Are you looking for a destination that offers more than just beaches and temples? Do you want to experience a culture that is unlike any other in the world? Do you want to escape the crowds and discover a place that is still untouched by mass tourism? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to visit Sumba, a hidden gem of Indonesia that will blow your mind.
Sumba is an island in the eastern part of Indonesia, about an hour’s flight from Bali. It is one of the largest and most diverse islands in the country, with a land area of 11,153 square kilometers and a population of 755,849 people. Sumba is home to a unique and rich culture that is based on the animist Marapu religion, which influences every aspect of life on the island. Sumba is also blessed with stunning natural beauty, from pristine beaches and coral reefs to lush forests and waterfalls. Sumba offers a wide range of activities and experiences for travelers, from surfing and snorkeling to hiking and horse riding. Sumba is a place where you can immerse yourself in a different world, where tradition and modernity coexist, where adventure and relaxation await, and where you can give back to the local community and the environment.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive and practical guide to Sumba, covering everything you need to know before you go, where to stay, how to experience the local culture, how to explore the outdoors, how to surf, and how to give back. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, Sumba has something for everyone. Read on and find out why Sumba is a hidden gem of Indonesia that you need to visit.
Where to Stay in Sumba
One of the first things you need to decide when planning your trip to Sumba is where to stay. Sumba has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury resorts to budget homestays. Depending on your needs, preferences, and budget, you can choose the best option for you. Here are some of the best resorts in Sumba that we recommend:
Nihi Sumba:
This is the most famous and exclusive resort in Sumba, and for good reasons. Nihi Sumba is not just a hotel, but a destination in itself. It is located on a 2.5-kilometer stretch of private beach, surrounded by 567 hectares of tropical forest. It has 33 villas, each with its own pool, outdoor living area, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. It offers a range of services and activities, such as spa, yoga, fitness, dining, surfing, horse riding, fishing, and cultural tours. It also has a strong social impact, as it partners with the Sumba Foundation to support the health, education, and livelihood of the local people. Nihi Sumba is the perfect place to indulge yourself in luxury, while also making a difference in the world. Nihi Sumba is rated as one of the best hotels in the world by various publications, such as Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and Forbes. It is also the most expensive option in Sumba, with rates starting from $1,595 per night for a one-bedroom villa. You can book your stay at Nihi Sumba through their website or contact them at reservations@nihi.com or +62 361 757 149.
Alamayah:
This is another luxury resort in Sumba, but with a different concept and vibe. Alamayah is a boutique wellness retreat that focuses on holistic health and well-being. It is located in the remote and scenic area of Kerewe, near the southern tip of the island. It has six suites, each with its own balcony, outdoor bathtub, and rain shower. It offers a range of services and activities, such as spa, yoga, meditation, fitness, dining, surfing, hiking, and cultural tours. It also has a strong environmental impact, as it uses renewable energy, organic farming, and waste management. Alamayah is the perfect place to rejuvenate yourself in nature, while also learning and growing. Alamayah is rated as one of the best wellness retreats in the world by various publications, such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Lonely Planet. It is also a more affordable option than Nihi Sumba, with rates starting from $350 per night for a suite. You can book your stay at Alamayah through their website or contact them at hello@alamayah.com or +62 813 5333 4999.
Lelewatu:
This is another luxury resort in Sumba, but with a different location and style. Lelewatu is a clifftop resort that overlooks the turquoise waters of Marosi Beach. It is located in the western part of the island, near the town of Waikabubak. It has 27 villas, each with its own pool, outdoor living area, and panoramic views of the ocean and the forest. It offers a range of services and activities, such as spa, yoga, fitness, dining, surfing, horse riding, golf, and cultural tours. It also has a strong cultural impact, as it showcases the traditional architecture, art, and music of Sumba. Lelewatu is the perfect place to relax yourself in style, while also experiencing the local culture. Lelewatu is rated as one of the best clifftop resorts in the world by various publications, such as Robb Report, Tatler, and Elite Traveler. It is also a more reasonable option than Nihi Sumba, with rates starting from $600 per night for a one-bedroom villa. You can book your stay at Lelewatu through their website or contact them at reservation@lelewatu.com or +62 361 200 5899.
