The island of Sumba is well known of its sandalwoods, horses, impressive megalithic tombs, typical hand woven textile ("ikat"), and still untouched beautiful
beaches. There are two entering point in to Sumba island from anywhere in the Lesser Waingapu & Waikabubak (Tambolaka). These are the people could enter Sumba for either by flight or boat
Sumba island covers an area of 11,150 square km which is now populated by about 350,000 people. Generally the climate similar to other part of Indonesia where a dry season (May to November), and a rainy season (December to April). The island of Sumba is well known of its sandlewood, horses, impressive megalithic tombs, typical hand woven textile ("ikat"), and still untouched beautiful beaches. There are two entering point in to Sumba island from anywhere in the Lesser Waingapu & Waikabubak (Tambolaka). These are the people could enter Sumba for either by flight or boat.
Sumba island has a great and unique position respect to the Sunda Banda archipelagoes, it is one of the biggest island on the East Nusa Tenggara region beside Flores and Timor. It represents an isolated sliver of probable continental crust to the south of active volcanic islands (Sumbawa, Flores ) within the forearc basin (Fig.1). It is situated to the north of passage from the Java Trench (subduction front) to the Timor Through (collision front).
It does not show still the effects of strong compression in contrast to islands of the outer arc system (Savu, Roti, Timor), while the magmatic units make up a substantial part of the Late Cretaceous to Paleogene stratigraphy.
Most Sumbanese are Christian (Catholic and Protestant), however, and part of them are still strongly keep their native and original religion called Marapu. Most cultural objects are related to the Marapu religion such as the shape of traditional houses, ceremonies, or kings' graves and tombs.
The Customary houses designed in 
high-peaked roof to store the heirlooms and store. It is divided into male and female section, and generally surrounded by impressive megalithic tombs. Their famous ceremony are the wedding and funerals. where they usually sacrificed animals pigs, buffaloes, cattle, and horses.
The Megalithic tombs are made from the hard stone forming the megalithic shape. This covered by rectangle flat stone supported by four pillars about 1,5 meters high. The Megalithic tombs are actually located in the front of their houses
A primitive Sumbanese art objects strongly related with a social functions of Merapu belief. The carved stones and wood statues are representing the death, Merapu, and as medium for their contact. Metal ornaments and jewelry are usually for wedding ceremonies, and are related to the social status.
Sumba Island Tours - Sumba Island Travel Information and Guides
A. 03Days / 02 Nights Sumba Adventure
Days 01 : Bali - Tambolaka (Waikabubak - West Sumba)
Pick up service at your hotel and in Bali, transfer to the airport for your morning flight leaving for Tambolaka in the western part of Sumba island.Upon arrival at Tambolaka airport, meeting service and direct transfer to Manandang Hotel or Monalisa Hotel. Lunch and dinner provided. Afternoon Puu Naga, Tambeler and Tarung the most bautiful traditional Sumba village with their unique architecture. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 : Waikabubak – Sumba Village Tours
After breakfast, drive to Kodi district with enroute stop at Tambolaka and Waimangura village. Arrive at Kodi visit Ratenegaro and Pronobaroro village that have the highest roofs and biggest tombs on the island. Return to Waikabubak. All meals provided. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 : Tambolaka (West Sumba) - Denpasar (Bali)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure to Denpasar (Bali).
| Price : US$ 495 / Person Min 02 Person |
| B. 04 Days / 03 Nights Sumba Primitives and Megaliths Tombs Tour |
Day 01 : BALI - TAMBOLAKA 
Pick up service at your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport to catch domestic flight (Merpati flight) leaving for Tambolaka in West Sumba. Upon arrival at Tambolaka airport, meeting service and direct transfer to Manandang Hotel or Monalisa Hotel. Lunch and dinner provided. Afternoon Puu Naga, Tambeler and Tarung the most bautiful traditional Sumba village with their unique architecture. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 : WAIKABUBAK - KODI - WAIKABUBAK
After breakfast, drive to Kodi district with enroute stop at Tambolaka and Waimangura village. Arrive at Kodi visit Ratenegaro and Pronobaroro village that have the highest roofs and biggest tombs on the island. Return to Waikabubak. All meals provided. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 : WAIKABUBAK - WANOKAKA - WAINGAPU
After breakfast, depart to Waingapu in the eastern part of Sumba island with en-route stop at Wanokaka (where the Pasola event take place). "Please note - Pasola is NOT performed daily)" and few of highlight on the way to the east. All meals provided. Upon arrival in Waingapu, direct transfer to Merlin Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04 : WAINGAPU - DENPASAR (BALI)
After breakfast, morning visit to Kawangu and Prailiu village to see the "masterpiece" artwork of handicraft textile, traditional houses and tombs of Merapu cosmic religion. Transfer to the airport, return to Bali. Upon arrival in Bali, direct transfer to your original hotel.
