Adventurous souls visiting Indonesia must explore Sumba, a small island in East Nusa Tenggara Province. From surfing on beautiful beaches to exploring ancient cultures in traditional villages, there are many exciting things to do in Sumba Island. This island can be a great alternative if you seek less mainstream destinations compared to Bali, for example.
Visiting Sumba requires extra planning. Since there is no direct flight, most travelers choose flights from Jakarta with a stopover in Bali or Kupang, the capital city of East Nusa Tenggara. From there, the flight continues to Waikabubak Airport in Tambolaka or Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport in Waingapu.
Sumba Island has everything for every type of traveler. Here are 16 fun activities to do in Sumba for your recommendation.
1. Watching Pasola Festival
Pasola is one of the most iconic things about Sumba, an ancient tradition that has attracted international travelers and photographers. This festival sees riders throwing javelins at each other in a ritualistic battle, a part of the harvest ceremony in indigenous Marapu belief. The excitement, adrenaline, cultural importance, and atmosphere definitely make this event a must-watch.
Pasola is held annually around February and March. During these times, you can find temporary snack stalls around the Pasola venue, and locals even open their doors for travelers who want to stay with negotiable prices. This event is so popular that many travel services actually include the event in their calendars.
2. Surfing at Tarimbang Beach
Situated in Tarimbang Village, eastern Sumba, Tarimbang Beach is famous as a surfing spot. It is also a hidden paradise, with pristine white sand and turquoise water protected by a small forest. You must drive three to four hours from nearby Waingapu City to reach it. However, the trip is worth the beautiful view and sound waves.
Tarimbang Beach is also famous for pre-wedding photography or a simple escape from bustling towns. A little lagoon is perfect for relaxing, and the beach is almost always quiet, even during the holiday season. Since there are no facilities, ensure you bring your own food, water, and a trash bag.
3. Enjoying Seafood in Waingapu
Waingapu has a seaport called Pelabuhan Rakyat (Dermaga Lama), a popular spot for enjoying seafood. This area is usually packed around dinnertime, serving rice and seafood dishes in humble restaurants or food stalls. Local fishers catch all the fish, squids, and seashells. We recommend dishes like grilled fish, fish with sour broth (ikan kuah asam), fried squids, and shrimps with sweet and sour sauce.
Want to try other dishes? Don’t worry, because restaurants at this seaport serve different dishes. You can find grilled chicken, fried rice, and local dishes like Waingapu chicken soup and rumpu rampe (vegetable dishes from papaya leaves and banana blossoms).
4. Seeing “Dancing Mangroves” at Walakiri Beach
Walakiri Beach in eastern Sumba is famous for its mangrove trees, which grow on the western part of the beach. During low tide, the shapes of the mangrove trees look like they are “dancing”, creating unique photography objects. The contrast between mangrove trees and pristine white sand makes Walakiri Beach a uniquely beautiful sightseeing spot.
This beach is quiet and clean, but you can still find locals selling food and drinks to tourists. However, you should bring a water bottle to anticipate hot weather, plus your own trash bag.
5. Snorkeling in Weekuri Lagoon
Snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Sumba because there are many great spots for it. One of them is Weekuri Lagoon, a tiny heavenly spot in western Sumba. This tidal lagoon has clear, sparkling blue water, surrounded by rock formations and lush greeneries. The lagoon is just 20 meters away from the beach, so you still have access to the actual beach.
Weekuri Lagoon has a shallow, sandy bottom, with a few rock formations here and there that you can see from above. The lagoon is entirely safe for everyone, and you can bring your own float to enjoy the sun, if you want!
6. Visiting Ratenggaro Beach Village
Many villages in Sumba retain old ways of life, including the architecture of their homes. Ratenggaro Village is a beautiful traditional village in southwestern Sumba where most people hold the indigenous Marapu faith. Their bamboo houses have tall, dramatic roofs that respect ancestral spirits. You can take pictures and talk with locals, but remember to be respectful!
Ratenggaro Village is close to a beautiful, pristine beach, which is also a prime spot for surfing. For archaeology enthusiasts, walk around 500 meters from the village to find a formation of megalithic tombs; some date back to approximately 4,500 years ago.
7. Enjoying the Majestic Bawana Beach
Do you want to see a majestic beach with magnificent rock formations? If you are in Sumba, go to Bawana Beach, which is around one hour of car drive from Tambolaka Airport. This beach is clean and pristine, with massive rock and cliff formations along the shoreline. They make the beach look dramatic, perfect for your Instagram album.
One of the most iconic spots at Bawana Beach is a stone formation that formed a natural “gate” due to erosion. This is an excellent spot for taking dramatic, beautiful photos. You can even get more attractive photos if you wait until sunset!
8. Enjoying “Private” Heaven at Mandorak Beach
Mandorak Beach is one of the hidden gems in Sumba, with pristine white sand and clear blue water. The beach is like any other natural beach in Sumba, but it has a “private” atmosphere because it is small and has rock formations that form a small “gate”. The beach is surrounded by lush greens, adding a hidden, natural atmosphere to the place.
Mandorak Beach is perfect for finding refuge from the bustling city. There is a modest parking space, and you must walk on a pathway for about 500 meters before reaching the beach. The path is petite and rough, but the beauty of the beach will not disappoint you.
