Sumba

Everything You Need to Know About Sumba Island

• How to travel to Sumba, Indonesia?

  The easiest and most rewarding way to explore Sumba is through a package adventure tour starting from Bali. Many travelers choose to combine the best of both islands in a Bali & Sumba round trip, allowing for a seamless experience with domestic flights, handpicked hotels, private transfers, and guided excursions all arranged for you.

  

  
  Sumba has two main airports - Tambolaka (TMC) in the west and Waingapu (WGP) in the east. From Bali, Denpasar airport flights take about 1 hour, and we’ll make sure you're picked up upon arrival.

  

  A 7-day tour in Sumba gives you enough time to visit highlights like Weekuri Lagoon, traditional villages, and remote beaches - while still having space to relax and enjoy the island's peaceful pace.

  

  
  We can arrange any travel combination you’d like - from authentic eco-stays to stylish beachfront hotels - and build a custom holiday package around your interests and timing. Contact us and let's us tailor your Sumba holiday

• Where is Sumba Island located and why is it so remote?

  Eastern Indonesia, Far from Mass Tourism Routes
  Sumba Island is located in East Nusa Tenggara Province, east of Bali and south of Flores. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, which contributes to its rugged coastlines and dramatic scenery.

  

  
  Its distance from Indonesia’s main tourism hubs has helped protect Sumba from rapid development. While Bali and Lombok have become major travel centers, Sumba remains quietly positioned outside mainstream travel routes.

  

  
  This remoteness creates a sense of discovery. Travelers often feel they are exploring a destination still untouched by time, where landscapes stretch endlessly and villages remain deeply connected to tradition. Despite its remote feel, Sumba is accessible by domestic flights, making it a hidden yet reachable paradise.

• What makes Sumba Island a truly untouched destination?

  Pure Landscapes, Limited Tourism & Timeless Atmosphere
  Sumba Island is considered one of Indonesia’s last untouched islands due to its low tourism density and minimal large-scale development. Unlike more popular destinations, Sumba has preserved wide-open spaces, natural coastlines, and traditional village life without heavy commercial influence.
  
  

  The island’s geography plays a key role in its untouched character. Rolling savannah hills, limestone cliffs, and long stretches of empty beaches dominate the landscape, creating a feeling of freedom and isolation that is increasingly rare in modern travel.

  

  
  Infrastructure in Sumba has been developed slowly and thoughtfully. Roads, resorts, and tourism services are designed to blend with the environment rather than transform it, helping maintain the island’s natural balance.

  

  
  For travelers seeking silence, authenticity, and unspoiled beauty, Sumba offers a destination where nature and culture remain beautifully intact.

• What is the best time to visit Sumba Island?

  The best time to visit Sumba Island is during the dry season from April to November, when the weather is sunny and ideal for exploring beaches, landscapes, and traditional villages.

  

  
  This period offers calm seas, easy access to remote areas, and the best conditions to experience Sumba’s wild and untouched beauty.

  

  
  The wet season (December to March) brings lush scenery and fewer visitors but can include heavy rain and rougher seas.

• What are the top 10 sights of Sumba Indonesia?

  • Weekuri Lagoon
    A natural saltwater pool with crystal-clear turquoise water

  • Mandorak Beach
    Small, hidden beach with white sand and dramatic rock formations

  • Bwanna Beach (Mbawana)
    Iconic for its massive stone arch and golden sand

  • Ratenggaro Traditional Village
    Sumba’s unique architecture with high thatched roofs and ancient stone graves

  • Praijing Traditional Village
    A living cultural site nestled in the hills

  • Lapopu Waterfall
    One of Indonesia’s tallest waterfalls, surrounded by lush jungle

  • Wairinding Hill
    Rolling green hills as far as the eye can see

  • Puru Kambera Savanna
    Dry, wide-open grasslands home to wild horses

  • Pasola Festival Grounds (Feb–Mar)
    Witness the legendary Pasola - a traditional horseback spear-fighting ceremony

  • Walakiri Beach
    Known for its "dancing mangrove trees"

• Why are there wild horses on Sumba Island?

  Sumba is famous for its wild horses, a unique and iconic part of the island’s cultural identity. These horses, known as “Sandalwood Ponies”, are believed to have descended from ancient breeds brought over centuries ago through trade routes with India, China, and the Middle East.
  
  

  What makes them special is not just their beauty and agility, but their deep connection to Sumba's traditions.

  

  
  Horses play a vital role in local ceremonies and rituals, especially the Pasola Festival - a dramatic horseback spear-fighting event held annually in West Sumba to mark the rice planting season.
  
  

  You’ll often see these semi-wild horses roaming freely across Sumba’s savannahs and beaches, especially around Kodi and Wanokaka. Their presence adds to the island’s untouched, mythical feel and is one of the reasons Sumba is such a unique destination in Indonesia.