Have you ever seen photos of rolling green savannah hills in Sumba that look so aesthetic, making you instantly want to book a trip? Well, chances are what you saw was Piarakuku Hills. This spot is getting a lot of attention from travelers because it gives off African savannah vibes but with the unique cultural touch of Sumba.
In this article, you’ll dive deeper into Piarakuku Hills. From its location in East Sumba, how to get there, what makes it special, to the fun activities you can try. Plus, you’ll also get useful tips to make your trip even smoother. So, if you’re hunting for a new travel destination that offers a different kind of experience, get ready to fall in love with Piarakuku Hills.
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A Glimpse of Piarakuku Hills in East Sumba
Piarakuku Hills, locally known as Bukit Piarakuku, is located in Persiapan Hawurut Village, Matawai La Pawu District, East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. It’s about 40 km from Waingapu City. While its name isn’t as famous as Wairinding Hills, its beauty will definitely make anyone want to stay longer.
The main scenery here is the wide-open savannah with rolling hill contours. During the rainy season, the grass turns fresh green, like a natural carpet. Meanwhile, in the dry season, the colors shift to golden brown, creating a more exotic look. Many people say the views resemble scenes from epic movies set in vast savannah landscapes. To make it even more unique, you’ll find rows of stone statues at the top of Piarakuku Hills, crafted by local artists, which add an artistic vibe to the area.
How to Get to Piarakuku Hills
If you’re interested in visiting Piarakuku Hills, don’t worry about the access. There are a few travel options depending on where you start. Most travelers begin their journey from Tambolaka Airport in Southwest Sumba, as this airport often becomes the meeting point for a Sumba Tour. From Tambolaka to Waingapu in East Sumba, the overland trip takes about 5–6 hours. Even though it’s quite a drive, you’ll enjoy classic Sumba views along the way: beaches, traditional villages, and endless savannah hills that keep your eyes entertained.
Once you arrive in Waingapu, you’ll continue another 1–1.5 hours to Persiapan Hawurut Village. The road to the site is in pretty good condition, with most of it already paved, making it comfortable for cars. From the parking area, you’ll need to do a light trek of about 700 meters to reach the top of Piarakuku Hills. The trek is considered easy, so it’s safe for all ages, even for those of you who rarely go hiking.
Read more: Complete Guide to a Exploring Sumba with IndonesiaJuara Trip
Highlights of Piarakuku Hills
Piarakuku Hills is more than just your usual savannah landscape. There are several things that make this destination feel special and keep attracting travelers.
- Stunning Savannah Landscape
The moment you arrive, the vast rolling hills immediately greet you. From the top, your eyes can stretch as far as possible, with vibrant greens in the rainy season or warm golden browns during the dry months. This blend of colors creates a soothing atmosphere, perfect for those of you looking to unwind and recharge. - Artistic Stone Statues
Adding character to the scenery, you’ll find iconic stone statues standing proudly at the hilltop. Created by local artists, these aren’t just decorations but also cultural expressions that enrich the spirit of East Sumba. It’s no wonder this spot has become a favorite for visitors to capture photos with a touch of ethnic artistry. - Dramatic Sunsets
If you love romantic vibes, make sure to come in the afternoon for the sunset. The orange glow slowly sinking behind the hills, paired with the savannah silhouettes, creates a dramatic moment that feels truly calming. Many visitors even say sunsets here are among the best in East Sumba. - Peaceful and Less Crowded Atmosphere
Unlike more popular destinations that can sometimes feel packed, Piarakuku Hills still feels relatively quiet. This makes it the perfect spot if you’re searching for peace, away from the crowds, and want to fully enjoy your moment in nature.
Fun Activities at Piarakuku Hills
Once you’re here, it would be such a waste to just sit back without trying anything. There are plenty of fun activities that will make your trip more memorable.
- Hunting for Instagram-Worthy Photos
This place is paradise for photography lovers. You can take sweeping landscape shots, candid moments with friends, or aesthetic portraits for your Instagram feed. If you bring a drone, the aerial views will look even more epic, capturing the vastness of the savannah hills. - Light Trekking
To reach the hilltop, you’ll trek about 700 meters. Even though it’s a short walk, the journey feels enjoyable because you get to see the details of the savannah up close. Step by step, the walk feels more fun and far from boring. - Simple Picnic
Many travelers bring their own snacks to enjoy a picnic at the top. Imagine sitting on the grass, sharing food, and chatting with friends or family. This simple activity adds warmth and creates lasting memories. - Sunrise and Sunset Viewing
If you’re a morning person, catching the sunrise is an incredible way to start your day. Watching the sky slowly shift colors will instantly boost your energy. On the other hand, if you prefer a more laid-back vibe, the dramatic sunset remains an unbeatable choice. Early morning visits are suggested to avoid the heat at Palindi Piarakuku Hills. - Creating Creative Content
Beyond photography, many visitors use Piarakuku Hills as the backdrop for creative videos. From cinematic travel vlogs, Instagram reels, to TikTok dance clips, everything looks cooler with the expansive savannah as the background. You’ll go home with fun content ready to share.
Travel Tips for Piarakuku Hills in Sumba
To make your experience even better, here are some practical tips before visiting Piarakuku Hills. With the right preparation, your trip will be smoother and more enjoyable.
- Choose the Best Season
Each season offers a different charm. If you come during the rainy months (December–March), the hills turn fresh green. In contrast, from June–September during the dry season, the savannah transforms into golden hues. Pick the timing that matches the vibe you’re looking for. - Bring Your Own Supplies
Although there are small rest areas, it’s safer to bring your own water and snacks. Even light trekking can make you thirsty quickly. Staying hydrated keeps your energy up throughout the journey. Visitors should prepare their supplies in advance as villages are located far apart. - Wear Comfortable Outfits
The weather here is usually hot and sunny. So, don’t forget to wear light clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to stay comfortable. The right outfit will also make your time at the hills feel more relaxed. - Prepare Your Camera or Phone
It would be a shame not to capture the beauty of Piarakuku Hills. Make sure you bring your camera or best phone to snap the vast scenery and dramatic vibes. Every shot will level up your social media feed. - Respect Nature and Local Culture
Piarakuku Hills isn’t just about nature, but also about the lives of the locals. Always keep the area clean, don’t litter, and be respectful when interacting with villagers. This way, your experience feels warmer and more meaningful. - Use a Trusted Tour Operator
If you want a hassle-free trip, joining a service from a reliable tour operator in Sumba is a great choice. They usually provide transportation, routes, and even the best photo spots. All you need to do is enjoy the journey without stressing over the little details.
Read more: How Many Days to Visit Sumba? Here’s the Recommendation!
Let’s Visit Piarakuku Hills with IndonesiaJuara Trip!
Now that you know more about Piarakuku Hills, it’s hard not to feel curious to see it in person. This spot doesn’t just offer sweeping savannah views but also a unique and authentic travel experience.
If you want a stress-free trip without worrying about transport, hotels, or itineraries, the easiest choice is to join the Private Sumba Tour with IndonesiaJuara Trip. With this Sumba Tour package, you’ll not only explore Piarakuku Hills but also many other highlights in Sumba, such as Wairinding Hills, Rende Traditional Village, Walakiri Beach, and Tanggedu Waterfall. Everything is arranged neatly, so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey.
Instead of just admiring the photos on Instagram, now is the time to feel the authentic vibe of Piarakuku Hills with IndonesiaJuara Trip. Your holiday in Sumba will surely be one of those unforgettable travel memories!
