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Indonesia: Sumba Island Discovery

Indonesia: Sumba Island Discovery

From $ 1,545 AUD

Description

Embark on an unforgettable seven-day adventure through the wild beauty of Sumba Island in Indonesia. Trek to hidden Tanggedu Waterfall and swim in the turquoise waters of Waikuri Lagoon. Watch sandalwood ponies roam free on the golden-green savannah of Wairinding Hill. Get to know the local islanders as you play traditional games and help with farming in Prai Ijing Village and join an ikat-weaving workshop. There will be plenty of reasons to toast your island time as you watch the sunset over the Savu Sea.

Trip Name
Indonesia: Sumba Island Discovery
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Immerse in Sumba culture as you visit the traditional Ratenggaro and Prai Ijing villages – uncover the secret of the high thatched roofs, play traditional games, learn dances and take part in local farming activities.
  • Make more impact while you travel – support a local restaurant that trains youth in the community in hospitality, then join an ikat-weaving workshop that supports women who are the victims of domestic violence.
  • Take in the rolling savannah landscapes at Wairinding Hill and encounter the wild horses – Sumba sandalwood ponies – that roam freely.
  • Hike to Tanggedu Waterfall, dive into the turquoise waters of Waikuri Lagoon and soak your worries away in the Waikelo natural spring.
  • Enjoy island time and soak up all the free moments you have to relax by the pool, lounge on white-sand beaches and watch epic sunsets (cocktail, anyone?).

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Tambolaka
Selamat datang! Welcome to Sumba Island, where rugged coastlines, wild savannahs and hidden waterfalls invite you to explore the untouched landscape. When you arrive, you’ll be met by a local representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and take some time to relax before meeting your group and trip leader for a 6 pm welcome meeting. This is the perfect chance to get to know your fellow travellers and get excited for the adventure ahead. Then, head out with your group for dinner at a restaurant managed by the Sumba Hospitality Foundation (SHF). SHF empowers local youth through education, providing vocational training in the hospitality industry to teens and young adults from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Day 2 - Tambolaka
Start the morning with a visit to Rumah Budaya Sumba (Sumba Cultural House) – a cultural centre where you’ll get a deep insight into the island’s rich heritage. Learn how Sumbanese houses are living symbols of cosmological beliefs, ancestral connections and community bonds. Then, drive on to iconic Ratenggaro Village – the last traditional village on the island where the high thatched roofs soar up to 15 to 30 m (approximately 50 to 100 ft) high. Enjoy your packed lunch in a scenic location along the coast, then continue to Waikuri Lagoon for the chance to swim in the warm, turquoise waters. Head back to the hotel and relax for the evening.
Day 3 - Waikabubak
Start the day with a short, scenic trek in Weekacura – a serene lagoon where the water cascades into a series of turquoise pools among the rice fields. From here, take a short walk to Waikelo Sawah (a natural spring), passing rice terraces and rivers along the way. Soak away your worries, then continue by car to Karaja. Here, you’ll visit Karaja Sumba in Letehakapuna Village – a social enterprise that empowers local women by supporting their financial independence to escape from domestic violence, through the preservation of traditional ikat weaving. Join a workshop and take part in this piece of local cultural heritage. After, continue the trip to Waikabubak for lunch and check into your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 4 - Waingapu
After breakfast, check out of your hotel, then drive to Prai Ijing Village. You’ll tour the village with your leader and join in local activities like traditional games and dances or drying the paddy grains during the harvest season. Visit the local Sumba tribe who live here as you’re out and about and learn a bit more about local life here. Later, set out for the drive to Waingapu, stopping at Wairinding Hill along the way. Pop open your packed lunch and enjoy your meal with a view (don’t forget to keep your trash and bring it with you). After, continue the drive to your hotel, where you’ll have free time for the rest of the day.
Day 5 - Waingapu
Today, you’ll explore East Sumba’s natural beauty with a visit to Tanggedu Waterfall, often called the ‘Grand Canyon of Sumba’ for its striking rock formations and turquoise pools. Pass sweeping savannah landscapes reminiscent of Africa, where wild sandalwood ponies and buffaloes roam freely. It’s about a 20-minute trek to the waterfall, so wear comfortable shoes. Then, have a refreshing dip in the lagoon at the falls. After, continue to Purukambera Beach for a picnic lunch by the sea. Swim and relax on the white-sand beach before returning to Waingapu.
Day 6 - Waingapu
Enjoy a relaxed morning before heading out after lunch to Prailiu King’s Village, home to Sumba’s King’s grave, which is a megalithic heritage site. Stroll among ancient stone tombs and learn about the island’s fascinating traditions. Later, continue to Walakiri Beach, famous for its surreal sunset views and photogenic mangrove trees. Take a gentle walk along the shore and capture the iconic shots as the sun dips below the horizon. This is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the beauty of East Sumba before you end the trip.
Day 7 - Waingapu
Your Sumba adventure comes to an end today. You are free to check out at your leisure and make your onward journey. If you’d like to extend your stay here, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
25-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 1,545-
23-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 1,545-
20-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 1,545-
18-07-202724-07-2027AUD $ 1,545-
15-08-202721-08-2027AUD $ 1,545-
19-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 1,545-
03-10-202709-10-2027AUD $ 1,545-
17-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 1,545-
23-04-202829-04-2028AUD $ 1,620-
21-05-202827-05-2028AUD $ 1,620-
18-06-202824-06-2028AUD $ 1,620-
16-07-202822-07-2028AUD $ 1,620-
13-08-202819-08-2028AUD $ 1,620-
17-09-202823-09-2028AUD $ 1,620-
01-10-202807-10-2028AUD $ 1,620-
15-10-202821-10-2028AUD $ 1,620-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Private Minivan

Map