| Price : US$ 575 / Person Min 02 Person |
| C. 04 Days / 03 Nights Sumbanese Weaving Exploration |
Day 01 : Bali - Waingapu (Sumba Island) 
Arrive at Waingapu airport, meeting service and transfer to Merlin Hotel. In afternoon visit Kawangu and Prailui village to see the "masterpiece" artwork of handicraft textile, traditional houses and tombs of Merapu cosmic religion. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02 : Waingapu - Waikabubak
After breakfast at the hotel, Drive to Waikabubak (west Sumba). On the way stop at Pasunga village of Anakalang where the very huge and spectacular carved tombs exist. Lunch at hotel Monalisa. In the afternoon visit Puu Naga, Tambeler and Tarung the most beautiful traditional Sumba village with their unique architecture. Dinner and night at Monalisa
Hotel.
Day 03 : Waikabubak - Waingapu
After breakfast, visit Waigali, Kaba and Paogolli village. After lunch drive to Waingapu. Meals and nights at Merlin Hotel or similar.
Day 04 : Waingapu - Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart for your next destination.
| Price : US$ 610 / Person Min 02 Person | ||
| D. 05 Days / 04 Nights Sumba Megalithic & Culture Tour |
Day 0l : ARRIVAL (B, L, D)
On arrival at Waingapu airport, meeting our transfer service to Merlin Hotel for lunch. After lunch visit to Prainatang village, located on a hill site. Here you can see traditional houses of East Sumba, old grave stones surrounded by beautiful valley panoramas. Walking about 2 kms off the main road, you proceed to Purukambera beach for swimming. Transfer back to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 02 : WAINGAPU – WAIKABUBAK (B, L, D)
After breakfast transfer by coach to Waikabubak – West Sumba, with enroute stop to Anakalang and Nggalubakul village to see the “huge“ megalithic tombs of Sumba island, proceed to Waikabubak and check in at Manandang/Artha Hotel for lunch.
After lunch trip to Waikelosawah to see a natural spring waterfall with surrounding rice field terraces. Visit to Tarung and Waitabar village to see traditional Sumbanese houses, grave stones and collections of buffalo horn. Transfer back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 03 : WAIKABUBAK – KODI (B, L, D)
After breakfast transfer to Kodi for visiting the village of Ratenggaro and Paronabororo seeing the highest peaked roofs of traditional houses, and megalithic tombs. A lunch box will be provided from the Hotel. Transfer back to Waikabubak to your Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 04 : WAIKABUBAK – LAMBOYA – WAINGAPU (B, L, D)
After breakfast explore the southernpart of Waikabubak with beautiful sceneries and traditional villages, proceeding to Marosi beach. Back to hotel for lunch. After lunch return to Waingapu and check in at Merlin Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 05 : TRANSFER OUT (B, L)
After breakfast free time for leisure until your transfer to Waingapu airport for flight departure to next destination.
| Price : US$ 610 / Person Min 02 Person | ||
| E. 06 Days / 05 Nights Sumba Culture Tour |
Day 0l : ARRIVAL (BLD)
On arrival at Mauhau Waingapu ai
rport, meeting service then transfer to Merlin hotel for lunch. After lunch visit to Prainatang village is located on the hill. Here you can see the traditional houses style in East Sumba, old grave stone yard and surounding with the valley panoramas.
Day 02 : WAINGAPU – PAU – RENDE (BLD)
After breakfast visit to Prainatang Village located up on a hill top where you can see the traditional houses of East Sumba, old traditional grave stones, and a stunning valley panorama. After walking 1km we arrive at a traditional village, proceeding to Purukambera Beach for swimming. Back to the Hotel for lunch with an afternoon trip to Pau and Rende Village for seeing the best of Sumba “Ikat“.
