Explore Sumba Island

Duration: 4 Days

Overview

With its rugged undulating savannahs and low limestone hills knitted together with fields of maize and cassava instead of rice, the island of Sumba in East Nusa Tenggara Province offers its own distinct splendors in the eastern part of the Indonesian Archipelago. Sprinkled throughout its countryside are hilltop villages with thatched traditional clan houses clustered around unique megalithic tombs where villagers still pay homage to their ancestors in the ancient belief of Marapu and have retained most of the indigenous culture and traditions for generations. The island is also known for the precious art of Tenun Ikat handwoven fabric, and the origin of the strong and agile Sumba Ponies or Sandalwood Horses.

Although the island may still be off the grid from the general tourist map, surprisingly Sumba has a number of luxurious, well frequented resorts. The Nihiwatu Resort, for example, describing itself as "the ultimate in privacy, exclusivity, views and romance", has been recognized as 2nd best hotel worldwide by Tripadvisor. There is also the Sumba Nautil Resort in the south western part of Sumba, which is a favorite among surfers. For those who seek peace and serenity and the chance to watch dolphins playing in the open sea as you sip your morning coffee, the Mario Hotel and Café is the place to be.

For a truly special experience of not only staying in a hotel but also interact further with the local people and help develop the island's tourism that is beneficial to the local community, the Sumba Hospitality Foundation welcomes visitors to stay at their on-campus hotel school simply known as The Sumba Hotel School. It includes five beautiful, bamboo guest pavilions tended to by students. Powered entirely by solar energy, the school aims to set itself as an example for sustainable tourism on the island and beyond. During their stay, visitors are encouraged to interact with the students to learn more about Sumba, or share any experiences that will be of value to the students. All proceeds help fund the school's programs.

Highlights

Drive to Melolo, 62 km to the East to visit Pau and Praiyawang for traditional houses which, stone graves and spectacular traditional “Ikat” weaving process
Drive overland to Waikabubak – West Sumba a distance of 137 km (4 hours). On the way stops at Waibakul and Pasunga (Anakalang area) to see the greatest stone graves and traditional houses of West Sumbanese
Having lunch visit some villages which located at small hills nearby the city of Waikabubak such as Puunaga, Tarung and Tabar, then to the local market to see the activities of local people in selling and buying their daily need and handweaving
West part of Sumba, drive to Kodi for 2 hours to visit Bondo Kodi and Ratenggaro for traditional thatched roof and highest towering (10 meters) houses and megalithic tombs
Walk along the beautiful and quite beaches, then cross the river (if the water permits) to Waiyapu village, another West Sumbanese traditional village

Itinerary

Day 01: DENPASAR – WAINGAPU (SUMBA ISLAND )

On arrival at Mau’Hau Airport of Waingapu – East Sumba, our guide will meet you and transfer to HOTEL ELVIN for accommodation and meals. After lunch drive to Melolo, 62 km to the East to visit Pau and Praiyawang for traditional houses which, stone graves and spectacular traditional “Ikat” weaving process. (L,D)

Day 02: WAINGAPU – WAIKABUBAK

Breakfast at hotel. Drive overland to Waikabubak – West Sumba a distance of 137 km (4 hours). On the way stops at Waibakul and Pasunga (Anakalang area) to see the greatest stone graves and traditional houses of West Sumbanese. On arrival at Waikabubak direct check-in to HOTEL MENANDANG or similar for accommodation and meals. After having lunch visit some villages which located at small hills nearby the city of Waikabubak such as Puunaga, Tarung and Tabar, then to the local market to see the activities of local people in selling and buying their daily need and handweaving. (B,L,D)

Day 03: WAIKABUBAK

Breakfast at hotel. Start to explore West part of Sumba, drive to Kodi for 2 hours to visit Bondo Kodi and Ratenggaro for traditional thatched roof and highest towering (10 meters) houses and megalithic tombs. Then walk along the beautiful and quite beaches, then cross the river (if the water permits) to Waiyapu village, another West Sumbanese traditional village. Continue drive to Waikabubak for 3 hours (around 65 km) with several stops according to local happenings. Accommodation at HOTEL MENANDANG. (B,L,D)

Day 04: WAIKABUBAK – DENPASAR

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Tambolaka Airport for flight to Denpasar – Bali. (B)