Accommodation
- Hotel (6 nights)
Explore the less-visited Sumba Island, from the white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons to the traditional villages
Embark on an unforgettable seven-day adventure through the wild beauty of Sumba Island in Indonesia. Trek to hidden Tanggedu Waterfall and swim in the turquoise waters of Waikuri Lagoon. Watch sandalwood ponies roam free on the golden-green savanna of Wairinding Hill. Get to know the local islanders as you play traditional games and help with farming in Prai Ijing Village and join an ikat-weaving workshop. There will be plenty of reasons to toast your island time as you watch the sunset over the Savu Sea.
Your tour highlights
Immerse in Sumba culture as you visit the traditional Ratenggaro and Prai Ijing villages – uncover the secret of the high thatched roofs, play traditional games, learn dances and take part in local farming activities.
Make more impact while you travel – support a local restaurant that trains youth in the community in hospitality, then join an ikat-weaving workshop that supports women to escape domestic violence.
Take in the rolling savanna landscapes at Wairinding Hill and encounter the wild horses – Sumba sandalwood ponies – that roam freely.
Hike to Tanggedu Waterfall, dive into the turquoise waters of Waikuri Lagoon and soak your worries away in the Waikelo natural spring.
Enjoy island time and soak up all the free moments you have to relax by the pool, lounge on white-sand beaches and watch epic sunsets (cocktail, anyone?).
Tour itinerary
Day
1
Tambolaka
Selamat datang! Welcome to Sumba Island, where rugged coastlines, wild savannas and hidden waterfalls invite you to explore the untouched landscape. When you arrive, you’ll be met by a local representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and take some time to relax before meeting your group and trip leader for a 6 pm welcome meeting. This is the perfect chance to get to know your fellow travellers and get excited for the adventure ahead. Then, head out with your group for dinner at a restaurant managed by the Sumba Hospitality Foundation (SHF). SHF empowers local youth through education, providing vocational training in the hospitality industry to teens and young adults from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Tambolaka – Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Tambolaka – Welcome dinner (restaurant by Sumba Hospitality Foundation)
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Day
2
Tambolaka
Start the morning with a visit to Rumah Budaya Sumba (Sumba Cultural House) – a cultural centre where you’ll get a deep insight into the island’s rich heritage. Learn how Sumbanese houses are living symbols of cosmological beliefs, ancestral connections and community bonds. Then, drive on to iconic Ratenggaro Village – one of the best-preserved traditional villages where the high thatched roofs soar up to 15 to 30 m (approximately 50 to 100 ft) high. Enjoy your packed lunch in a scenic location along the coast, then continue to Waikuri Lagoon for the chance to swim in the warm, turquoise waters. Head back to the hotel and relax for the evening.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Day
3
Waikabubak
Start the day with a short, scenic trek in Weekacura – a serene lagoon where the water cascades into a series of turquoise pools among the rice fields. From here, take a short walk to Waikelo Sawah (a natural spring), passing rice terraces and rivers along the way. Soak away your worries, then continue by car to Karaja. Here, you’ll visit Karaja Sumba in Letehakapuna Village – a social enterprise that empowers local women by supporting their financial independence to escape from domestic violence, through the preservation of traditional ikat weaving. Join a workshop and take part in this piece of local cultural heritage. After, continue the trip to Waikabubak for lunch and check into your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Please ask your leader for more details about the visit to Karaja Sumba, if you think the subject matter may be challenging and you’d like to opt out of this activity.
Day
4
Waingapu
After breakfast, check out of your hotel, then drive to Prai Ijing Village. You’ll tour the village with your leader and join in local activities like traditional games and dances or drying the paddy grains during the harvest season. Visit members of the local Sumbanese community and learn more about daily life and traditions. Later, set out for the drive to Waingapu, stopping at Wairinding Hill along the way. Pop open your packed lunch and enjoy your meal with a view. After, continue the drive to your hotel, where you’ll have free time for the rest of the day.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 to 5 hours.
The village activities will vary depending on the season and village events.
Day
5
Waingapu
Today, you’ll explore East Sumba’s natural beauty with a visit to Tanggedu Waterfall, often called the ‘Grand Canyon of Sumba’ for its striking rock formations and turquoise pools. Pass sweeping savanna landscapes reminiscent of Africa, where wild sandalwood ponies and buffaloes roam freely. It’s about a 20-minute trek to the waterfall, so wear comfortable shoes. Then, have a refreshing dip in the lagoon at the falls. After, continue to Purukambera Beach for a picnic lunch by the sea. Swim and relax on the white-sand beach before returning to Waingapu.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Day
6
Waingapu
Enjoy a relaxed day today, swimming, reading, enjoying the beach etc. Later, continue to Walakiri Beach, famous for its surreal sunset views and photogenic mangrove trees. Take a gentle walk along the shore and capture the iconic shots as the sun dips below the horizon. This is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the beauty of East Sumba before you end the trip.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hours.
Day
7
Waingapu
Your Sumba adventure comes to an end today. You are free to check out at your leisure and make your onward journey. If you’d like to extend your stay here, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
What you’ll see on the tour
Tour pricing:
from $1,870
per person twin/double share*
To secure your place now:
Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]
Tour Inclusions:
Activities
12
- 6 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 1 dinner
- Transport: Private Minivan
Not included:
Conditions:
The infrastructure and tourism industry on Sumba Island is still relatively underdeveloped, so it’s not easy to go out and do your own activities while on the trip. You’ll be out and exploring during the day on included activities, then back to your hotel in the afternoon where you can enjoy the pools and other facilities. Most of the hotels have outdoor pools or are within walking distance of the beach.
For most days when you are out exploring, only packed lunch will be possible due to the island’s lack of restaurants. Some, but not all, packed lunches are included in the itinerary. You may choose to take the packed lunch, or you may wish to bring your own food.
Sumba Island is best connected through Bali; there are also direct flights from Jakarta and Surabaya. If you have more time, you may also wish to check out a longer trip that combines both Bali and Sumba Island like Bali and Sumba Explorer (TISUC).
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