Day 03 : WAINGAPU - WAIKABUBAK (BLD)
After breakfast to visit Prailiu Village the famous for its “ Ikat “ Weaving then by coach to Waikabubak – West Sumba, enroute stop to Anakalang the nice carved megalithic tombs in Sumba island, proceed to Waikabubak and check in at Manandang/Artha hotel for lunch. After lunch trip to Waikelosawah to see a natural spring waterfall with surrounding rice field terraces. Visit to Tarung and Waitabar village to see traditional Sumbanese houses, grave stones and collections of buffalo horn. Transfer back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 04 : WAIKABUBAK – KODI (BLD)
After breakfast transfer to Kodi for visiting the village of Ratenggaro and Paronabororo seeing the highest peaked roofs of traditional houses, and megalithic tombs. A lunch box will be provided from the Hotel. Transfer back to Waikabubak to your Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 05 : WAIKABUBAK – WANOKAKA – WAINGAPU (BLD)
After breakfast explore the southern part of Waikabubak with beautiful sceneries and traditional village, proceeding to Marosi beach. Back to hotel for lunch. After lunch return to Waingapu and check at Merlin Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 06 : TRANSFER OUT (BL)
After breakfast free time for leisure until your transfer to the airport for departure to next destination.
| Price : US$ 700 / Person Min 02 Person |
Sumba Pasola Festival - Sumba Island Travel Guide
Pasola is the name of ancient war ritual war festival by two groups of selected Sumbanese men. They riding their colorful decorated selected horses fling wooden spears at each other. This traditional ceremony held in the way of uniquely and sympathetically traditional norms, every year in February and March.
The festival occurs during February in Lamboya and Kodi. The main activity starts several days after the full moon and coincides with the yearly arrival to the shore of strange, and multihued sea worms – Nyale. The precise date of the event decided by Rato during the Wulapodu (the month of Pasola the fasting month).
Pasola is derived from the word Sola or Hola meaning a kind of a long wooden stick used as a spear to fling each other by two opponent groups of horsemen. The horses use for this ritual are usually ridden by braves and skilled selected men wearing traditional customs. In its wider and deeper meanings Pasola really not only is something worth looking on but also is something worth appreciating, for there are still other elements bound tightly behind it.
The people of Sumba believe that the ritual has a very close link to the habit of the people since it arranges the behavior and the habit of the people so that the balanced condition between the physical – material needs and the mental – spiritual needs can be easily created; or in other words the ritual is believed to be able to crystallize the habit and the opinion of the people so that they can live happily both in earth and in heaven. In addition to it, Pasola is also believed to have close relation to the activity in agriculture field, therefore any bloodshed (of sacrificial cattle or men participating in the game) is considered the symbol of prosperity that must exist. Without blood Pasola mean nothing to them. Those who died in the Pasola arena are believed to have broken law of tradition the fasting month.
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Sumba Island Surfing Information - Sumba Island Travel Guide
SUMBA ISLAND SURFING
Being on Sumba you can experience one of the world's more challenging surfing waves close to the hotel. Kerewe, Marosi and
Dasang are beaches facing south intothe Indian Ocean and therefore the surf is very consistent.You will be a forerunner for those spots that still few people have discovered.
Located in the Lesser Sunda Island chain in Southeast Indonesia, just a hair east of Bali, Sumba is a beautiful island with a rich cultural tradition, and is home to world class waves. Not highly accessible, it's not on everyone's hit list. As with other surf destinations in Indonesia, it is blessed with great surf much of the year, particularly April through October.
WEST SUMBA SURFING
NIHIWATU AND SURFING
Nihiwatu is a destination for surfers to bring their partners or families and do whatever they want in style and serious comfort. 
Nihiwatu is situated on one of the premier lefts in Indonesia, and the resort restricts the number of surfers booked into the resort to only 9 at any one time.
There is no doubt that Nihiwatu is one of the top waves in Indonesia and the world. The professional surfers who have visited Nihiwatu over the years have attested to this. There have been several surf movies made here with the arraignment of the owners and with the agreement that the filmmakers and photographers would not name the location.
Nevertheless the word has leaked out and now there is a cult following of surfers who know about Nihiwatu. In some circles Nihiwatu has already achieved legendary status.
Just 100 yards off of Nihiwatu beach is one of the world’s most perfect waves. Guests of ours have the added benefit of riding, or just watching, the incredible surf breaking on the reef directly in front of the resort.
Nihiwatu faces southwest into the Indian Ocean and is ideally suited for picking up swell arriving from thousands of miles away; the surf here is very consistent. If the surf is flat here you can be sure it is flat just about everywhere else in the archipelago.
Many professional surfers have visited Nihiwatu over the years and several surf movies have been filmed here featuring the 1999 world surfing champion Mark Occhilupo. If you are seeking large double overhead surf the best times are during the months of May through October on the full and new moons. In between those times we often have perfect waves in the three to six foot range.
THE WAVE AND THE REEF
The wave breaks from deep water onto a shallow reef directly in front of the resort, tubing from start to finish. It is thick and steep on the takeoff and sucking a lot of water up the face. Nihiwatu is one of the fastest rideable waves anywhere, taking only six to ten seconds to travel the 250+ yard length of the wave.
