Explore the enchanting island of Sumba – one of the most diverse islands within Indonesia.
With its rugged, undulating savannah and low limestone hills growing maize and rice, it’s nothing like Indonesia’s northern volcanic islands. Scattered throughout the countryside are hilltop villages with tall, symbolic grass roofs clustered around megalithic tombs, where nominally Protestant villagers still respect indigenous marapu (spiritual forces) with bloody sacrificial rites.
Stroll along on foot or horseback on Sumba’s white-sand beaches. Search for the island’s secret swimming spots and waterfalls further inland. Engage with the locals who expertly craft Indonesia’s most prized ikat (patterned textiles).
Flying in from Denpasar this afternoon, welcome to the island of Sumba! Arriving into Waingapu Airport, you will be met by your driver for to Tanoma Sumba Beach Resort. Enroute from the airport, stop at Walakiri Beach. Here you can enjoy some time relaxing on the beach and enjoy your first Sumba sunset. Once at the resort, you will find it is located directly on the beach at Pantai Wera and offers views out across the ocean from the main restaurant and pool area, as well as from some of the impressive bamboo bungalows. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in East Sumba Regency, the beach is popular at sunset due to the magical silhouette made by the sun on the mangrove forest which lines the beach shores. (B)
Two nights at Tanoma Sumba Beach Resort
After breakfast, we head south to Waimarang Waterfall. Located in the middle of the jungle, the waterfall was discovered only recently by a boy called Eric who lives in the nearby village. He stumbled upon the waterfall while out collecting firewood when he started to hear the sound of water. Following the sound, he soon uncovered what he describes as the most beautiful waterfall he had ever seen. Sharing the news with his father, the waterfall was soon brought to the attention of the local government. When asked by the government what he would like to happen to the waterfall, Eric informed them that he wished that a road would be built so that everyone could come and enjoy the beauty of the waterfall. Eric’s wish was made a reality and a road was built, making it possible for us to visit this beautiful sight today. Eric still lives in the village and his mother runs the small cafe at the parking area for the waterfall. The trek down to the waterfall is around 30 minutes along a well cleared path. It is not too steep, but some areas can become slippery if there has been rainfall. When arriving at the waterfall, there is a small pool which you can swim along before jumping down to the main pool. Here you will find a modest cascade falling into a wide plunge pool, partially enclosed by rugged stone walls. After some time cooling down in the water, it’s time to return to the carpark where we can enjoy a fresh coconut and a packed lunch before departing to Priayawang Traditional Village, which is one of the oldest villages in East Sumba. Here you will witness first-hand, the Sumbanese uma mbatangu (peaked houses) which surround the Megalith Tombs in the centre of the village. Your local guide will inform you about the unique culture of the Sumbanese people and introduce you to some of the people who call the village home and still practice the traditional way of their ancestors. Leaving the village, return to your hotel where you have the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy at your own leisure. (B)
Following breakfast, continue your exploration of the East Sumba Regency, as we head to the Northeast of the island. Your first stop will be at Savannah Puru Kambera. The Savannah is packed with wild horses, buffalos, and cows on a good day. In the hot season, the savannah’s golden tones are reminiscent of the savannahs of Africa, but instead of zebra you are treated to the beautiful Sumba horses. The breed of horse found in Sumba is called the Sandalwood Pony, they originated from the island and are named after the Sandalwood trees, which are a major export of the country. Day to day, the horses are used for light farm work and riding from village to village. Once a year, some horses will be used for the annual bareback race and/or the Pasola Festival, Sumba’s most popular and traditional sport, which brings together dozens of riders to demonstrate their dexterity, precision and riding skills by throwing spears at their competitors. After enjoying your time at the savannah, continue to Morinda Villa where you will overnight. Morinda Villa offers simple, comfortable rooms. However, where the resort comes into its own and why we encourage you to spend a night at the property, is due of the breathtaking views that can be found here. Offering both sunrise and sunset viewpoints over a valley of beautiful green hills and a picturesque river which flows between them. In the evening, grab yourself a refreshment and sit back and be in awe of your natural surroundings as the sun sets for the day. (B)
2 nights Morinda Villa or similar
An early morning start for your sunrise experience. Driving down to the bottom of the valley, you will hop into your own kayak and enjoy a guided kayak along the river as you watch the sunrise above the beautiful hills which surround you. Return to your hotel to enjoy breakfast before heading out on today’s adventure. Your first stop of the day will be Tangdendu Waterfall. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of East Sumba or Twin Canyon in East Sumba because the its rocky cliffs and water flow, which are very similar to the Grand Canyon in the USA. After an adventurous morning, head to Pura Kembera Beach. The soft white sands and calm blue ocean make for the perfect spot to enjoy some downtime relaxing on the beach or swimming in the ocean. Due to the stillness of the water, it is possible to enjoy some snorkelling directly from the beach. A lunchbox will be provided for you to enjo some traditional Sumbanese food. In the late afternoon, depart the beach and head for Bukit Wairinding were you can enjoy one of the most special sunsets over the beautiful rolling hills of Northeast Sumba, before returning to the hotel. (B)
An early start this morning as you transfer to the airport for your onwards flight to Denpasar where your tour ends on arrival. (B)
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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