A great vacation can only happen if you know how to make the most of your time. This way, you can experience the culture more authentically, explore every activity there is to offer, and bask in the natural wonders.
That’s why even after exploring Bali to the fullest, you cannot just stop there you have try to visit Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Sumba, Indonesia’s treasured beauty, is just an island away. It offers beautiful beaches and charming culture that will keep you on your toes.
Find out how to travel from Bali to Sumba, the best time to visit, and the top attractions that await you here!
Read Also: Top 10 Reasons Why Visiting Sumba is Worth It
2 Ways to Travel from Bali to Sumba
Source: Gary Lopater via Unsplash
Before we find out about all the fun activities you can do in Sumba, you must first know how to get there from Bali. You can reach Sumba through various ways:
1. Plane
Sumba also has a smaller airport for you to fly there called Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport (WGP) located in Waingapu, East Sumba. So, you can also book a flight from Bali to Waingapu Airport.
The two airports are located on opposite sides of the Sumba island. So, make sure to plan your trip accordingly.
It will only take around 1,5 hours to get to Sumba from Denpasar by plane. Depending on the airline and the route you’re taking, you’ll spend around Rp1,100,000–Rp4,000,000 to get to Sumba by plane.
Here is a list of airlines that provide flights from Bali to Sumba daily:
- Garuda (DPS to TMC)
- Wings Air (DPS to TMC)
- Wings Air (DPS to WGP)
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Ubud
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Starts from IDR 760.000 per night. Click here to see reviews!
Sumba
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Gunung Rinjani
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Ubud
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Kintamani
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2. Ship
If you’re looking for a cheaper transport option to get to Sumba, ships can be a great alternative.
You need to catch the Pelni Line on the ship Km Awu, departing from Benoa Harbor in Bali to Waingapu Harbor in East Sumba. As it’s not a direct route, the ship will stop at several harbors before going to the final destination.
The ticket prices are divided into two categories: adults and toddlers. With an estimated price of Rp130,000–Rp180,000, you can get to the island within 23 hours of ship ride.
What is the Best Time to Visit Sumba from Bali for a Memorable Vacation?
Be sure to visit Sumba between November to April so you can explore everything the island has to offer to the fullest.
The Sumbanese landscape looks more vibrant during these months thanks to the greenest green and brightest sky. That is not to say that the rest of the year isn’t as beautiful though; the time period only offers more golden and brown color palette.
Like the rest of the country, Sumba only has two seasons: the dry and rainy seasons. However, even in January—supposedly the wettest time of the year—it will only rain a little bit during the day or evening, while the majority of the day sees fine weather.
If you’re looking to do most of your activities in the daytime, then December will be the right time to visit. December has the most longest daylight and will help you check off the daytime activities on your bucket list.
Read Also: Yes, Our Money Has Many Zeroes: A Local’s Guide to Visiting Bali for the First Time
Top Attractions and Activities in Sumba
Now that you know how to get to Sumba from Bali and the best time to visit the island, it’s time to dig some various attractions and activities to do:
1. Visit the Beautiful Beaches
Sumba is surrounded by the sea. That’s why it has so many breathtaking beaches worthy of your visit.
One of the most popular beaches in Sumba is Mandorak Beach thanks to its turquoise water and white sand. The beach is also a short walking distance away from Weekuri Lake, a saltwater lagoon with calm waters you can swim in and home to various amazing corals.
If you’re looking for a beach with more extreme rolling waves to surf in, Marosi Beach is a better option. It also has a unique pinkish sand that will look pretty on your Instagram feed.
Sumba is surrounded by the sea. That’s why it has so many breathtaking beaches worthy of your visit, such as:
1. Puru Kambera Beach
Explore the enchanting beauty of Samba’s premier beaches, beginning with the captivating Puru Kambera Beach, situated 25 kilometers east of Waingapu City. Revel in the mesmerizing scenery of pristine white sands and crystalline blue waters that define this coastal paradise.
