SUMBA
Far from the crowds and well-worn tourist trails, Sumba lies like a secret — wild, windswept, and beautifully untamed. This is where time moves slower, traditions run deeper, and nature remains raw and untouched.
Imagine rolling savannahs, dramatic cliffs, and empty beaches stretching for miles. Waterfalls plunge into hidden jungle pools, ancient megalithic tombs stand proudly in hilltop villages, and locals still ride horses across golden plains, dressed in ikat weaves passed down through generations.
In Sumba, life is guided by the Marapu belief system, where ancestral spirits are honored and ceremonies echo with the power of ancient ritual — none more famous than the thrilling Pasola festival, a dramatic horseback battle that stirs the soul.
Whether you’re surfing world-class waves in Pero or Tarimbang, soaking in the beauty of Weekuri Lagoon, or simply watching the sunrise from a traditional hut in the hills, Sumba offers an experience that feels like stepping into a living legend.
TIMELESS TRADITIONS OF SOUTHWEST SUMBA
A Journey into the Heart of Kodi Culture
After a leisurely breakfast at your resort, get ready to step back in time as we venture deep into the cultural soul of Southwest Sumba. Today’s journey will take you into the heart of the Kodi region, where ancient traditions still shape everyday life, and breathtaking natural backdrops frame centuries-old customs.
Our first stop is the remarkable Ratenggaro Village, one of the last remaining strongholds of Sumba’s traditional architecture. Nestled beside a windswept beach where the waves of the Indian Ocean crash against the shore, this village is famous for its towering peaked rooftops—the highest in all of Sumba—each one crafted entirely by hand from wood, bamboo, and thatch. These sky-reaching homes aren’t just architectural marvels—they are living spaces shared by up to 50 extended family members, a testament to the deep communal ties of the Kodi people.
As you wander through Ratenggaro, you’ll see megalithic tombs scattered across the village—stone markers of the ancestral spirits who still guide daily life. If visiting during the harvest season, you may notice the village feels quieter, with most adults out working in the distant rice and corn fields, leaving behind elders and playful children to tend the homes and welcome visitors.
Next, we journey to Toda Village, where the locals greet you with warm smiles and open hearts. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore more traditional Kodi homes, admire centuries-old tombs carved from stone, and engage in heartfelt conversations with the villagers. This is a rare opportunity to learn firsthand about animist beliefs, traditional kinship systems, and Sumba’s fascinating warrior past.
As we continue our drive through the undulating hills and plains of Sumba, you’ll pass free-roaming horses, a symbol of pride and identity for the Sumbanese, and see megalithic tombs guarding village entrances like silent sentinels. This is Sumba in its purest form—untouched, mystical, and alive with spirit.
Return to your resort with your heart full and your senses awakened by the island’s raw beauty and living heritage.
SPLASH, SUN & SMILES: WEEKURI LAKE & MANDORAK BEACH ADVENTURE
Get ready for an afternoon of sunshine, turquoise waters, and pure island bliss! We’ll pick you up at 2 PM from your resort and head off on a cheerful journey to one of Sumba’s sparkling gems—Weekuri Lake! This natural saltwater lagoon is like a giant open-air swimming pool with crystal-clear, calm waters perfect for floating, splashing, or just soaking up the good vibes.
Bring your swimsuit and your biggest smile—Weekuri is a spot made for fun! After a refreshing dip, feel free to wander around the rocky edges of the lake where you’ll catch a peek of the mighty ocean crashing just beyond. It’s a surreal blend of peaceful lagoon and wild sea, all in one stunning view!
Just next door, we’ll take a short ride to Mandorak Beach, a postcard-perfect stretch of white sand nestled between two dramatic cliffs that guard its turquoise waters like nature’s own gateway. Whether you’re in the mood to lounge on the sand, dip your toes in the sea, or snap dreamy photos, Mandorak delivers on all fronts.
Relax, play, explore—or just kick back and enjoy the tropical vibes until you’re ready to return to your resort, feeling refreshed, sun-kissed, and smiling from ear to ear.
A DAY IN THE HEART OF SUMBA: CULTURE, TRADITION & TIMELESS LANDSCAPES
Begin your day with a meaningful journey to Bondo Kapumbu Village in the Karuni area, a community deeply rooted in Sumba’s ancient traditions. Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed by villagers who will proudly share the stories of their ancestors, customs, and way of life. Walk among the towering peaked rooftops of traditional Sumbanese homes, handcrafted entirely from natural materials passed down through generations. These symbolic houses are not just shelters—they represent spiritual connection, community, and the Marapu belief system that underpins much of Sumbanese culture.
From here, we journey to the serene coastline of Katewel Beach, a quiet, off-the-beaten-path stretch of sand where local salt farmers continue the age-old practice of salt-making using traditional methods. Watch as they patiently harvest salt from the sun-dried pools, a humble yet fascinating craft that ties their livelihood to the rhythms of the sea and sky.
A midday pause brings us to a local restaurant built in the style of a traditional Sumbanese Uma Mbatangu (peaked house), where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch surrounded by hand-carved stone relics and sacred symbols of Marapu spirituality.
After lunch, we visit Rumah Budaya Sumba, a cultural sanctuary and museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating Sumbanese identity. Wander through exhibits of exquisite ikat textiles, ancestral wood carvings, ceremonial jewelry, and tools once used in daily village life. The collection paints a vivid portrait of Sumba’s artistry and spiritual heritage.
As the sun begins to lower, we make our final stop at the sweeping Lendongara Hills. This elevated vantage point offers a breathtaking view across Sumba’s rolling savannah, distant coastline, and scattered traditional villages. It’s the perfect place to reflect on your day’s encounters—with the land, the people, and a culture that continues to thrive in quiet beauty.
Let the golden sunset over the sea mark the close of this soulful journey into the heart of Sumba.