If you are looking for some alternative accommodation options, such as guesthouses, hostels, or camping sites, you can check out some of these options:
Sumba Adventure Resort:
This is a budget-friendly option that offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. It is located on a secluded beach, near the village of Wairiang. It has 10 rooms, each with its own bathroom, fan, and mosquito net. It offers a range of services and activities, such as dining, surfing, fishing, kayaking, and cultural tours. It also has a friendly and helpful staff, who can assist you with anything you need. Sumba Adventure Resort is rated as one of the best value for money options in Sumba by various travelers, who praise its location, atmosphere, and service. It is also a very cheap option, with rates starting from $25 per night for a double room. You can book your stay at Sumba Adventure Resort through their website or contact them at info@sumbaadventureresort.com or +62 813 3953 1245.
Sumba Surf Camp:
This is another budget-friendly option that offers a fun and social experience. It is located on a hilltop, overlooking the surf spot of Marosi Beach. It has 8 rooms, each with its own bathroom, fan, and mosquito net. It offers a range of services and activities, such as dining, surfing, yoga, hiking, and cultural tours. It also has a lively and friendly staff and guests, who can make you feel at home and part of the family. Sumba Surf Camp is rated as one of the best surf camps in Sumba by various travelers, who praise its location, vibe, and service. It is also a very cheap option, with rates starting from $20 per night for a double room. You can book your stay at Sumba Surf Camp through their website or contact them at sumbasurfcamp@gmail.com or +62 812 3966 2222.
Sumba Nautil Resort:
This is another budget-friendly option that offers a cozy and comfortable experience. It is located on a beachfront, near the village of Lamboya. It has 10 bungalows, each with its own bathroom, fan, and mosquito net. It offers a range of services and activities, such as dining, snorkeling, diving, sailing, and cultural tours. It also has a charming and helpful staff, who can make you feel welcome and relaxed. Sumba Nautil Resort is rated as one of the best beach resorts in Sumba by various travelers, who praise its location, ambiance, and service. It is also a very cheap option, with rates starting from $30 per night for a double bungalow. You can book your stay at Sumba Nautil Resort through their website or contact them at info@sumbanautilresort.com or +62 813 3770 4848.
How to Experience the Local Culture of Sumba
One of the main reasons to visit Sumba is to experience its unique and rich culture, which is unlike any other in the world. Sumba is one of the few places in Indonesia where the ancient traditions and beliefs are still alive and practiced by the majority of the people. The culture of Sumba is based on the animist Marapu religion, which worships the ancestors and the spirits of nature. The Marapu religion influences every aspect of life on the island, from the architecture and art to the ceremonies and rituals. The culture of Sumba is also characterized by its distinctive and colorful expressions, such as the ikat weaving, the megalithic tombs, and the traditional villages. The culture of Sumba is something that you need to see and feel for yourself, as words and pictures cannot do justice to its beauty and complexity. Here are some of the ways to experience the local culture of Sumba:
Witness the Pasola:
The Pasola is the most important and spectacular cultural event in Sumba, and one that you should not miss if you have the chance. The Pasola is a ritual horseback battle that takes place every February or March, in four different locations on the island: Lamboya, Kodi, Wanokaka, and Gaura. The Pasola is a way of honoring the ancestors and the spirits, as well as ensuring a good harvest and prosperity for the year.
The Pasola involves hundreds of warriors from different clans, who ride on horses and throw wooden spears at each other, while trying to avoid being hit. The Pasola is a dangerous and bloody spectacle, as injuries and even deaths are common. The blood spilled on the ground is believed to fertilize the soil and appease the gods. The Pasola is also a festive and social occasion, as thousands of spectators gather to watch, cheer, and celebrate.