Immerse yourself in the idyllic surroundings of a vibrant green savannah that stretches along the shoreline. Here, you might chance upon horses peacefully grazing on the lush fields, adding a touch of serenity to the picturesque landscape. Puru Kambera Beach invites you to discover the perfect blend of natural splendor and tranquility, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a serene coastal escape.
2. Mandorak Beach
Next on the list is Mandorak Beach, second rank as Sumba’s premier tourist attraction after Lake Weekuri. Located in Southwest Sumba Regency, this beach rivals the beauty of Hawaii.
Tucked behind cliffs, Mandorak Beach reveals its splendor, especially during the enchanting sunset, creating a slice of paradise.
3. Nihiwatu Beach
For those seeking a surfing haven, Nihiwatu Beach is a hidden gem in Sumba. Though not as renowned as Bali’s beaches, Nihiwatu, also known as God’s Left, attracts avid surfers worldwide.
The waves here present a challenging yet thrilling experience for surfing enthusiasts.
4. Ratenggaro Beach
Another surfing haven is Ratenggaro Beach, known for its high and lengthy waves. This beach in Southwest Sumba Regency seamlessly combines nature and culture.
Not only does it offer excellent surfing conditions, but it also features the nearby traditional village of Ratenggaro, adding a cultural dimension to your visit.
Explore the wonders of Samba’s top beaches, where the blend of natural beauty and cultural richness awaits your discovery.
2. Marvel in the Grand Waterfalls
Wonderful waterfalls await! If you prefer some physical activities, you can trek your way to Waimarang Waterfall. Upon arriving, you can free your mind of any worries by swimming around in the refreshing blue water.
Other than that, you can also visit Matayangu Waterfall at Manupeu Tanah Daru National Park. Aside from witnessing its grand beauty up close, you can also spot various unique flora and fauna species in your surroundings.
3. Visit the Gorgeous Weekuri Lagoon
Aside from beaches and waterfalls, you should also visit the Weekuri Lagoon. With clear blue water that turns to gold at sunset, this lagoon truly looks like heaven on earth!
Separated by cliffs, this shallow lagoon is near the sea with a sandy bottom and cool waters that are perfect for swimming.
It’s best to visit this lagoon early in the morning so you can see the sunlight glistening on the water’s surface. You can also try snorkeling here and view all the beautiful fish. Alternatively, you can also visit the lagoon later during the day and catch the magical sunset.
4. Tour the Historic Villages
Sumba Island is home to many traditional villages, each with its own unique architecture and traditions. One of the most popular destinations on the island is the Praijing village.
Located in West Sumba, this village is popular for its exquisite architecture and historic megalithic stone tombs.
5. Join Traditional Festivities
Other than its beautiful nature, Sumba also offers great traditional festivals you can partake in. That is, if you visit at the right time.
The most anticipated of all is the Pasola festival that takes place every February and March. Tribes clad in ikat will split into two teams for a traditional spear-fighting competition in the hopes of fertilizing the land and ensuring a successful harvest.
Read Also: Romantic Paradise: 3-Day Sumba Itinerary for Sunset Lovers
4. Learn the Culture
Another appeal of the island is its rich culture, one of the most popular being the ikat textile usually worn by the locals for important ceremonies.
In Sumba, you can learn how to weave this beautiful traditional textiles directly from the local women. The textiles come in various patterns, mostly depicting animals and tribal designs.
Read Also: The Intricate Art behind Sumbanese Weaving: Motifs, Significance, and Process
5. Try Out Local Cuisines
The sea surrounding the island guarantees fresh seafood. You can also try out some local cuisines that you can’t find anywhere else like bokosawu nyale made from seaworms.
Read Also: 5 Indonesian Cultural Activities that Make You Feel Like a Local Citizen
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Written by: Sheila Lalita
Header image by: sutirta budiman via Unsplash