This is not a hot dogging wave, it is full on down-the-line surfing. One slight mistake and you probably won't make it to the channel. Nihiwatu breaks best at 4' and above and the bigger the swell the better the wave becomes. 8' to 10' swells are common here and there are usually several 12'+ swells each year.
The coral reef is relatively surfer-friendly. The coral is pounded flat by the waves and hitting the bottom does not necessarily mean getting cut. In fact over the past twelve years there have been very few surfers with reef cuts and no serious injuries.
ACCESS
The wave breaks 80 yards off the beach and ends in a deep channel. The setup is ideal and paddling out through the channel is easy without having to punch through the waves at all. If you do not make the wave the sweep of the water over the reef will push you back into the channel very quickly.
TIDES
Tides in Indonesia change only about three feet during neap tides and up to 8 feet during the full and new moon periods. The wave at Nihiwatu has different personalities depending on the tide. At extreme high tide the wave is fuller and much easier to ride, perfect for surfers who are not accustomed to fast tubing waves. On extreme low tide, during the full and new moon periods, the wave breaks onto dry reef and is un-rideable except for the 50-yard end section. These extreme tide periods occur four days before and three days after the new and full moons. It is during these periods that surf can almost be guaranteed at Nihiwatu.
Typically the novice surfers go out at high tide with the accomplished surfers preferring to go out for the two to three hours of mid tides on either side of the pea
k high tide. That's when its serious tube time at Nihiwatu. During the neap tides the change is minimal and does not affect the wave at all, one can surf all day on the high and low tides. These really are the optimum tides, providing there is swell.
WIND
Nihiwatu resort is protected from the prevailing crosswinds during the months of March to December. Unlike Bali, the trade winds do not blow day and night and for months on end. There can be periods of strong wind for four or five days then followed by very light wind conditions, even when it is blowing hard in other parts of Indonesia. Generally the peak winds will occur during the months of June, July and August although we have experienced a whole month of July with no strong winds at all.
When it is blowing hard the wave will be affected. Not by the wind on the wave, which is cross shore on the take off and offshore on the last half of the wave, but by a wind swell that comes from outside of the point and crosses the face of the wave during take off. It makes for tricky take offs, but once on the wave the face cleans up nicely and keeps tubing.
Even during the peak wind conditions the wind will be offshore in the m
orning before turning side shore by around 10am. During the worst conditions the wave will become blown out between 12:30 to 2 pm. This does not happen regularly but when it does then its time to try other activities like horseback riding on the beach, fishing and scuba diving, bird watching, mountain biking, trekking to a waterfall, relaxing at the pool or having a massage at the Jungle Spa.
EAST SUMBA SURFING
SURF SPOT IN EAST SUMBA
The office
point break-like lefthander is the most consistent wave here. Works on all tides except max high and breaks eventually onto sand. Miles of beach break from here.
Racetrack
A wedgy left that accelerates and builds in size down the line , truly lives up to its name.
Five-O
Good lefthand barrel breaking along bend of reef into the main channel. It needs a six-foot swell to start breaking and is surfed at higher or dead low tide.
Manggudu Island waves
The island sits on the edge of very deep water and the waves can get very big. The western tip has a left and eastern a righthander. The left is a swell magnet with the dry season trade winds blowing offshore. Consistent overhead surf, bring a gun.
the left
The reef is large and the wave is best described as "sunset-like". After peaking, it will bowl through hollow sections or just wall off right from the take-off, depending on swell direction. Can handle very big swell.
The Right
long wave that wraps all the way around the eastern tip of the island. Mellower wave than the left, but longer and hollower. Wet season wave, but you might get lucky on some mornings during the dry season before the winds come up.
Sumba Hotels - Sumba Island Accommmodation
NIHIWATU RESORT
Nihiwatu Resort is 438 acres of dense tropical forest, rice terraces and grasslands, wrapped around the two and half kilometer long Nihiwatu beach. The Nihiwatu beach is protected on both ends by cliffs and headlands ensuring total exclusivity for all guests. Nihiwatu Resort is a small and exclusive hideaway resort on Sumba Island for those who seek excitement with absolute privacy.Nihiwatu is a small and exclusive hideaway resort on Sumba Island for those who seek excitement in an environment of absolute privacy we can offer a wide range of activities to choose from. Nearby are Stone
Age sites and local villages, waterfalls and fabulous secluded beaches to explore. The fishing, surfing and diving are sensational and the unique tribal Sumba culture, with its ancient animist rituals is beyond compare.