The Pasola is not a fixed date event, but rather depends on the lunar cycle and the arrival of sea worms, which are considered a sign of fertility and auspiciousness. The exact dates are announced by the local priests, usually a few days or weeks before the event. The best way to witness the Pasola is to contact a local guide or a hotel, who can arrange the transportation, accommodation, and permits for you. You can also check the website of the Sumba Tourism Board for more information and updates. The Pasola is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will give you a glimpse of the ancient and authentic culture of Sumba.
Learn the Ikat Weaving:
The ikat weaving is another distinctive and colorful expression of the culture of Sumba, and one that you can learn and appreciate during your visit. The ikat weaving is a traditional textile art that involves dyeing and weaving cotton threads into intricate patterns and motifs. The ikat weaving is not just a craft, but also a form of communication and identity, as each region, village, and clan has its own style, symbolism, and meaning. The ikat weaving is also a form of storytelling and history, as it depicts the legends, myths, and events of the Sumbanese people. The ikat weaving is a skill that is passed down from generation to generation, and usually done by women. The ikat weaving is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process, that can take months or even years to complete. The ikat weaving is a valuable and prestigious item, that is used for ceremonies, rituals, and gifts.
The ikat weaving is also a beautiful and unique souvenir, that you can buy or make yourself. The best way to learn the ikat weaving is to visit a local village or workshop, where you can meet the weavers, observe their techniques, and try your hand at making your own piece. You can also visit some of the museums and galleries in Sumba, such as the Sumba Cultural Institute, the Sumba Heritage Foundation, and the Prai Ijing Art Gallery, where you can see and learn more about the ikat weaving and its history and meaning.
Explore the Megalithic Tombs and Traditional Villages:
The megalithic tombs and traditional villages are another characteristic and impressive feature of the culture of Sumba, and one that you can explore and admire during your visit. The megalithic tombs are large stone structures that are used to bury the dead and honor the ancestors. The megalithic tombs are usually located in the center of the traditional villages, which are clusters of houses that are built in a circular or rectangular shape, surrounded by stone walls and fences. The megalithic tombs and traditional villages are a testament to the ancient and complex civilization of Sumba, as well as its strong connection to the past and the present. The megalithic tombs and traditional villages are also a source of pride and identity for the Sumbanese people, who still live and practice their customs and rituals in them.
The megalithic tombs and traditional villages are scattered all over the island, but some of the most famous and accessible ones are: Anakalang, which has the largest concentration and variety of megalithic tombs in Sumba; Tarung, which has a picturesque hilltop village with a panoramic view of the surroundings; Ratenggaro, which has a coastal village with the tallest and most elaborate houses in Sumba; and Praiijing, which has a well-preserved and authentic village that is still inhabited by the original residents. The best way to explore the megalithic tombs and traditional villages is to hire a local guide or a driver, who can take you to the different sites, explain their history and significance, and introduce you to the local people and their way of life. You can also join some of the cultural tours that are offered by some of the hotels and resorts in Sumba, such as Nihi Sumba, Alamayah, and Lelewatu.
Sumba is a hidden gem of Indonesia that you need to visit if you are looking for a destination that offers more than just beaches and temples. Sumba is a place where you can experience a unique and rich culture that is based on the animist Marapu religion, which influences every aspect of life on the island. Sumba is also a place where you can explore stunning natural beauty, from pristine beaches and coral reefs to lush forests and waterfalls. Sumba is also a place where you can enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences, from surfing and snorkeling to hiking and horse riding. Sumba is also a place where you can give back to the local community and the environment, by supporting the Sumba Foundation and other initiatives. Sumba is a place where you can immerse yourself in a different world, where tradition and modernity coexist, where adventure and relaxation await, and where you can make a difference in the world.
If you are interested in visiting Sumba, you can find more information and inspiration on the website of the Sumba Tourism Board, where you can also book your flights, hotels, and tours. You can also follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where you can see and share the amazing photos and stories of Sumba. You can also check out some of the blogs and videos of travelers who have visited Sumba, such as Tripoto, Lonely Planet, and YouTube, where you can get some tips and insights from their experiences.
