Travel Tips

🕒 Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit is during the peak nesting and hatching season, usually from April to October (actually the turtles nest through out the year),  when sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. 

Full moon weekends are especially magical, offering the chance to join the Full Moon Turtle Tour, guided by special team of the sanctuary, for a rare nighttime experience.

🎒 What to Bring:
Pack light but wisely — bring comfortable clothing, sandals or water shoes, a hat, reusable water bottle, and eco-friendly sunscreen. For night tours, a small red flashlight (less disturbing to turtles) and insect repellent are recommended. Don’t forget your camera for sunrise and sunset moments! The community group will provide tents and meals by request.

🚙 Local Transport Options:
If you’re staying in Taliwang or nearby villages, you can reach the sanctuary by motorbike, taxi-bike (ojek), or private car. The sanctuary team can also help arrange pick-up services for groups or eco-tour visitors. Roads are mostly paved, with a short scenic dirt path leading directly to Mawil Beach.

💚 Responsible Travel Reminder:
Please respect local customs, minimize plastic use, and follow all turtle-viewing guidelines during your visit. Every mindful step helps protect the turtles and keeps Mawil Beach pristine for generations to come. 

Ecotourism

Mawil Beach in West Sumbawa is emerging as a hidden gem for ecotourism, offering travelers the rare chance to enjoy natural beauty while supporting meaningful conservation. Unlike crowded tourist destinations, Mawil combines pristine coastal landscapes with community-based initiatives that protect endangered sea turtles and promote sustainable livelihoods. Visitors can witness turtle nesting and hatchling releases, guided by local conservation teams who share their knowledge of marine life and cultural traditions. This hands-on experience not only creates unforgettable memories but also helps raise awareness of the importance of preserving fragile ecosystems.

Beyond turtle conservation, Mawil provides a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Guests often arrive by traditional bike taxis, passing through maze-like fields that showcase the rural charm of West Sumbawa. Once at the beach, travelers are greeted by golden sands, gentle waves, and breathtaking sunsets that paint the horizon in shades of orange and pink. Eco-friendly activities such as beach cleanups, educational tours, and cultural exchanges with local communities further enrich the experience, ensuring that tourism leaves a positive impact on both nature and people.

What sets ecotourism at Mawil apart is the deep involvement of local residents. By welcoming visitors into their conservation efforts, the community gains alternative sources of income while strengthening their connection to the land and sea. Every visit contributes directly to turtle protection, environmental education, and the promotion of sustainable coastal living. For travelers seeking more than just a vacation, Mawil offers an opportunity to be part of something bigger—a movement that balances exploration with responsibility.

With its blend of wildlife encounters, cultural authenticity, and environmental stewardship, Mawil Beach stands as a shining example of how ecotourism can preserve natural wonders while empowering communities.

Sea Turtle Population Monitoring

At Mawil Beach in West Sumbawa, sea turtle population monitoring has become a cornerstone of conservation efforts to protect these ancient marine creatures. Every nesting season, trained volunteers, local fishermen, and community members come together to observe and record sea turtle activity along the shoreline. The process begins at night, when female turtles return

to the beach to lay their eggs. Monitors carefully document the species, size, and behavior of each turtle, while also marking and protecting nests from natural predators and human disturbance. These records are vital, as they provide insight into population trends, nesting success rates, and the overall health of turtle species visiting Mawil.

Monitoring doesn’t stop with the eggs—it continues throughout incubation and hatching. Community teams regularly check nests to track survival rates, ensuring that hatchlings have the best chance of reaching the sea. When it’s time for the tiny turtles to emerge, the sanctuary organizes safe releases, allowing visitors and locals alike to witness this magical moment. Every detail, from the number of hatchlings to the timing of emergence, is recorded to build long-term data sets.

This monitoring work is not only about science—it is also about education and community empowerment. By involving local people, especially youth, Mawil strengthens awareness of the importance of conservation and sustainable coastal living. Visitors who join monitoring activities gain a deeper appreciation of how fragile and extraordinary the life cycle of sea turtles truly is. Over time, the collected data guides better protection strategies and contributes to global sea turtle research.

Through consistent monitoring, Mawil Beach is not only preserving a vital habitat but also ensuring that future generations can continue to witness sea turtles nesting under the stars and hatchlings making their first journey to the ocean.

Welcome to Mawil Sea Turtle Sanctuary

Have you ever dreamed of watching a sea turtle lay her eggs under the stars or seeing tiny hatchlings take their very first steps toward the ocean? At Mawil Sea Turtle Sanctuary in West Sumbawa, that dream can come true.

Our sanctuary was created with one simple mission: to protect sea turtles and the natural beauty of Mawil Beach. Every nesting season, these ancient travelers return to our shores to lay their eggs. Sadly, sea turtles face many threats—from habitat loss to plastic pollution. That’s why our team, together with local communities, works tirelessly to safeguard nests, protect hatchlings, and keep the beach safe for future generations of turtles.

But Mawil is more than just a conservation project—it’s an experience. Visitors are welcome to join us in turtle nest sightings, guided releases of hatchlings, and eco-activities that bring you closer to nature. Imagine riding a local bike taxi through the maze-like fields, strolling along golden sands, and ending your day with a breathtaking sunset panorama. It’s the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and purpose.

When you visit Mawil Sea Turtle Sanctuary, you’re not only exploring one of West Sumbawa’s hidden gems—you’re also supporting sustainable tourism and helping to protect one of the ocean’s most beloved species.

So whether you’re a curious traveler, a nature lover, or a passionate conservationist, we invite you to be part of our story. Come, witness the magic of sea turtles, feel the warmth of our community, and leave with memories that last a lifetime. Together, we can make a difference—one turtle, one nest, one wave at a time.