Nature & Beaches in Indonesia: Bali & Sumba - 12 Days

Highlights

• Attend a live dance show at Uluwatu Temple in Bali
• Relax on Sumba's beaches and admire the mangrove forests
• Visit scenic spots like Lapopu Waterfall & Waimarang Waterfall
• Explore Sumbanese villages and see their traditional houses

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Uluwatu

Selamat datang (Welcome)! Upon arrival in Bali, you'll meet your private driver and transfer from the airport to your hotel in Uluwatu to check in. Then, take the rest of the day to relax and explore the surroundings at your own pace.

If you arrive early enough, there are several activities you might consider. For example, you can explore the white sand beaches of the Pecatu region, such as Padang-Padang Beach, Green Bowl Beach, or Melasti Beach. Alternatively, you can spend some time learning to surf, visit the upscale boutiques in the Seminyak Beach resort area, or watch the sunset from the highest point of the Bukit Peninsula. 

Day 2: Optional Snorkeling Excursion, Uluwatu Temple Visit & Dance Show

Spend the morning snorkeling around the nearby island of Nusa Penida. You may spot manta rays in the clear blue water if you're lucky. Then, in the afternoon, head to the cliffside, Uluwatu Temple. Enjoy spectacular views of waves crashing below the temple as you learn a little bit about its history. The temple is known for its monkey residents, so keep watch of anything you are carrying that isn't attached and open zippers on bags.

As the sun sets over the temple, get ready for a spectacular performance of the traditional Balinese Kecak dance (pronounced "ket-chak"). Based on the story of the Ramayana from Hindu mythology, the dance has been presented at temples and villages across Bali since the 1930s. Gather in the temple's amphitheater to watch this performance as a few dozen men dance and chant accompanied by drums and fire. The rhythm of the performance is said to put dancers in a trance. 

Day 3: Fly to Tambolaka (Sumba), Visit Bukit Waikapulota & Pantai Kita Beach

This morning, pack your things and transfer from your hotel to Bali's international airport for your short domestic flight to Sumba.

Once you've settled into your accommodation in the Tambolaka region, enjoy a visit to Bukit Waikapulota village. Here you'll find a lovely beach nestled among lush greenery and a tranquil sea view. The friendly locals are eager to learn about you and your travels. Within the village, you'll see traditional houses built with high thatched roofs. Afterward, head to Pantai Kita Beach to watch the sunset. Here, you can swim in the clear blue waters or soak up the sun on the fine white sand. 

Day 4: Visit Ratenggaro Village, Weekuri Lake & Mandorak Beach

Spend the morning touring Ratenggaro village. Here, you'll have the chance to meet the locals, learn about their culture, and see some of Sumba's traditional houses. From higher ground, you can get an excellent view of the tops of the houses. The village is also located near a beach.

Once you're done exploring Ratenggaro, head to the saltwater lake of Weekuri in Sumba's southwest. Take this opportunity to snorkel and cool down in the clear blue water. Then continue your journey to Mandorak Beach, where you'll have a scenic panorama of the rocky cliffs and ocean waves. Another idyllic spot to catch a sunset. 

Day 5: Explore Watu Maladong, Bwanna & Pero Beaches

Begin your day of beach-hopping at Watu Maladong Beach, where you'll see enormous rock formations protruding from the sea. This stunning landscape resembles the famous Halong Bay in Vietnam. Once you've had time to look around and relax, continue your journey to Bwanna Beach, a long and colorful clear-sand beach found under an impressive cliff. This quiet spot is still unknown to most tourists. A steep climb will take you down to Bwanna's enormous stone archway. End your day at Pero Beach; a great surf spot considered a hidden gem. 

Day 6: Transfer to Waikabubak, Visit Traditional Villages & Lapopu Waterfall

Today's excursion will begin in the villages of Tarung and Waitabar, located just a few minutes west of Waikabubak. These two villages are built so close to one another that they've merged into one large village. Here, you'll discover the specific functions of the traditional village clan houses—home to the keepers of sacred objects such as drums, gongs, and machetes. They are also responsible for announcing the arrival of the holy month, Wulla Poddu. In Tarung, houses are adorned with buffalo horn collections and relics from sacrificed animals.

