10-day discovery of Indonesia's Sumba Island

Waingapu

Day 1: Welcome to Sumba!

Welcome to Sumba! Upon your arrival at Waingapu Airport, your guide will welcome you to start your adventure.

Today, you'll take a 30-minute hike through a picturesque valley to reach Tanggedu Waterfall. Along the way, pass through a small village and if you are lucky, you'll have the opportunity to watch the villagers harvest or plant red onions. 

Next, continue along a narrow and steep path for about 10 minutes, to go deeper into the jungle and reach a waterfall - the view is worth it! Take the opportunity to rest - why not sip a fresh coconut while you take in the scenery? Stroll through the local fish market which comes alive at the end of the day, and observe the local life. Finally, settle in one of the small restaurants (or warung) to taste fish, shrimps, or grilled squids infused with local flavours.

Waingapu - Walakiri Beach - Wera Beach

Day 2: A culture-filled journey to Walakiri Beach

Today, depart Waingapu and drive to Wera. 

En-route you'll have many opportunities to observe the daily life of the inhabitants of Sumba. Visit Matawai Market to find fruits, vegetables, salt and local spices, as well as ikat textiles and traditional jewellery. Then, venture into the village of Prailiu to learn more about ikat dyeing processes. You can also visit a traditional house and learn more about the Marapu traditions that reign on the island.

Head on to Walakiri Beach, a magnificent white-sand beach with beautiful turquoise water, famous for its mangroves which attract visitors at sunset. You'll end the day's travels by journeying to your accommodation on Wera Beach, where you'll get to settle down and relax for the night.

Wera Beach

Day 3: At leisure on Wera Beach

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before taking advantage of this free day to rest at the hotel. Enjoy the beautiful beaches or stroll around! In the evening, return to your hotel for a second night's sleep.

Wera Beach - Melolo - Wera Beach

Day 4: Explore Waimarang Waterfall

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before being picked up by a private driver to set off and explore Waimarang Waterfall.

The walk to the waterfall is approximately 30 minutes long, journeying across hills and part of the jungle - make sure to bring your best walking shoes, as the terrain may be slippery! You will certainly not be disappointed by the day's main event, as you soak up views of the waterfall, and the beauty of the natural blue lagoon surrounded by rock.

Afterwards, learn more about the production of ikat by visiting the village of Rende, where age-old traditions are still very much alive. Observe the different stages involved in making this famous fabric, and marvel at the weaving methods that are passed on from generation to generation. You can even bring back an ikat as a souvenir!

Wera Beach - Waikabubak

Day 5: Drive to Waikabubak

Today, depart Wera and drive to Waikabubak. 

As you cross the island from East to West, you'll pass many small remote villages and witness typical scenes of local life. You could venture to Lapopu Waterfall; cross a small bamboo bridge to access it, then grab your swimsuit and enjoy the lagoon's fresh turquoise waters, while admiring the landscape and calm that surround you. 

As a highlight of the day, explore the village of Prai Ijing, one of the most impressive and popular on the island of Sumba. Walk around and share moments with the locals, who will invite you to sit with them - this will be the perfect opportunity to discover their way of life. You will also learn more about the tombstones located in front of each house.

Waikabubak

Day 6: On the beach in Waikabubak

Today, grab breakfast and take advantage of this free day to rest at the hotel. Enjoy the beautiful beaches or stroll around - the day is yours to do exactly as you please!

Waikabubak

Day 7: Wonderful coastal explorations

Today, a private driver will take you to Kerewei Beach, which is perfect for surfers. The beach also offers some calm spaces for swimming, and its white sand, turquoise sea, and rocks on the horizon altogether form a picturesque setting.

Continue on to Watu Bella Beach, visiting a small traditional village en route. After a 10-minute walk among coconut trees, you'll arrive at this magnificent white sandy beach - a picture-perfect place surrounded by breath-taking panoramas. Next, visit the wild and wonderful Marosi Beach, where you might well be the only one enjoying its beautiful white sands; you won't find bars, restaurants or furnishings here, which is all part of its charm.

Waikabubak - Kodi - Tambolaka

Day 8: Feel at one with nature

Get ready to depart Waikabubak and drive to Tambolaka. A full day of scenic outdoor pursuits awaits!

First, you'll stop at the viewpoint of Mahera, a cliff that affords a panoramic view of the beaches of Bawana and Watu Malandong. Continue on to the popular village of Ratenggaro, located by the sea; there, you can buy souvenirs carved from buffalo horns or go in search of more colourful ikats.

Next up is Pero Beach, where herds of goats and buffaloes roam free. Take advantage of this break to enjoy a picnic and observe local fishermen on their traditional wooden boats.

Finally, don't forget your swimsuit to enjoy the waters of the small yet mighty Waikuri Lagoon. Its turquoise water is unequalled in clarity, which makes this small isolated paradise the perfect place for a swim!

Tambolaka

Day 9: At leisure in Tambolaka

Grab breakfast this morning, before taking advantage of a free day of rest - at the hotel, perhaps, or on sun-warmed sands. Make the most of it - this is your last full day on Sumba!

Tambolaka

Day 10: Farewell!

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before being picked up and transferred to Tambolaka Airport, where you'll catch your flight home or continue your onward travels.