Waikabubak is a sub-district in East Nusa Tenggara Province, which also plays the role of the capital of West Sumba Regency. With an area of ​​44.71 km2, Waikabubak is the second largest city on Sumba Island, after Waingapu in East Sumba.

Waikabubak lives in an area as high as 600 meters above sea level. This makes the air in this city feel cooler compared to other regions on the east side. The atmosphere of Waikabubak is not as modern as Waingapu. The city is synonymous with traditional markets, traditional thatched houses, concrete houses with zinc roofs, and rice fields.

Although this is a small city, Waikabubak already has its own airport. The airport named Tambolaka is located in Sumba Barat Daya Regency. The airport distance from downtown Waikabubak is equivalent to driving for 1 hour 15 minutes. You can get flight tickets to Waikabubak from Garuda Indonesia, Nam Air, TransNusa Air Service, and Wings Air, with cities from Denpasar, Kupang and Ende.

The Most Popular Destinations in Waikabubak City

This small town in West Sumba has its own charm that can make people intentionally buy flight tickets to Waikabubak for sightseeing. The charm is mainly in the form of culture and natural beaches. The following three names are Waikabubak's main destinations which are always crowded with tourists.

1. Kampung Adat Tarung

Location: Wailiang, Sumba Barat, NTT.

Although it has been destroyed by fire in 2017, Kampung Adat Tarung is still one of the most sought-after destinations in Waikabubak. The village which is said to be one of the most beautiful in West Sumba shows the traditional life of local people who still hold Marapu's beliefs. Traditional thatched houses, stone graves, and friendly residents are always ready to welcome tourists. While here, do not forget to buy a variety of local souvenirs made by local residents.

2. Pantai Watu Bela

Location: Desa Patiala Bawa, Lamboya, Sumba Barat, NTT.

Located quite far from Waikabubak, which is about 80 minutes drive from the city center. However, the irreplaceable beauty makes people willing to visit here. The fine white sand, sparkling blue oceans, white coconut trees, and rock cliffs that surround it, become a panoramic blend that creates its own freshness. The freshness is also completed by coconut water from the existing tree.

3. Kampung Adat Bodo Ede

Location: Wailiang, Sumba Barat, NTT.

Bodo Ede is one of the traditional villages located in the city center, precisely about 200 meters from Waikabubak field. The village on the hill displays the beauty of Sumba with traditional thatched houses, large trees around, stone graves, and dogs. Tourists can mingle with friendly locals, and watch them perform various cultural activities, such as weaving and farming.

The Most Popular Places in the Waikabubak City

Waikabubak is a city that is quite complete in providing culinary tourism destinations. Many restaurants in this city even feature impressive local concepts. Discover this pleasure in the following popular places:

1. D'Sumba Ate

Location: Jalan Ahmad Yani 148A, Wailiang, Sumba Barat, NTT.

Open every day, 11:00 - 22:00 WIT.

This restaurant looks charming with traditional nuances highlighted in the form of a bamboo house. D'Sumba Ate serves a various menu, ranging from Java, Bali, to Western food. Favorite dishes here are Pizza Oven, Ayam Betutu Kampung Urap, Sup Ikan, and Kopi Sumba.

2. Pondok Daun Ubi

Location: Jalan Jaga Ngara, Wee Karou, Loli, Sumba Barat, NTT.

Open every day, 08:00 - 21:00 WIT.

As the name implies, this place offers fun from Sweet Potatoes as an opening menu. Interestingly, Pondok Daun Ubi also serves a menu of processed beef, seafood, and 20 types of processed chicken. Named “Pondok”, the appearance of this place is indeed very attractive in the form of open wooden huts with green gardens and beautiful panoramas around it.

3. Warung Gula Garam

Location: Jalan Soeharto, Bandar Udara Tambolaka, Desa Radamata, Sumba Barat Daya, NTT.

Open every day, 10:00 - 22:00 WIT.

After landing at Tambolaka Airport, tourists can immediately pamper their tongues in this tropical restaurant. Warung Gula Garam which is called the best restaurant in Sumba offers a variety of Indonesian and Western specialties. The most acclaimed foods from visitors are Pizza, Tumis Bunga Pepaya, Sop Iga, and Sate Kambing.