Indonesia lies within the equator. As a result, the country only has two seasons, dry season and wet season. A dry season can last up to 9 months in some places, leaving people suffering from long hot and arid weather. So, having a place where you can feel cool all the time is very nice to have. Luckily for people on Sumba Island, Waikelo Sawah Waterfall is there to provide them.
Keeping them from being melted during dry season is not the only purpose that the waterfall has. It also has served other purposes to support the daily life of people living ther. Want to know more about the waterfall? Then keep reading the article to find out.
A Brief Introduction of the Waterfall
The Waikelo Sawah Waterfall is located in Sumba Island, an island of East Nusa Tenggara Province, one of three provinces of the Lesser Sunda Island. It was built in 1976 and initially proposed as a hydroelectric power plant, which was the first on the island. Now, the waterfall has also become a destination for tourism for both the locals and foreigners.
As suggested by the name, the waterfall is surrounded by sawah or rice field. As a result, the waterfall has another function for the people: helping the rice field with its irrigation. This massively helps the local farmers there, as they make most of their living from the rice field’s harvests.
The Waterfall’s Location and Route
In order to reach the waterfall, one has to take a rental vehicle or book travel, as the public transportation such as train or bus is unfortunately not accommodated there. The waterfall is only 12 km away from Tambolaka, the capital city of the Southwest Sumba District.
If you’re arriving at the island from the airport, it should take around 40 minutes to take you to the waterfall, provided the traffic is clear. Don’t worry about the journey being uncomfortable as the road to the place is fully paved and is routinely checked by locals. Set your GPS to Waikabubak, capital city of West Sumba District, as the waterfall will be passed through by using that route.
The Waterfall’s Beauties and Sceneries
Within the waterfall, there is an exotic cave. The waterfall’s spring comes directly from the cave. From the cave, the water continues to flow downwards until it reaches the rice field for irrigation. During certain times, especially during the rainy season, the waterfall’s current can be strong. Hence, it is not allowed to put yourself in the water near the cave area.
Aside from the rice field, the waterfall is also surrounded by lush trees. The combination of these two surroundings makes the Waikelo Sawah Waterfall a perfect place to enjoy the cool weather of the dry season and, at the same time, appreciate one of many beauties that mother nature has provided for us. The water in the area is very clear and fresh that sometimes one can spot some freshwater fish like parrot fish or catfish. The waterfall surely is full of flora and fauna.
The waterfall is open for 24 hours, so you don’t need to worry about closing time. But to get the best experience and avoid the cold air of night, it is best to go there during the afternoon or before sunset. You need to prepare your meal supply from the city, though, as local vendors are scarcely found within the area.
Best Time to Visit
To maximize your experience at the waterfall, it is best to go there during the dry season, which is between June – August. During those months, the watefall’s current won’t be so dangerous. So, it is safe to enjoy the beauty of the waterfall without getting worried about being drowned.
If you also want to learn and experience the local culture, visiting the waterfall during February, March, or November is recommended. Because during those months, the local traditions of the Sumba people will take place. Those traditions are Pasola and Wula Podu. Pasola is a local tradition in which two people compete by throwing a spear (the point is removed) at each other while riding a horse. Wula Podu is a local ritual strongly related to Merapu, the local religion. Both traditions are held as a celebration of the hard work and resilience they faced and their gratefulness to their ancestors.
With its beautiful scenery, it is no surprise that the Waikelo Sawah Waterfall becomes a major attraction for locals and foreigners to visit. The waterfall not only boosts the country’s tourism but also helps the locals feel ease in their daily living, thanks to the irrigation and the hydroelectric power plant. So, visit it while you can and enjoy its beauty.
