Sumba

Sumba holidays

The phrase ‘off-the-beaten-track’ is readily bandied about, but Sumba genuinely fits the description.  A world away from the well-trodden Indonesian holiday islands, Sumba is only now opening up to tourism.

It differs physically from its neighbouring islands: volcanic mountains and rice paddies are replaced with undulating hills and fields of maize. But it’s the rich tribal traditions that set Sumba apart from the rest of Indonesia, and make it a truly fascinating place to visit.

A journey through Sumba is like stepping back in time to an era of mysterious tribes and ancient rituals – such as the annual Pasola festival, when spear-wielding, jousting horsemen battle to appease the spirits. Around a third of the indigenous population follow animist beliefs, and it’s one of only a handful of places in the world where megalithic burials are still practised: impressive stone tombs are commonplace throughout the island.

Aside from its unique culture, Sumba is also well-known for its special weaving technique, which produces the famous ikat cloth, and itsunspoilt, unexplored beaches which have recently become a cult surfing spot.

Kodi

The extraordinary region of Kodi is a stronghold of traditional Merapu culture, and an essential itinerary inclusion for an insight into Sumba’s unique way of life. Of particular interest is the isolated village of Wainyapu, which sits on a cliff top (for defensive purposes in the past) overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Its traditional homes, with their absurdly tall thatched roofs, surround large stone ancestral tombs and spirit stones which are used for offerings. Traditional ikat clothing is still worn by many people, with the men carrying swords. Tourists are still quite a novelty, despite the village receiving a handful of Western visitors, and the locals remain slightly wary - although the excitement of the village children is always a great icebreaker.

Anakalang

Sumba’s ancient tradition of ancestral burial in large stone tombs is evident throughout the island, but nowhere more so than in the western region of Anakalang.

The most impressive example is the Royal Tomb in Pasunga, which features a huge vertical stone slab carved with the images of the chief and his wife – a job that took six months to complete, and was followed by the ceremonial sacrifice of 150 buffalos. The Umbu Sawola tomb is also notable for its immense size and weight; a single piece of stone weighing in around 70 tonnes, which (we're told) took three years to carve out of the hillside.

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Sumba is not for those who can’t get by without some home comforts: dining opportunities and evening entertainment are limited and accommodation is on the basic side, but it provides a truly unique and incredibly rewarding experience. Call us on +1(315) 998 1998 to speak to one of our Indonesia travel specialists.