Indonesia: Sumba Island Discovery

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.