A trip to Sumba requires careful preparation, as the island is relatively remote and has challenging terrain. Not only does it boast stunning landscapes—from green hills and white sandy beaches to traditional villages rich in culture—but Sumba offers an experience unlike any other destination. To ensure your vacation is smooth, comfortable, and memorable, it’s important to know the essential details about the trip.
In this guide, IndonesiaJuara Trip has compiled everything you need to prepare before exploring Sumba, ensuring your journey is exciting, safe, and unforgettable. Be sure to read this complete guide before you go!
Table of Contents
Things You Need to Know Before the Trip
What Types of Tours are Available in Sumba?
The Sumba tour is an overland trip with two options: an open trip and a private trip. Both types of trips start in Southwest Sumba and end in East Sumba. This route is practical and efficient for visiting iconic destinations across the island in one trip.
How to Get to Sumba?
The best way to reach Sumba is by air. The island has two main airports: Tambolaka Airport (TMC) in Southwest Sumba and Waingapu Airport (WGP) in East Sumba. Whether you’re joining an open trip or a private trip, make sure your flight lands at Tambolaka Airport (TMC), as the trip will begin in Southwest Sumba. Several airlines operate flights to Sumba, including Super Air Jet, Lion Air, Wings Air, NAM Air, AirAsia Indonesia, Citilink, and TransNusa, with layovers in Bali, Kupang, Surabaya, or Makassar.
When Should You Arrive in Sumba?
We recommend arriving one day before the trip starts (H-1), so you can rest and start your journey feeling refreshed. However, if you’re short on time, you can opt for a morning flight on the first day, as long as you arrive before 12:00 PM WITA.
Meeting Point & Pick-Up
The pick-up time is on the first day, between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM WITA, at a hotel in Southwest Sumba or at Tambolaka Airport (TMC). We highly recommend arriving the day before the trip (H-1) to relax before your journey. However, if you’re in a rush, you can arrive on the trip day, as long as your flight lands at Tambolaka Airport before 12:00 PM WITA.
Drop-Off After the Trip
The trip ends in East Sumba, specifically in Waingapu, around 11:00 AM WITA. Waingapu Airport (WGP) is the nearest airport, but at the moment, flights from Waingapu are limited, with only one morning flight at 6:00 AM WITA. If this flight doesn’t work with your schedule, you have two solutions:
- Car Rental: You can rent a car to travel back to Tambolaka (the trip takes about 4-5 hours). The rental cost is IDR 800,000 for a 5-person capacity car.
- Extend One Night in East Sumba: You can also choose to stay one night in East Sumba for around IDR 350,000 per night for a standard hotel.
What’s Included and Not Included in the Package?
Before you book your trip to Sumba, it’s crucial to know what’s included and what’s not in the package. This transparency ensures you can prepare everything properly without unexpected costs during your trip.
The Sumba tour package from IndonesiaJuara Trip includes:
- Comfortable accommodation during the trip:
Day 1: Hotel Sinar Tambolaka or equivalent (twin share)
Day 2 & 3: Hotel Elim or equivalent (twin share) - Entrance tickets to all visited tourist attractions
- Digital documentation (including drone and mirrorless camera)
- Donation fee to support the preservation of local culture and nature
- Sufficient bottled water during the trip
- Meals throughout the trip (you won’t need to worry about where to eat)
- A professional tour leader to guide and ensure the smooth running of the trip
- Land transportation, including pick-up on the first day from Tambolaka Airport or a nearby hotel, and drop-off to Waingapu Airport on the last day
Not included in the package:
- Flight tickets to and from Sumba (Tambolaka/Waingapu)
- Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, extra snacks, laundry, or any requests outside the itinerary
Facilities During the Trip
Meals During the Trip
On your Sumba trip with IndonesiaJuara Trip, you will receive full meals, so you don’t have to worry about finding food. For a 4-day, 3-night trip, you’ll get 9 meals. For a 5-day, 4-night trip, you’ll receive 12 meals. If you choose a 6-day, 5-night package, you’ll be provided with 16 meals. On the second day, when the itinerary is packed with visits to many destinations, your lunch will be provided in a box for practicality and efficiency.
