Located in East Nusa Tenggara province, Sumba Island enchants visitors with its pristine beaches, rolling savannah landscapes, and rich tribal culture. A largely unnoticed treasure among Indonesia's eastern archipelago, this island experiences a dry tropical climate with clear cut wet and dry seasons. As such, plan your trip between March and July for the best conditions.
The cultural heart of Sumba is deeply interwoven with the ancient Marapu beliefs, where the daily lives of its inhabitants are dominated by ancestral worship and traditional rituals. Though less crowded than Bali, Sumba offers an unfiltered look into Indonesia's traditional lifestyle, with villages actively preserving age-old customs and arts, particularly the renowned Ikat weaving technique.
Sumba's allure lies in its beautiful blend of untouched natural landscapes and thriving traditions. The island is celebrated for its unique peaked-roof houses, megalithic burial sites, and the heart-pounding Pasola festival, an annual spear-throwing ritual on horseback. Get an eyeful of Sumba's breathtaking beauty at Weekuri Lagoon and Wairinding Hills, or enjoy the lively buzz at traditional markets filled with colorful hand-woven Ikat textiles.
Dive into Sumba's culinary scene to enjoy dishes like kapota (corn soup) and sei babi (smoked pork), which are centered around fresh seafood, locally grown rice. And, don't miss trying their local specialty, jagung titi, a traditional corn dish served with fresh coconut and a sprinkle of chili.
Renting a private car with a driver is the preferred method of transportation for most tourists due to the challenging road conditions and lengthy distances between attractions. Arrange car rentals through your hotel or local travel agencies with prices ranging around IDR 800,000-1,000,000 per day, fuel, and driver fees included.
The period from March to July, which lies in the dry season, provides the most enjoyable weather conditions. Try to avoid the rainy season from December to February, wherein certain roads might become tricky to traverse.
No, stick to bottled water. The water used for cooking and making ice in most restaurants and accommodations is filtered for safety.
Board a flight to either Tambolaka Airport (West Sumba) or Waingapu Airport (East Sumba), both have connecting flights available from Bali or Jakarta. Direct flights are also operative from Denpasar (Bali).
Clothe yourselves modestly, covering shoulders and knees in reverence to local customs. Always request permission before snapping pictures. Some villages do ask for a minor donation or guide fee.
ATMs are chiefly found in bigger towns like Waingapu and Tambolaka. Carry enough cash, particularly if you're venturing to rural areas. Most major hotels do accept credit cards.
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Travel Tips for Sumba Island
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