Sumba Island: Indonesia's Undiscovered Paradise - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Waingapu, East Sumba

Welcome to the Indonesian island of Sumba! Upon arrival at Waingapu Airport, your guide and driver will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

After getting settled in, hit the ground running with a 30-minute hike through a picturesque local valley. Along the way, you'll pass through a small village and if you're lucky, you might spot the villagers harvesting or planting red onions. After following a steep, narrow path deep into the jungle, you'll reach the stunning Tanggedu Waterfall. Admire the spectacular view while you take a break to sip some refreshing coconut. 

After hiking back to the car, you'll return to Waingapu for a stroll through the local fish market, which comes alive at the end of the day. Settle into one of the small restaurants—known as warungs—to sample delicious fish, shrimp, or grilled squid while observing the bustling scenes of local life. 

Day 2: Transfer to Wera via Matawai, Prailiu & Walakiri Beach

Today you'll leave Waingapu behind as your driver picks you up for a transfer down the coast to Wera.

Along the way, you'll stop at the local market of Matawai to browse colorful stalls of fruits, vegetables, salt, and local spices, as well as local ikat textiles and traditional jewelry. Enjoy the opportunity to observe the daily life of the inhabitants of Sumba as they go about their daily shopping.

Continue to the village of Prailiu to learn more about the island's famous tradition of ikat (patterned textile dying) and visit a local house to learn more about Marapu—the indigenous religion and traditions that still reign on the island.

After a visit to Walakiri Beach, whose magnificent white sands and turquoise waters are ideal for swimming, you'll reach the idyllic beach resort of Wera and spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

Day 3: Free Day in East Sumba

Today is free for you to enjoy the hotel amenities and beautiful beaches of East Sumba at your own pace. 

Day 4: Discover Waimarang Waterfall & Rende Village

Meet your driver this morning for an excursion to the Waimarang Waterfall. A 30-minute walk takes you through rolling terrain and lush jungle to reach this natural blue lagoon surrounded by dramatic rock formations. 

Afterward, you'll visit the village of Rende to observe the different stages and production of local ikat fabrics, learn how the weaving methods are passed down through generations, and pick up some of your own ikat items as special souvenirs. 

Your driver will return you to the hotel in the afternoon, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. 

Day 5: Transfer to Waikabukak, Visit Lapopu Waterfall & Praijing Village

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up and head west for the three-hour drive across the island, passing through many small and remote villages to reach the town of Waikabukak.  

Nearby, you'll find the tiered waters of Lapopu Waterfall, which you can access via a ten-minute walk and bamboo bridge-crossing. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters and admire the lush landscapes and sense of calm that surrounds you. 

You'll also explore the remarkable village of Praijing, one of the island's most popular highlights. Admire the traditional thatched Sumbanese houses as you chat with the locals and discover the megalithic stone tombs in front of each house. 

Day 6: Free Day in Waikabubak

Spend today at your leisure—relaxing at the hotel, discovering the many untouched beaches of West Sumba, or exploring more of the area on foot.

Day 7: Explore the Beaches of West Sumba

Today is devoted to the spectacular beaches of West Sumba. Join your driver to explore some of the region's best, including the postcard-perfect Kerewei Beach, beloved by surfers for its turquoise sea, white sands, and dramatic rocks on the horizon. 

Continuing to Watu Bella Beach, you'll pass through a small traditional village and groves of coconut trees to reach a magnificent stretch of white sand. Ideal for relaxation and photography, the beach is surrounded by a cliff from which you can take in sweeping panoramic views.  

For unparalleled relaxation, head to Marosi Beach, which remains wild and undiscovered. You may be the only one enjoying this hidden gem, so don't expect beach chairs or umbrellas—this spot is all about seclusion and peace in your own private paradise.

Day 8: Transfer to Tambolaka via Ratenggaro, Pero Beach & Lake Waikuri

Meet your driver for the journey towards Tambolaka today, stopping en route to admire the viewpoint at Mahera. Standing at this dramatic clifftop, you'll enjoy panoramic views over the beaches of Bawana and Watu Malandong.

Continue to Ratenggaro to spend some time in one of the island's most popular traditional villages, known for its beautiful seaside location and many megalithic tombs. On-site, you can buy souvenirs carved from buffalo horns and locally-made ikat.

Head to Pero Beach next, where herds of goats and buffalo roam free. Take advantage of this break to enjoy a picnic lunch as you observe local fishermen and their traditional wooden boats.

Then it's on to Lake Waikuri, a small lake formed by the cavities in the cliffside separating it from the ocean. A true haven of peace, this lake's turquoise water is unequaled in clarity, which makes this isolated paradise the perfect place for a swim.

Day 9: Free Day in Tambolaka

Spend your penultimate day on Sumba however you like—enjoying more of the island's southwest at your own pace or soaking up some sun on the beach.                 

Day 10: Depart Sumba

It's time to bid your Indonesian paradise goodbye, as your driver picks you up for the transfer to the Tambolaka Airport and your departing flight. Safe travels!

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