While Sumba doesn’t offer as many food options as popular destinations like Bali or big cities, its charm lies in its more authentic and local cuisine. Except for the second day, you will dine at local restaurants carefully selected to offer typical Sumbanese dishes, as well as general menu options that suit most tastes.
Comfortable Accommodation
During the trip, you will stay in local hotels or homestays that have been specially curated for your comfort. All accommodations are clean, comfortable, and equipped with adequate facilities for resting after a day of exploration. In Southwest Sumba, you will stay at Hotel Ella or Villa Sinar Tambolaka, and in East Sumba, you’ll stay at Hotel Padadita.
The duration of your stay will depend on the package you choose:
- 4D3N: 1 night in Southwest Sumba and 2 nights in East Sumba
- 5D4N: 1 night in Southwest Sumba and 3 nights in East Sumba
- 6D5N: 2 nights in Southwest Sumba and 3 nights in East Sumba
For those choosing the Private Trip, there is also an option to upgrade to a more premium room, with an adjusted price. You can discuss this directly with the IndonesiaJuara Trip team for more details.
Transportation During the Trip
Throughout the trip, you will be using a comfortable Toyota Innova car with air conditioning. You will be accompanied by an experienced local driver and a professional guide from IndonesiaJuara Trip. Our team is familiar with the terrain and local routes, so you can sit back and enjoy the beautiful Sumbanese scenery.
Professional Documentation Facilities
During the trip, you will receive complete documentation in the form of photos and videos taken with professional mirrorless cameras and drones. All the documentation files will be provided in their original form (without editing), so the visual quality remains intact. You can freely edit or use them as you wish. The files will be sent via Google Drive for easy access and download.
What Should You Bring to Sumba?
Packing for your trip to Sumba requires special attention, considering the variety of activities—from trekking and beach time to exploring local culture. Here’s a list of important items you should bring:
- Sunblock SPF 30–50: The sun in Sumba can be quite intense, so make sure to bring and regularly apply sunblock to protect your skin. Choose waterproof versions for beach activities.
- Sunglasses & Hat: A must-have combo to keep you comfortable under the hot sun. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from glare, while a hat will keep your head and face cool.
- Snacks & Supplements: Long road trips to some spots in Sumba can take a while. Bring light snacks and personal supplements to keep your energy up during the journey.
- Change of Clothes & Sandals/Trekking Shoes: Outdoor activities like waterfall visits and trekking require comfortable, quick-drying clothes. Make sure to bring shoes that are suitable for walking long distances and slippery trails.
- Power Bank: Some areas in Sumba are quite remote and far from power sources. A power bank is a lifesaver when your phone or camera battery is running low, especially if you love taking photos.
- Toiletries & Personal Medication: While most accommodations provide toiletries, you may want to bring your own for added comfort. Don’t forget personal medication, especially if you have any specific health conditions.
- Wet Wipes: Practical and multifunctional, wet wipes will come in handy when you can’t wash your hands or need to freshen up quickly during long journeys.
Safety and Comfort During the Trip
Are There English-Speaking Guides in Sumba?
At IndonesiaJuara Trip, our mission goes beyond showcasing the natural beauty of Sumba; we aim to support and uplift the local economy. Due to the limited availability of English-speaking guides in certain areas of Sumba, we may encounter occasional challenges with fluent English communication. However, we take great pride in empowering local communities by involving them as hosts and guides, which contributes to sustainable tourism and allows you to connect deeply with the true spirit of Sumba.
While we strive to provide guides who can assist with basic communication and capture your memories through photos, this also gives you the opportunity to experience the genuine warmth and hospitality of the local culture.
Is Sumba Safe for Solo Travelers?
For those planning to travel solo, Sumba is relatively safe. The locals are known for their hospitality and openness to tourists, so you can explore with peace of mind. To enhance your safety and enrich the experience, joining an Open Trip in Sumba could be a great choice. Not only is it more efficient in terms of logistics, but you’ll also have the chance to meet fellow travelers and make new connections. This way, your journey stays flexible, yet still fun and safe.
Is the Sumba Trip Family-Friendly?
