Sumba Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Sumba with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring a list of places to visit, cultural attractions, hiking/biking routes, food scene, safety and health tips, and transportation options.
- Introduction to Sumba
- List of Places to Visit in Sumba
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Sumba
- Best Things to Do in Sumba: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Sumba
- Food and Drink Scene in Sumba
- Where to Stay in Sumba: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Sumba: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Sumba
- Best Time to Visit Sumba
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Sumba: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Sumba
- Where to Go Next from Sumba: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Sumba
Sumba, an island in Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, is a hidden gem that has remained relatively unexplored. This stunning island is a unique blend of ancient culture, unspoiled nature, and breathtaking scenery. From long stretches of white sandy beaches to rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and incredible wildlife, Sumba offers an exciting array of activities, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and nature lovers. In this travel guide, we will take you through the must-see places and best experiences in Sumba.
List of Places to Visit in Sumba
Sumba has many cultural and natural attractions that you shouldn’t miss on your trip. Here are the top destinations to visit in Sumba:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Prai Ijing Megalithic Village: a village with over 200 ancient tombs and megalith stones
- Wainyapu Village and Traditional House: authentic Sumbanese houses and crafts
- Bodo Ede Village and Museum: a museum showcasing Sumba’s traditional culture and handicrafts
Natural Attractions of Sumba: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Weekuri Lagoon: Crystal-clear water with swimming and snorkeling options
- Waikabubak: A place for a city tour, hills, and beautiful sights
- Tambolaka: stunning canyons and sunset views
- Tarimbang and Marosi Beach: pristine beaches and challenging waves for surfing
Hiking/Biking Routes of Sumba
Trekking and biking in Sumba is a great way to explore the island’s natural beauty. Plan your route with these trails:
- The Sumba hiking trail: tour the island on foot through mountains, jungles, and rivers
- Biking trails: explore coastal regions, rocky cliffs, and traditional villages, and stop along the way to learn about the local culture.
Best Things to Do in Sumba: Activities and Tours
- Surfing in Marosi Beach and Tarimbang
- Learning about ancient culture and traditions of Sumba
- Hiking in rural areas and waterfalls exploration
- Snorkeling at Weekuri Lagoon
- Visiting wildlife parks to see the exotic animals of Sumba
Week-Long Itinerary for Sumba
Here is an idea of how to spend seven days exploring Sumba:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Tambolaka for stunning canyons and sunset views |
| 2 | Take a tour of Prai Ijing Megalithic Village and see ancient tombs and megalith stones |
| 3 | Visit Waikabubak and explore traditional houses and crafts |
| 4 | Hike the Sumba hiking trail to rural areas and encounter natural landscapes |
| 5 | Spend the day surfing in Marosi Beach and Tarimbang |
| 6 | Take a biking tour to nearby villages, to see customs, and interact with locals |
| 7 | Spend your last morning relaxing and snorkeling at Weekuri Lagoon. |
Food and Drink Scene in Sumba
Sumba’s cuisine is diverse and offers an excellent mix of indigenous, Chinese, Indonesian and Dutch influences. Here are some dishes and beverages that you must try:
Must-Try Dishes
- Kari Kambing: lamb curry
- Tandan Jagung: corn soup
- Ikan pepes: grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves
Local Beverages
- Sumba coffee: famous local coffee
- Sopi: a distilled liquor made from palm wine
Where to Stay in Sumba: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
When traveling to Sumba, you can stay in accommodations ranging from budget to luxurious.
- Hostels: Tarimbang Surf Hostel, Sumba Surf Hostel
- Guesthouses: Kerandangan Beach Bungalows, Praingkareha Hotel, Mona Lisa Hotel
- Resorts: Nihi Sumba Island, Sumba Hospitality Foundation
What to Buy in Sumba: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Sumba is known for its traditional handicrafts, and you’ll find authentic souvenirs to take home, such as:
- Ikat woven cloth
- Sumba masks
- Sumba stone carvings
Local Culture and Customs of Sumba
When traveling to Sumba, keep in mind these customs and local culture.
- Sumbanese people are gentle and friendly, and they live a traditional lifestyle and have unique ceremonies and customs
- The Sumbanese ritual burial tradition takes place in the village, where families will hold the funeral ceremony of their loved ones.
- Respect the traditions of the locals and follow their dress codes. It is good to wear something modest to show respect to their values.
Best Time to Visit Sumba
Sumba has a tropical climate with a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April. So the best time to visit is from May to October when you can enjoy the sunny weather and activities.
############ Do:’s and Don’ts of Sumba
(h3) Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Try local food
- Learn about the Sumbanese culture
############# Don’t:
- Wear revealing clothing
- Get too close to wildlife
- Disrespect traditional burial ceremonies
Safety and Health
Safety in Sumba
Sumba is generally a safe place to visit, but it’s good to take a few precautions, like:
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- Always keep your belongings in sight and be aware of pickpocketing
- Get travel insurance before your trip
Health in Sumba
While traveling to Sumba, you should take extra care to stay healthy. Here are some tips:
- Avoid drinking tap water and ensure that you use bottled water
- Apply mosquito repellent, particularly in the evening
- Always have sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Getting to Sumba: Transportation Options and Logistics
Sumba is an island in Indonesia, and there are several transportation options you can use to get there.
Airports Near Sumba
- Tambolaka Airport connects Sumba to other Indonesian cities like Denpasar, Jakarta, and Surabaya.
Bus Stations Near Sumba
- Lalodai Bus Station links the island with other cities in Nusa Tenggara, including Waingapu and Kupang.
Other Options
- Ferries run between Sumba and other islands in Indonesia, including Flores and Timor.
- You can also catch a ride on a bemo or ojek, which is a common form of transportation in Sumba.
How to Get Around in Sumba
When in Sumba, you can use several transportation options to get around:
- Car rental with a driver is an excellent option to move around and exploring the island.
- You can also use bemos or ojek, which is the cheapest way to get around.
Where to Go Next from Sumba: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Sumba is also an excellent base for exploring other nearby destinations and excursions:
- Visit Flores, where you can see Komodo dragons and beautiful coral reefs.
- Explore the nearby island of Timor, with its beautiful beaches, cave systems, and cultural traditions.
Conclusion
Sumba is a destination that has something for everyone, from adventure seekers to cultural enthusiasts and nature lovers. The island offers stunning landscapes, ancient culture, pristine beaches, and an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip and use this comprehensive travel guide to make the most of your journey to Sumba.