Walk around exploring the villages and learning about Indonesian culture before heading to Praijing. This village complex is sometimes called a "megalithic village" and contains 38 smaller villages gathered in one place! If you arrive early in the day, you'll have the chance to see locals begin their daily routine and witness their traditional way of life. After, continue to Lapopu Waterfall, with a height of 295 feet (90 m) on several levels. Enjoy bathing in the quiet, natural pond below the falls. Then end the day at your hotel in Waikabubak.

Day 7: Discover the Beaches of Sumba: Marosi, Kerewei & Watu Bella

Leave Waikabubak on a day trip, where you'll explore a few more beautiful beaches. Marosi Beach is a long, white-sand beach; most likely, you'll have it to yourself. This sensational beach follows a nearly 2.5-mile (4 km) convex curve of flawless coastline. At the protruding bit of the coastline's arc, a lone island meets a river estuary that trickles out into the sea.

Near Marosi Beach, you'll find Kerewei Beach, another unique spot. This famous beach is well-known for its dramatic karst islands. You'll see the locals climbing the sharp rocks to take pictures. The waters are so clear that you can see fish swimming around the small reefs below. Once you've taken some time to enjoy the beach, head to the coast of Watu Bella, just a 15-minute walk away. Here, you'll find a secret cave to explore. 

Day 8: Transfer to Tarimbang, Visit Tarimbang Beach

The next day, head to Tarimbang, a little area in East Sumba far away from the cities. Once you've arrived and settled into your accommodation, take some time to visit Tarimbang Beach, often considered one of the best beaches in Indonesia. The beach is shaped like a half-moon, with high cliffs flanking a long sandy coastline. It's a favorite spot for visitors to sunbathe, swim, and surf. You'll also find a small freshwater lagoon here. If you arrive late in the day, don't hesitate to climb to the top of the cliffs for a dazzling sunset!

Day 9: Transfer to Waingapu, Visit Bukit Wairinding & Walakiri Beach

Today's adventure will take you from Tarimbang to Waingapu on the north side of Sumba. You'll discover a few of the area's attractions on the way, beginning at Bukit Wairinding, a scenic field of rolling hills. The endless reams of broad pasture vegetation create a sprawling panorama that will give you goosebumps. The overlay savanna, reminiscent of an African plain, is yellow during the dry season from July to October and green during the rainy season from November to June.

From Bukit Wairinding, carry on to Walakiri Beach, known for its striking mangrove forest. Explore the mangroves as the sun sets, then settle into your hotel for the evening. 

Day 10: Explore Bukit Persaudaraan, Waimarang Waterfall & Rende Village

In the morning, head to Bukit Persaudaraan, a field of rolling hills that offers a stunning view of Sumba from one of its highest points. The panorama of hilly peaks and rice fields stretches out beautifully in all directions. You can also see the landscape of Waingapu City and the Kambaniru River. The green savanna surrounding this area signifies the fertility of the East Sumba region.

After taking some time to enjoy the view, head to Waimarang Waterfall. Located in Waimarang Village, this waterfall is a destination guaranteed to steal travelers' hearts. The waterfall is beautiful to look at and also features a peaceful natural swimming pool. An adventurous climb down the hillside can reach it. Later, visit Rende village, known for its enormous slab grave monuments. You'll also learn about traditional ikat clothes dyeing here. 

Day 11: Fly to Bali, Transfer to Uluwatu

Today, you'll fly from Waingapu back to Bali. Catch an early morning flight for more time in Bali or a later one to enjoy the morning in Sumba. If you choose a later flight, you can visit Prailiu, a unique village enclave located in the middle of Waingapu City. This village is home to traditional Sumbanese houses, dyed ikat clothing, and grave monuments.

Once you arrive in Bali, a driver will meet you to transfer you from the airport to your hotel in Uluwatu. For the rest of the day, you can relax on the beach, go shopping, or enjoy a meal on the terrace of a nearby restaurant as you soak in the atmosphere. 

Day 12: Depart Bali

It's time to say goodbye to Bali. Your driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. Have a safe journey home or to your next destination!

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