Since 1989 it has been our mission to create tourism that gives more than it takes. In recognition of the many positive contributions we have made to our neighboring community Nihiwatu was awarded the worlds Best Hotel 2005. We are proud to be an acknowledged leader of Responsible Tourism and we intend to continue to lead the way for others to follow. For more information visit our aid organization The Sumba Foundation .
If you are seeking a destination that can provide you with a unique and entirely different vacation experience; be it adventure, nature at its scenic best or just desiring to lose yourself in another world, Sumba's Nihiwatu is the right place to be!
"101 Best Hotels in the World" The 2006 Tatler Travel Guide
SUMBA NAUTIL RESORT
Sumba Nautil Resort is located on the remote southwestern coast of the island. The 55 minutes direct flight from Bali to Waingapu is followed by a 4 hour scenic trip from the airport to the resort. If you take one of the four weekly flights from Denpasar to Tambolaka, the scenic drive takes 2 hours.Situated on sloping hills, our 7 secluded and luxurious bungalows offer a haven in an idyllic setting of Western comfort and stunning views.
All 
bungalows at Sumba Nautil Resort are built in accordance with traditional pratices using local materials, traditional artifacts, with air-conditioning andlarge windows. The bungalows, hand-built by Indonesian craftsman, have a terrace offering spectacular views on the endless Indian Ocean with its dramatic cliffs and the sloping Sumbanese headlands.
The design of the bungalows is based on twin sharing, each with a king-size bed or twin beds, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, bathroom with hot water, mini-bar, electric kettle, and a safety deposit box.
Sumba Nautil Resort’s French owners Ali and Marie Jose take pride in a memorable dining experience. The traditional, Sumbanese spacious and airy restaurant offers a wide range of healthy breakfasts, light lunches and modern European cuisine enhanced with Asian influences for dinner.
A plethora of exciting tastes and resourceful innovations to the menus are presented by Marie Jose. To complement your meal, choose a unique bottle from our extensive wine list, offering a wide selection of fine wines from all over the world.
Facilities in Sumba Nautil Resort:
Pool
Within the resort’s extensive landscaped grounds sits a swimming pool. Surrounding the pool is an extensive sandy-‘pooldeck’ with attractive Balinese-style umbrella, providing a secluded place to enjoy thesun and sea views.
Library at the Lobby
The library offers an extensive collection of books which bring to life the visual delights of the Indonesian archipelago and Sumba in particular.
Handicraft shop
Local villagers from neighboring traditional villages sell unique Sumbanese artifacts in the shop of the hotel.
Others
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LaundryService
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Towel service
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International Call & Fax services
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Airport Transfer
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Car Rental
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In-room safe deposit box
MONALISA COTTAGES
The is should be the best accommodation in Waikabubak which is located near city center of Waikabubak (west Sumba). Compare to other accommodation, Monalisa Hotel has considered to be the next option in the city after luxury Resort Nihiwatu or Nautil Resort.
Monalisa Hotel has been renovated since early this year ( 2007 ) and they had upgrade all the rooms with better facilities with bath tub, hot and cold water shower, Air Condition and a large open restaurant in the center of the garden.
The owner of Monalisa Hotel, Mr. FIRMAN MAULANA also speak Excellent English and he is very helpful with all the information about place of interest in sumba island.
Since Monalisa Hotel don't have a website, the only possible to book online is through us as Mr Firman Partner.
Room Rate:
| Standard | Rp. 150.000 | Breakfast Included |
| Superior Room | Rp. 250.000 | |
| Superior Room AC | Rp. 350.000 | |
| Family Room | Rp. 400.000 | |
| Deluxe Room | Rp. 500.000 |
Manandang Hotel featuring the standard accommodation and located right in the city center of Waikabubak (west Sumba). Compare to other accommodation, Manandang has considered to be the best option in the city.
Merlin Hotel is located in the city center of Waingapu (East Sumba). Some rooms are air-conditioned with toilet & bathroom.
Aloha Hotel is located in the city center of Waikabubak (West Sumba). Some rooms are air-conditioned with toilet & bathroom.
Rakuta Losmen is located in the city center of Waikabubak (West Sumba). Some rooms are with toilet & bathroom.
Artha Hotel is located in the city center of Waikabubak (West Sumba). Some rooms are with toilet & bathroom.
Pelita Losmen is located in the city center of Waikabubak (West Sumba). Some rooms are with toilet & bathroom.
Tarung Wisata Hotel is located in the city center of Waikabubak (West Sumba). Some rooms are air-conditioned with toilet & bathroom.
Ronita Sayang is located in the city center of Waikabubak (West Sumba). Some rooms are with toilet & bathroom.