Not many people know that just to the east of Bali, there lies yet another wonderful destination you can visit. The island is far bigger than Bali, offering more landscapes to marvel at and more places to explore. It’s one of the many reasons why people are starting to prefer visiting Sumba than Bali – but definitely not the only one.
Sumba has many exotic landscapes you can enjoy: from the exotic savanna, the rolling blue waves, to the great hills of its mountains. Most are still untouched by human hands, so there’s still much more for us to explore and discover. Whether you’re looking to sit back and relax or to embark on an adventure, visiting Sumba is the perfect vacation spot for everyone.
Still not convinced? Discover what makes Sumba worth visiting! Here are 10 reasons why you must pay Sumba a visit.
Read Also: 7 Gorgeous Places for Sightseeing in Sumba, Indonesia
10 Reasons Why Visiting Sumba Island is Worth It
1. Private and Secluded
Not a lot of people know that Sumba Island has so much beauty to offer. That’s why up until today, the island is still considered as a hidden gem.
While other travel destinations are always packed with tourists during the holidays, Sumba is the complete opposite. A lot of this island is untouched by human hands, preserving nature and local culture for everyone to enjoy. It has become the perfect healing spot for everyone who wants to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city.
2. The Sunset
Sumba Island has some of the most beautiful, crystal clear beaches, lined with a strip of picturesque white sand. But that’s not the main attraction of the beaches in Sumba. In fact, it’s the most wonderful sunset you can witness at the end of the day.
You can enjoy the sunset at various beaches of Sumba Island, from different vantage points. The best time to visit Sumba’s beaches is in the afternoon, so you can wait for the picture perfect sunsets. Combine the wonderful scenery of Sumba Island with the image of the glorious sunset, it’ll be like no view you’ve ever seen before.
Ubud
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Ubud
Book your stay at Bobocabin Ubud through bobobox.com and get up to 25% OFF.
Starts from IDR 760.000 per night. Click here to see reviews!
Kintamani
Book your stay at Bobocabin Kintamani through bobobox.com and get up to 25% OFF.
Starts from IDR 700.000 per night. Click here to see reviews!
Ubud
Book your stay at Bobocabin Ubud through bobobox.com and get up to 25% OFF.
Starts from IDR 760.000 per night. Click here to see reviews!
3. Wonderful Marine Life
If you’re more adventurous and have an interest in interacting with nature, Sumba Island also has wonderful marine life you can witness for yourself.
Snorkeling is one of the activities you can try to do so. When the water is calm, you can jump in and see hundreds of different corals and more than 3,000 species of sea creatures at Sumba, including six out of the world’s seven marine turtle species. Explore each part and nook of the different beaches of Sumba, you can discover different sea creatures at each one!
Read Also: 7 Gorgeous Places for Sightseeing in Sumba, Indonesia
4. Surfing Paradise
Another activity that can get the adrenaline pumping is surfing. Many of Sumba’s beaches have rolling waves perfect for the activity.
The waves you’ll encounter can be quite challenging, so make sure to be prepared before coming. Know which beaches are suitable for beginners, while some are more appropriate for advanced-level surfers.
5. Rich Flora & Fauna
Sumba is the home to many of the world’s rarest species. One of its main national parks, namely the Laiwangi Wanggameti National Park, is the home of more than 80 species of birds, 5 species of mammals, 40 species of butterflies, 20 species of reptiles, 170 species of trees, and more.
Another notable national park, Manupeu Tanah Daru National Park, is the home of many protected species: 118 plants, 87 birds, and 57 butterfly species. Suppose you have an admiration for various flora and fauna. In that case, visiting Sumba Island is the perfect way to learn more about these endangered species by watching them in their natural habitat.
6. Horseback Riding
If you’re tired of exploring Sumba’s nature on foot, you can try horseback riding. It’s a unique way to explore the nature of Sumba without being tired from your walk. It’s also one of the most exciting and family friendly things to do in Sumba Island.
Beginners don’t have to worry, a lot of horseback riding services in Sumba Island come with beginner riding lessons and equine meditation sessions. An instructor will be assisting you for the entirety of your trip, sometimes a photographer will even be around to capture your adventure at a moment’s notice.
Read Also: Ultimate Bali Itinerary Ideas: From Beaches, Pottery, to Wine Tasting
7. The Grand Waterfalls
Aside from the beaches and savannas, Sumba Island is also home to many beautiful waterfalls of the world. One of them is Tanggedu Waterfalls, also known as the Grand Canyon of East Sumba. It has rock cliffs and water flow similar to the notable Grand Canyon in America.
Admire the grand beauty of Sumba Island’s waterfalls, or be a little more adventurous by exploring the challenging treks of the waterfalls. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy Sumba’s very own wonderful scenery.
8. The Culture
Indonesia is a country rich with culture, each region has different traditions to upkeep. Well, Sumba Island is no different.
It has traditional houses specifically designed for Sumba’s terrains, each with a meaning – clustered on hilltops around the wide stone tombs of their ancestors. The house itself has three levels:
- Uma Dalu, the basement level where animals live;
- The first level, where the people reside; and
- The attic, a peaked roof symbolizing the spiritual world where the gods and spirits live. Only the elders are allowed to go here to bring in offerings and store supplies.
You can see the unique houses of Sumba Island’s local people in traditional villages scattered all over the island. There, you can also see learn more about their beautiful tribal clothing, beliefs, and way of life.
9. Traditional Festivals
Culture is still very well-preserved on the island. That’s why every year, Sumba Island’s locals hold annual traditional festivals as a part of their customs.
One of Sumba’s most renowned festivals is the Pasola Festival. Taking place in West Sumba, every year the festival would bring in large teams of colorfully adorned horse riders who engage in mock battles. In this festival, they would throw wooden spears at their opponents, similar to the war that once took place in the country. The festival is a part of a series of rituals at the start of the planting season.
Read Also: Jenis-Jenis Transportasi Untuk Menjelajahi Sumba
10. A Luxurious Wilderness Experience
There’s certainly so much you can do and witness while visiting your Sumba. All of which you can enjoy in luxury.
Despite being mostly untouched, most of Sumba’s accommodation offers convenience and comfort while still being surrounded by beautiful nature. So when you get tired from visiting all your planned destinations, you can still enjoy the scenic beauty of Sumba Island from the comfort of your room.
Experience the Beauty of Sumba to the Fullest, Stay at Bobocabin Sumba!
Want to bask in the beauty of Sumba Island as best as you can? No need to camp out, Bobocabin is the modern solution to make the most of your Sumba trip!
Safe and convenient, Bobocabin is powered by the Internet of Things to make your stay much more comfortable. With features like the smart window to give you privacy, a mood lamp to adjust your lighting, and a Bluetooth speaker to set the mood, you’re guaranteed to have great sleep.
Better yet, you can enjoy our campfire and barbeque facility. For reservation and further information, you can download our application here.
Header image by: Itchy Feet via Unsplash
