Overview of Sumba

Sumba is a magnificent island steeped in ancient culture and traditions, edged by stunning, undeveloped beaches, crystal clear blue seas and home to vast, wild savannas and sprawling rainforests teeming with wildlife. The island of Sumba lies towards the eastern end of the Nusa Tenggara chain of islands in Indonesia. This chain stretches from the small island of Bali in the west, to West Timor in the east. Sumba is a relatively small island (about 210 km from east to west, and 50 km north to south).

The population in 2008 was a modest 510,000. Sumba lies to the south of the extensive belt of volcanoes that runs through most of Indonesia. Its soil is coral and limestone based and not particularly fertile. The north and east of the island tends to be very dry, while the south and west is much wetter and more fertile.

Daytime temperatures are uniformly in the low thirties (degrees centigrade) although it can be slightly cooler along the central ridge of the low mountains in Central Sumba. The rainy season lasts from December through to March, leaving an eight month dry season. Sumba is remarkably rich in culture, most notably the unique Marapu religion. This animist religion influences the shape of the traditional houses, the megalithic tombstones, funerals and the famous Pasola ceremony.

With regards to tourism, Sumba is somewhat an undiscovered gem. However, there are a few hotels and resorts dotted around the coastline, as Sumba has an endless supply of fantastic beaches and legendary surf. The island can be reached by air or sea and is serviced by two airports and two main harbors. Sumba boasts some of the most exotic, beautiful landscapes in the world. From endless white sand beaches to pure, natural rainforest, Sumba truly is a magical island.

The island can be reached by air or sea and is serviced by two airports: Tambolaka located at Southwest Sumba and Ir. Mehang Kunda located at East Sumba. Sumba has also two main harbours Waikelo at Southwest Sumba and Waingapu at East Sumba.