🌾 Explore Sumba

Where Beauty Is Not Just Seen — But Felt

Sumba is not a place you simply visit - it’s a land you meet, slowly.

The island stretches wide with golden hills, wild coastlines, hidden lagoons, and sacred villages where time still walks barefoot. Here, beauty isn’t loud. It hides in the silence between waves, in the warmth of woven fabrics, in the rhythm of horses galloping under ritual chants.

Every region of Sumba tells a different story. From the dry eastern savannas to the lush western valleys, each place offers more than a view — it offers memory. Tombs of stone speak of ancestry, mangrove trees dance in tidal sunsets, and traditional houses stand tall as guardians of Marapu, the island’s soul-belief. The past isn’t past here. It lives in every gesture, every ceremony, every grain of salt shaped by sea and sun.

But the real treasure of Sumba isn’t just the scenery or the stories.

It’s the people.

What you’ll carry home isn’t just photographs — it’s friendships. Unexpected kindness. Laughter over grilled fish. The kind of connection that turns strangers into guides, hosts into friends, and a quiet village into your most unforgettable destination.

This is Sumba. Come not just to see, but to be seen.

Not to take, but to feel.

And maybe — if you stay long enough — to belong.

🌱 Frequently Asked Questions About Sumba

How many days do I need to explore Sumba?

Ideally, 5 to 7 days gives you time to travel between regions and truly feel the island. Sumba’s size and road conditions mean slower journeys — but the reward is deeper connection. Three days may show you beauty. A week might change you.

How many regencies does Sumba have?

Sumba is divided into four regencies: East Sumba (Sumba Timur), Central Sumba (Sumba Tengah), Southwest Sumba (Sumba Barat Daya), and West Sumba (Sumba Barat). Each one carries its own landscapes, traditions, and stories.

What is the most famous cultural tradition in Sumba?

Pasola is the most iconic — a sacred horseback spear fight held in harmony with the lunar calendar and Marapu belief. But beyond Pasola, Sumba’s megalithic tombs, traditional houses (uma), weaving (tenun ikat), and funeral rites hold deep cultural roots.

Why do tourists visit Sumba?

Many come for its raw, untouched beauty — hills, beaches, waterfalls. But they stay for the people, the stories, the sense of space and silence. Sumba isn’t commercial. It’s soulful. It doesn’t offer you what you expect — it offers what you didn’t know you needed.

What is the best time of year to visit Sumba?

The dry season from May to October is ideal — when the skies are clear, roads are passable, and the island glows gold. But the wet season (November to March) brings lush green hills and fewer visitors. Either way, Sumba is never in a rush — just come with an open heart.

Can I travel Sumba without a guide?

Yes — but it takes more patience. Sumba’s roads are rough and signage minimal. A local guide not only helps with navigation, but opens doors to people, stories, and places you’d never find on your own. Sometimes the best memories begin with, “I had a guide who introduced me to...”

Is Sumba safe for solo travelers?

Very! The people are warm and protective, especially in smaller villages. You might get curious stares, but rarely anything unfriendly. Be respectful, especially around rituals and sacred sites, and you’ll often be welcomed like family.

What traditional food should I try in Sumba?

Try katemak (corn and pumpkin stew), grilled fish with sambal marapu, and the locally brewed palm wine called tuak. Meals here are simple, earthy, and full of care — often shared with hands and stories.

Can I swim everywhere in Sumba?

Not everywhere — some beaches have strong currents or sharp coral. But places like Waikuri Lagoon, Walakiri, and Mandorak offer calm and stunning waters. Always ask a local before swimming — the sea here can surprise even the brave.

Is internet connection available in Sumba?

In major towns like Waingapu and Tambolaka, yes. But in rural areas, signal can vanish. Treat it as a blessing — an invitation to disconnect from noise and reconnect with the moment. Many travelers say their best memories happened offline.

How can I support the local community?

Stay in homestays. Buy handwoven ikat directly from weavers. Use local guides. Respect customs. And most importantly — listen. Sumba doesn't ask for charity, but for connection. When you give your time and care, you’ll receive stories and friendships in return.

What makes Sumba different from Bali or Lombok?

Sumba feels untouched. No crowds. No big hotels. No curated experiences. It offers you something real — imperfect, vast, wild, sacred. It’s not here to entertain you. It’s here to remind you of what travel used to feel like — discovery, humility, and awe.