The Sumba trip is perfect for family vacations, including those with children. Light activities such as playing on the beach, visiting traditional villages, or enjoying the fresh waterfall water can be fun and educational for kids. If you’re planning to bring children, we highly recommend opting for the Private Trip to make the trip more flexible and comfortable for your family. A private trip allows the itinerary to be adjusted to your family’s needs, such as breaks or kid-friendly activities.
What’s the Internet and Signal Coverage Like in Sumba?
Overall, internet and signal coverage in Sumba are limited, especially in open savannah areas or remote villages. Telkomsel offers the best coverage, but some spots may still be out of range. If you need to stay connected, it’s recommended to bring a portable modem or rely on the Wi-Fi provided by accommodations. However, this limited connectivity provides an opportunity for a digital detox, allowing you to reconnect with nature and local culture without screen distractions.
How Intense are the Activities During the Trip?
The Sumba trip involves moderate physical activity, so it’s important to stay fit. Activities include light trekking, walking to waterfalls, and hiking hills for panoramic views. While the activities are not extreme, you’ll need basic stamina to enjoy the experience comfortably. This trip is suitable for participants between the ages of 10 and 50, with good health and physical condition. For those outside this age range, the Private Trip option might be a good choice to cater to personal needs.
What if the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate (Rain)?
If the weather is less than ideal, particularly during the rainy season, the itinerary will be adjusted to ensure the comfort and safety of the participants. IndonesiaJuara Trip prioritizes safety, so if the weather or sea conditions are unfavorable, certain activities will be changed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Can I Customize the Itinerary?
For those who choose the Private Trip Sumba, the answer is yes! One of the biggest advantages of a private trip is the flexibility to extend the trip, change the order of destinations, or add new dream locations to your itinerary. As long as it’s feasible in terms of time and access, any adjustments can be planned smoothly and without disrupting the main itinerary.
Must-Visit Destinations
What Destinations Are Included in the Open Trip?
Each destination in the open trip to Sumba with IndonesiaJuara Trip is carefully curated to provide the best experience in the most efficient time. You’ll visit natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and exotic beaches across Sumba, from East to West. Some of the top destinations include: Ratenggaro Village & Ratenggaro Beach, Pero Beach, Weekuri Lagoon, Mandorak Beach, Prai Ijing Village, Wairinding Hill, Tanarara Hill, Waimarang Waterfall and Tanggedu Waterfall, Walakiri Beach, Tanau Hill, and Persaudaraan Hill.
What Destinations Are Included in the Private Trip?
In addition to the destinations included in the open trip, you can explore other exotic spots that may be more challenging to access but offer truly stunning views and experiences. Some of these include: Matayangu Waterfall, Lapopu Waterfall, Puru Kambera, Waikelo Sawah, Weekacura Waterfall, and Mondu Hill.
Souvenirs You Should Bring from Sumba
No trip to Sumba is complete without souvenirs! One of the most iconic items you can bring back is Sumbanese woven cloth (tenun ikat). These beautiful textiles have deep cultural significance, with each pattern carrying unique stories and meanings from Sumba.
In addition to woven cloth, you’ll find wood and shell crafts, such as small statues, accessories, and home decor. Some villages also sell local food products as unique souvenirs from Sumba.
Local Etiquette and Culture to Respect
When visiting Sumba, it’s crucial to respect the local culture and customs. Many traditional villages still uphold strong cultural values, so be mindful when entering sacred areas or taking photos. Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals or sacred places, such as stone graveyards or traditional houses.
Avoid entering traditional houses without permission from the owner or village leader. Traditional homes in Sumba hold deep spiritual and cultural meaning, so treat them with respect. Be sure to dress modestly when visiting traditional villages, as some may have specific dress codes or behavior rules.
Enjoy Your Trip to Sumba with IndonesiaJuara Trip!
With this complete guide to Sumba from IndonesiaJuara Trip, you’ll experience everything this amazing island has to offer—from exploring stunning landscapes to immersing yourself in authentic cultural heritage. To make your trip even easier and more enjoyable, join the Sumba Tour package from IndonesiaJuara Trip. Everything is well-organized, so all you need to do is focus on enjoying your dream vacation in Sumba. Start planning your trip now with IndonesiaJuara Trip!