9. Exploring the Megalithic Tombs
Sumba is one of the few precious spots of megalithic sites in Indonesia. If you go to western Sumba, you can find several villages with unique megalithic tombs. For example, Ana Bura and Gallu Bakul Villages have several giant tombs with carvings resembling male and female figures. In Pasunga Village, a vast, engraved stone tomb was erected in 1926, among other stone artifacts, marking the death of a village chief and his wife.
All these villages are situated 20 km from Waikabubak City. You can reach them using a rental motorcycle or car. Don’t forget to be respectful when visiting the villages or taking pictures!
10. Surfing at Kalala Beach
Surfing is among the best things to do in Sumba beaches, including Kalala Beach. This beautiful hidden paradise in eastern Sumba is quite far from anywhere, with the closest village being Melolo (60 km away). However, it allows you to enjoy the quiet, relaxing beach, with perfect waves for leisure surfing.
The best thing about Kalala Beach, aside from the sight and waves? It is close to another beautiful beach! Watu Parunu Beach is just 2 km away from Kalala Beach, and has perfect water for swimming. The beach has soft, white sand, sparkling turquoise water, lush greens, and beautiful rock formations. Watu Parunu Beach is quiet and less traveled, but depending on when you visit, you will probably encounter local fishers with their catch of the day.
11. Adventure on Wairinding Hills
Wairinding Hills will make you feel like an adventurer! These grassy hills have a golden tone during the dry season and lush green during the rainy season. Tiny walking paths can be seen splitting some areas, giving you the perfect spots to appreciate these hills from various vantage points.
Wairinding Hills are iconic sightseeing areas, and tour services often include them in their itineraries. It is 25 km from Waingapu City, but the road to these hills is relatively good, making the trip easier. Wairinding Hills are great for photography enthusiasts or anyone looking for a perfect spot to unwind.
12. Enjoying the Wonder of Matayangu Waterfall
Locals revere many places in Sumba as parts of the indigenous Marapu faith. One is Matayangu Waterfall, which is believed to be where ancestral spirits dwell. Aside from the religious significance, this waterfall is unique because it falls through a crack on the cliff. The result is a unique “spray” that falls right into a beautiful clear pool.
This place is perfect for enjoying nature and unwinding, thanks to the beautiful view and cool, fresh air. Matayangu Waterfall is also a part of Manupeu Tanah Daru National Park, which is known for having 57 butterfly species, including seven endemic ones.
13. Bathing at Koalat Waterfall
Sumba has a waterfall that resembles a mini-Grand Canyon. Called Koalat Waterfall, the stream forms a wide curtain that falls from unique rock formations. The water falls into a pool with cooling, fresh water. The top of the waterfall also has amazing rock formations that form natural “bathtubs”, where you can enjoy the water inside them while looking at the beautiful scenery.
Koalat Waterfall is situated in Maidang Village, eastern Sumba, around 70 km from the center of Waingapu City. The best way to reach it is by rental motorcycle or car since the location is a little secluded.
14. Trekking to Kanabu Wai Waterfall
Travelers who love extra challenges can try trekking in the forest to reach Kanabu Wai Waterfall. This waterfall is known for resembling a beautiful Chinese painting, with its multiple elegant curtains that fall from towering rock formations. The water falls into tiered streams that end in a beautiful pool, surrounded by lush trees and shrubs.
Reaching this waterfall can be quite challenging. It is situated in a quiet Waikanabu Village, around 130 km from Waingapu City. Once you get the village, you need to trek for about 12 hours, which means you may need to camp at some point. However, all these efforts will be worth it when you finally reach the majestic Kanabu Wai. This waterfall is a hidden paradise perfect for unwinding and releasing all your stress.
15. Appreciating Culture in Kampung Raja Prailiu
Kampung Raja Prailiu is a traditional village in eastern Sumba that maintains traditional culture but also opens its door for travelers interested in appreciating said culture. This village still has traditional houses with tall roofs called Uma Mbatang or Uma Hori. Many women also weave traditional eastern Sumba ikat fabric with exquisite colors and craftsmanship.
You can witness the process of weaving traditional fabric and learning from villagers about local culture. You can also rent traditional outfits for memorable photos or buy traditional materials directly from the local weavers. Remember, when you enter the village, you will be offered betel leaves, which you must chew and not reject, as a sign of respect.
16. Visiting Salura Island
Halura or Salura is the easternmost island off the coast of Sumba. A small community of fisherfolks inhabits it, but you can visit this island to enjoy a quiet, beautiful beach. The beaches have pristine conditions, and there are many snorkeling spots. There are also small hills where you can trek and enjoy the view from the top.
Want to see even more secluded islands? Wait until the tide is low and walk on the sand pathway to the nearby Kotak Island. This small, uninhabited island is beautiful and quiet, but many wild goats live here. Another beautiful, uninhabited island near Halura is Menggudu, and you can rent a local boat to take you there.
There are no specific tourist facilities here, but locals will welcome you with open arms. You can pay to get meals with freshly caught fish as side dishes or stay in one of the local houses (you can negotiate the fees with locals).
Surfing, exploring waterfalls and traditional villages, and unwinding in beautiful places are just a few great things to do in Sumba. Don’t forget to put this small but exquisite island if you plan to visit Indonesia.
