Sumba Cultural Tour

Sumba Island is one of the very few islands in Indonesia, which has latest contact with western civilization. It is the reason why the Sumbanese still practice Marapu - the ancient "religion" up to present time.

Stone culture is still alive in Sumba. Noble families keep burying their elders on the huge carved stone tombs. Hundreds, even thousands of people participate in colorful funeral ceremonies where buffaloes and horses are slaughtered to ease the way of the deceased to the next life.

The program gives you the best possible way to go deep into the cultural life of Sumbanese people. The program could be modified in such a way to give you chances to attend funeral ceremonies, which may take place during your visit, yet the places mentioned on the program still to be included if time permits.

To fit with the ever changing flight schedules in the region, the final tour program may be started in West Sumba then end up in Waingapu. However, we prefer to suggest taking the original program then you have to make sure your flight will arrive in Waingapu first instead of in Tambolaka in West Sumba.

Day 1: Arrival WAINGAPU
Upon arrival: meeting service and transfer to Hotel for lunch. Afternoon visit Prailing the traditional Sumba village among the Savannah on the northwest of Waingapu

Day 2: SUMBA IKAT EXCURSION
Mornings visits the market of Waingapu then proceed eastwards towards Pau and Rende, which are 2 of the many villages well-known for their beautiful Ikat. En route stop at a place where Sabu People produce Palm Sugar out of Palm Wine (during dry season only: April to October) Picnic lunch. Afternoon visit Pau and Rende - the 2 Royal villages furnished with huge carved stone tombs and traditional houses

Day 3: WAINGAPU - WAIKABUBAK
In the morning drive to Waikabubak
En route stop at Anakalang to see the huge and carved stone tombs
Afternoon visit the traditional villages around the town, such as Tarung, Waitabar and Paletilulu

Day 4: KODI EXCURSION

Visit the market then drive to Kodi - the area is known for the tall traditional houses and probably the tallest on the island. There are plantations of coffee, cashew nut, banana, and coconut and teak wood forest en route. Arrival Kodi area. Visit some villages such as Parona Baroro. Picnic lunch at Tossi beach. Afternoon visit Bondo Kawangu and if possible meet the Pasola Priest in Tossi village

Day 5: MEET the PASOLA PRIEST of LAMBOYA

Early in the morning drive southward and then trek to Sodan - the village of Rato, the Pasola Priest of Lamboya. It is a walk with beautiful panoramic views, passing valley cut by a river with rice fields and roaming buffaloes. After meeting Rato walk down hill till reach the spot what we called SODAN POINT - from where one will view the beautiful Sodan valley furnished by villages with traditional houses soaring from coconut trees and garnished with snake bent Kadengar river. Trek along the valley until Reach Bridge at the other side and take car to Marossi beach for picnic lunch and get yourself refreshed by swimming or relaxing on the white sand beach.Afternoon return to the hotel

Day 6: WAIKABUBAK - TAMBOLAKA - NEXT DESTINATION

In the morning transfer to Tambolaka airport to take flight to the next destination.