Are you a fan of sipping cute drinks while admiring the views of pristine beaches? Oh, do we have the place for you! While Bali might be the first destination that pops into your head, the real scene-stealer is just a hop away. Meet Sumba Island. This island isn’t the type of destination that’s trying to impress you, it just does.
Wide open beaches that feel illegal for being empty, hills that look like they’ve been photoshopped, and sunsets that will literally clown every sunset you’ve ever clapped for. Sumba has range. You can find waterfalls, wild horses charging across a vast savannah, to clear-water beaches that look like they’ve never been touched by humanity at all.
If you’re already in Bali, congrats, you’re halfway there! The jump to Sumba is quick and way too easy to ignore. The article below will show you the ways to travel from Bali to Sumba. Let’s check it out!
2 Ways to Travel from Bali to Sumba
1. Flying from Bali to Sumba
Photo: Farid S via Pexels
If you want the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Bali to Sumba, flying is your best bet. From Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), you can catch direct flights to either Waingapu (WGP) in East Sumba or Tambolaka (TMC) in West Sumba.
These routes are served by Wings Air, part of the Lion Air Group, with near-daily departures depending on the season. The journey is quick, about an hour and a half in the air.
What about Bali to Sumba flight prices, you ask? The prices also depend on the season and your destination. It starts from Rp1,1 million according to platforms like Skyscanner and Expedia. If you want a cheaper price, you can go during the low season, which is from November to April.
Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Sumba: Discover the Perfect Waves
2. Sailing from Bali to Sumba
Photo: PT DLU Official Website
Talking about a cheaper option, there’s another way to travel on a budget from Bali to Sumba, which is by ship.
Not only affordable, this option is also great for travelers who aren’t in a rush and want a more adventurous way to reach Sumba from Bali. The most straightforward is via Pelni ships, particularly the KM Awu, which runs routes connecting Benoa (Bali) and Waingapu (Sumba).
When this ship is on schedule, you can expect a sea journey of roughly 30 hours, with ticket prices starting from Rp400,000.
The most affordable way is by ferry. The Sape-Waikelo ferry, for instance, costs around Rp65,000 to Rp80,000.
Must-Visit Places in Sumba
1. Nihiwatu
Photo: Deepavali Gaind via Unsplash
Think of Nihiwatu as Sumba’s crown jewel, except it’s not locked away in some glass case, it’s right there on the sand, showing off. This beach is famous partly because of the super luxury Nihi resort, but honestly, the real star is the coastline itself.
The waves here are a dream if you’re into surfing, and even if you’re not, just watching people have fun, riding the waves, feels like a movie. Outside of the resort area, locals still come down with their horses, giving the destination a more authentic and raw island feel.
2. Tarimbang Beach
Photo: indonesiakaya.com
If you ask me to pick the best beach in Sumba, the answer would be Tarimbang Beach. This one’s all wild waves and dramatic cliffs, as if it’s daring you to come closer.
Surfers absolutely lose their minds here, since the swells are legendary, but even if you don’t touch a board, the beach itself is worth the trip. It’s clean, calm, and will definitely heal you from all the headaches you brought from the big cities.
3. Puru Kambera
Step into Puru Kambera and you’ll instantly get why people call Sumba the “Savannah Island.” This is where you’ll witness Mother Nature’s gift, a vast landscape of savannah, home of the wild horses we talked about! The sunsets here are killer too, painting the grasslands gold and the nearby ocean pink at the same time.
Read also: Best Time to Visit Sumba Island: Discovering Unspoiled Beauty
4. Mandorak Beach
Photo: Bobobox Internal Asset
Mandorak Beach is like that tiny cafe only locals know about. It’s small, hidden, and somehow cooler than the big names. The beach is tucked between two big cliffs, so it feels like your own private slice of paradise.
What makes it even sweeter? Just behind the beach, you’ll often see houses with tall peaked roofs, the classic Sumba style. With all of this, you’ve got postcard-perfect nature in front, and authentic culture right behind you.
5. Waimarang Waterfall
The next must visit destination in Sumba is Waimarang Waterfall. To get here, you’ll need to trek through the forest and rocky trails.
The trails cascade into this bright turquoise pool surrounded by cliffs, giving major secret swimming hole energy you often see in mermaid movies.
Jumping into the pool is non negotiable. The water is cold, fresh, and exactly what your body wants after a long journey of trekking. In conclusion, the place feels like it’s been designed for a small group hangout that’s looking for a memorable adventure.
6. Weekuri Lagoon
Photo: Bobobox Internal Asset
You think Sumba only had beaches? Cute. It’s time for you to learn about Weekuri Lagoon!
This saltwater lagoon glows in ridiculous shades of green and blue, and it’s calm enough to float in for hours without fighting waves. It feels less like a tourist spot and more like a secret swimming club Mother Nature forgot to put a lock on.
The area also provides wooden decks around the lagoon, making it easier for you to dive in, sunbathe, or just chill while dangling your feet in the water.
7. Ratenggaro Beach
Photo: Bobobox Internal Asset
Ratenggaro Beach is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a slightly educational vacation.
On one side, this place is blessed with a pristine beach with crashing waves and sand that goes on forever. On the other side, there’s a traditional village with towering megalithic tombs and iconic Sumba houses.
The vibes here are unreal because you get to experience both culture and nature at once. You can choose to swim on the beach or pick a guided tour around the village for a better understanding of Sumba’s traditions.
Read also: Unlocking the Path to Paradise: How to Get to Sumba Island from Jakarta
8. Praijing Village
Photo: Wikipedia
Sumba isn’t just about its waters, the culture here is just as jawdropping. Praijing Village is the living proof. Rows of traditional houses with tall, pointy roofs line up like they’re ready to welcome you.
Walking around, you’ll see locals weaving ikat cloth, tending to animals, and carrying on traditions that go back centuries.
What makes it magical is the hospitality. People here welcome visitors with warm smiles and stories about their customs, so it’s not just sightseeing, it’s also connecting you to the culture.
Relaxing Stay at Bobocabin Umarato, Sumba
Photo: Bobobox Internal Asset
After exploring those stunning corners of Sumba, your journey wouldn’t feel complete without a stay at Bobocabin Umarato, Sumba. This accommodation isn’t just a place to sleep, it’s designed to be a part of the adventure itself.
Each cabin blends modernism with comfort, featuring large windows that open up to breathtaking natural views, so you can wake up with the landscape right outside your room.
What makes Bobocabin Umarato stands out even more is the smart features that elevate your stay. You’ll get a keyless experience with a QRIS smartlock, a touch panel inside the cabin that lets you control its surroundings with ease, and a private bathroom for your privacy and comfort.
For more information and reservations, you can download the Bobobox app right here!
Writer: Samala Mahadi
Featured photo: Bobobox Internal Asset
