East Nusa Tenggara is a place that provides numerous beautiful natural tourist destinations. From the expanse of meadows, hills, beaches, waterfalls, traditional cultures, and the list goes on. This time I will talk about the exotic waterfall in East Sumba, Kanabu Wai Waterfall.
What makes this waterfall the best fit for the real traveler? The main reason is because of the location. The waterfall is located in a remote area, to be precise, inside the woods. Kanabu Wai is located in Waikanabu Village, Tabundung District, East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.
You need a strong determination to visit this waterfall because the struggle is real!
Well, is it worth it then? Even though it is not an easy path to witness the alluring waterfall, the journey inside the woods may help to ease off the tiredness. Most importantly, the waterfall’s view will assure you that you have come to the right place.
How to get to Kanabu Wai Waterfall
Sumba has two airport which ready to welcome all the visitors to their land. Wakaibubak airport in Tambolaka, Soutwest Sumba, and Umbu Mehang Kumba airport in Waingapu, East Sumba.
Since your destination is located in East Sumba, then you can fly from I Gusti Ngurah Rai in Bali to Waingapu. The airlines available are Wings Air and Nam Air.
After arriving in Waingapu, here are the guide you can follow to get to the waterfall. From the capital, Waingapu, the estimated distance more or less is 130 km. According to Mukhammad Efendi (2022), you can only drive or ride your private vehicle since there is not yet public transportation to get you to the waterfall (tripsumba.com).
The nearest access is through Mahaniwa village. From the village, you have to take a walk for around 4-5 minutes. Here your physical fitness and strength will be tested. Another thing to note, there is no proper road to the waterfall.
Along the way, you will be treated to the lush forest. The view of the greenery will encourage you to keep going to arrive at your most desired waterfall.
The Entrance Ticket to the Waterfall
To enter the authentic waterfall, you do not have to pay. Thus, you cannot expect to see any amenities.
However, you do not have to worry; near the waterfall, there are some foods and beverages vendors in case you feel hungry or thirsty.
The Beauty of Kanabu Wai
After a long way to reach the waterfall, how it looks like?
Kanabu Wai means “waterfall” in the Sumbanese language. Make sure your battery phone or camera battery is enough to take as many photos and videos because it will become a great memory to be shared.
The view will pay off your struggle. After venturing deep into the wilderness, you will be served with the wondrous God’s creation waterfall. It is arranged like steps, and waters flow from the crack of the rocks. The plants that grow around the rocks enhance their beauty.
You can take photos from every angle, and it still gives you good results. Although, the absence of public transportation, no proper road, and no facilities. But, you can enjoy the waterfall as naturally as possible!
Tips When You Encounter Wild Animals
On your walk from the Mahaniwa village, you will go through the woods. There might be possibilities to meet wild animals. Here are some tips for you on what to do:
- First thing first, you need to learn about the wildlife in the place you will pass by.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. If you spot any wild animals, keep your distance. Do not provoke or threaten them.
- It is important to keep your composure. Sudden movements or running away from the animals will send a threatening signal to them, and the chance of being attacked will arise.
- Walk-in groups. Try to look tall and big to scare the animals.
- Do not feed the wild animals.
When to Visit Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara
The dry season comes around April to October. This season will provide you with the brown and arid scenery of the place, such as the meadows and the hills.
Rainy seasons happen between October to March; you will be able to see more greenery. It depends on you what season you want to explore Sumba and its beautiful tourist attraction.
However, the road to the waterfall might be more slippery in the rainy season. The dry season may be the best option for you to avoid the frequent rain pouring on your journey inside the wilderness.
Some Useful Travel Tips
Some travel tips can be useful on your journey in Sumba:
- It is important to keep your manners in any place you visit. Before going to Sumba, you may need to learn about some of their cultures. Most importantly, you have to be well behaved and respect the people and the place you want to visit. Do not speak rudely, and do not leave trash.
- A local tour guide will be the best option to tell guide you to all of your destinations and also the Sumbanese culture.
- You need to prepare for cash. When you go to the smaller town, make sure to have smaller folded money because it is hard to find change in the villages.
- Come at the right time. As I have mentioned before, it is up to you whether you prefer the rainy or dry season.
- Physically and mentally well. Before going on a trip, make sure you are mentally ready to explore new places, as well as physically strong to travel long distances. Driving or riding to your destination it is including walking and trekking.
- It is recommended to get a prepaid SIM card. Simpati and Kartu As are the best providers in Sumba. If you need to make a call and upload your pictures on the internet, you definitely need to prepare for this. Moreover, if you depend on Google Maps to get to your destination, you need to get this one.
Of many phenomenal waterfalls in Sumba, Kanabu Wai waterfall is a must-visit if you love traveling inside the deep woods. The waterfall gives you alluring water that flows through the rock cracks, and it is arranged like steps. You can enjoy this natural beauty with fewer people because only the true adventurer will come to find this hidden gem.
