The best place to visit in Sumba is endless. Sumba is one of the islands located in Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia. It offers so many breathtaking natural charms that even a German magazine ranked Sumba as the most beautiful island in the world back in 2018. Some world-famous celebrities have visited this gorgeous island, such as David and Victoria Beckham.
If you depart from Jakarta, you can visit Sumba by sea through Bali. There is no direct flight from Jakarta to Sumba. You must take transits either in Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur, or Bali to Sumba Island. Most people prefer to transit in Bali since it takes only an hour and 50 minutes from Jakarta to Bali. On the other hand, it takes 3 hours from Jakarta to Kupang.
Sumba has 2 airports, which are Tambolaka Airport in Southwest Sumba and Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport in East Sumba. In this pretty island, you can explore various gorgeous destinations, from beaches, waterfalls, to traditional villages. Here are the most gorgeous places you must visit when you are on a trip to Sumba Island.
Lapopu Waterfall
Lapopu Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Sumba with a height of around 92 meters. This beautiful waterfall has fresh, crystal-clear water with a natural pool that is not too deep. This way, you can swim and enjoy the fresh water. When you visit this destination, you will be welcomed by the pretty tosca water. Lapopu Waterfall is located in the area of Matalawa National Park. From the parking area, you just need to walk for around 5 minutes to 10 minutes to reach the waterfall.
The refreshing waterfall coupled with the cool breeze is perfect for healing. It is better to visit Lapopu Waterfall during the summer since the water volume is not too much so that you can enjoy swimming more safely.
Kita Mananga Aba Beach
The next one of the best Sumba attractions is Kita Mananga Aba Beach. This pretty beach is located in North Sumba. It is 10 Km away from Tambolaka, the capital of Southwest Sumba District. There are 4 small reed-roofed buildings without walls at this beach, where you can take a shade from the sun while enjoying the outstanding panorama with Mario Hotel Sumba Barat Daya in the background.
If you want to enjoy Kita Mananga Aba Beach while sipping a cup of coffee or tea, you can order one in Hotel Mario Café nearby the beach. They serve delicious coffee at affordable prices. Kita Mananga Aba Beach is only 20 minutes’ drive from Tambolaka Airport.
Nihiwatu Beach
Nihiwatu Sumba Island is another exotic beach you must visit when you travel to Sumba. This beach ranks the 17th world’s best beaches, beating Hanelei Bay in Hawaii. With its quiet vibe, it is not surprising that a lot of surfers around the world visit Nihiwatu Beach to do their hobby. Nihiwatu Beach is a great destination for you who prefer a quiet beach.
This exotic beach is nicknamed God’s Left among surfers all over the world. It is because the waves here are one of the best in Indonesia and even the fastest in the world. There are some villas, Sumba luxury hotels, and bungalows for you who want to stay overnight or two near Nihiwatu Beach. You can also enjoy tasty meals at beachfront restaurants that perfectly combine both modern and traditional concepts.
Tarung Village
Sumba is not only known for its gorgeous beaches, but also for its unique, attractive cultures. If you want to know and learn about the real-life and face of Sumba, you can visit Tarung Village. This traditional village is located in the highlands, but it is easy to reach. When you visit this tourist attraction, you can see the locals’ traditional houses.
Moreover, you can also find relics of the megalithic era that are still well-preserved. For example, stone graves, stone graves with dolmens, menhirs, and statues. People of Tarung Village are super-friendly. They will welcome you at their best and they are willing to explain to you every part of their village. Visiting this traditional village will make you feel like you are in a different world.
Praijing Village
Another exotic traditional village that you can visit in Sumba. In Praijing Village, you can see 38 unique, traditional houses. The thing that makes it stand out is the row of roofs. Houses in Praijing Traditional Village have a distinctive meaning. For example, the one that is divided into 3 parts symbolizes the balance of nature. Praijing Village is another great destination for you who want to know further about Sumba’s culture during your Sumba Island tour.
Cendana Hill
Cendana Hill is located in Cendana Village, Central Sumba. It is 42 Km away from Waibakul, the capital of Central Sumba. It takes around an hour by car to reach this hill. Thankfully, the road to Cendana Hill is already smooth and fine so that you can comfortably ride any vehicle. Once you have reached here, you will be welcomed by the wide savanna with views around the hill and the sea.
Though the sun is right above your head, the weather in Cendana Hill stays cool and refreshing. There are 3 cottages here where you can take a break while enjoying the surrounding landscape. When you visit this hill, do not miss watching the sunset. In fact, Cendana Hill is the best place to witness the sunset.
Weekuri Lagoon
Weekuri Lagoon is a lake formed as a result of the splash of seawater penetrating the rocks. The depth of this lake ranges from half meter to 5 meters. The water tastes salty since it comes from seawater. The water is extremely clear to the point you can see the bottom of the lagoon. There are also beautiful rocks surrounding the lake, forming pretty stalactites and stalagmites.
Fun things you can do in Weekuri Lagoon are swimming and walking along the wooden bridge around the lake to enjoy its beauty from a height.
Those are some of the best places to visit in Sumba.
