Southwest Sumba
Ratenggaro Traditional Village
Traditional houses under thatched roof towers up to 30 metres high, the tallest on Sumba, shaped by the Marapu belief. 1.5–2 hours from Tambolaka.
Sumba Travel Guide · 2026
The Definitive Sumba Surf Charter Guide
What to know before you go: when to visit, how to get there, where to go, and how to travel respectfully.
Ask us about Sumba
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Best months
December – March
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Arrive
Tambolaka Airport (TMC)
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Depart
Waingapu Airport (WGP)
Understanding Sumba
Indonesia's Hidden Treasure
Known as the Hawaii of Indonesia, Sumba pairs pristine beaches and enchanting waterfalls with rich culture and unique traditions: an alternative to the usual hotspots like Bali and Komodo, where beauty and culture meet.
- Pristine beaches and a saltwater lagoon
- Waterfalls and savanna hills
- Traditional villages and weaving
- Green season from December to March
Seasons & Logistics
Optimal Seasons and Logistics
Seasonal Conditions in Sumba
- December – March
- Green season
- April – May
- Hills turn from green to yellow
- June – November
- Yellow season
Getting to Sumba & Transportation Options
- Arrive
- Tambolaka Airport (TMC), Southwest Sumba. Pick-up is 11.00–12.00 WITA at the airport or a hotel nearby, so arrive the day before or on a flight landing before noon.
- Depart
- Waingapu Airport (WGP), East Sumba. The trip ends at 11.00 WITA, and flying home the next day is advised.
- On the road
- The open trip travels by Innova. Private groups of 6–10 use 2 cars.
- Flights
- Not included. Buy your own round-trip tickets; the itinerary can't be adjusted to flight times.
Prime Locations
Prime Locations Across Sumba
Highlights from Southwest to East Sumba.
Southwest Sumba
Ratenggaro Traditional Village
Traditional houses under thatched roof towers up to 30 metres high, the tallest on Sumba, shaped by the Marapu belief. 1.5–2 hours from Tambolaka.
Southwest Sumba
Weekuri Lagoon
A greenish-blue lagoon of salty and brackish water about 60 km from Tambolaka, with views from the coral cliffs. You can swim here.
West Sumba
Prai Ijing Traditional Village
Pointed reed-thatched roofs in Tebara tourism village, 2.6 km from Waikabubak and about 43 km from Tambolaka Airport. Local women weave traditional fabric here.
Southwest Sumba
Pero Beach
Famous sunsets in Pero Batang, Kodi. Waves run moderate to high, so swimming is not advised; watch the water blow off the rocks instead.
East Sumba
Warinding Hill
A savanna like a living painting in Pambota Jara Village, Pandawai. Sunrise and sunset; horses can be rented from locals for photos.
East Sumba
Tanarara Savanna
Named for its red earth. The grass turns green or brown with the season, with local horses grazing across endless hills.
East Sumba
Tanggedu Waterfall
Water play and scenic views, with trekking on the 5D4N and 6D5N trips.
East Sumba
Waimarang Waterfall
Three tiers in Waimarang Village. Most visitors stop at the first, where shallow ledges suit non-swimmers.
East Sumba
Walakiri Beach
Mangrove trees in Watumbaka Village, Pandawai, that turn to silhouettes against the setting sun.
Choosing a Trip
Choosing the Right Trip
Shared or private, four to six days.
Shared · 4D3N
Open Trip Sumba
USD 459 per person
- Departs every Thursday in 2026
- Minimum 4 participants
- Twin share, same gender · private or couple room + USD 99
- Ages 10–50, physically fit
- Physical activity: medium
Private · 4D3N to 6D5N
Private Trip Sumba
USD 390 – 1,020 per person, by group size
- Your chosen date, subject to accommodation
- Minimum 2 participants
- Room upgrades available
- Groups of 6–10 travel in 2 cars
- Physical activity: medium to heavy
Culture & Safety
Local Culture, Etiquette and Safety
Guide FAQ
Sumba Travel Questions
When is the best time to visit Sumba?
December to March is the green season, April and May turn the hills from green to yellow, and June to November is the yellow season.
How do I get to Sumba?
Fly into Tambolaka Airport (TMC) in Southwest Sumba; the trips end at Waingapu Airport (WGP) in East Sumba. Flights are not included.
Which mobile network works best?
Telkomsel has the best signal in Sumba.
Is Sumba suitable for beginners?
The trips need good fitness rather than experience: the route includes steep, slippery trekking to waterfalls.
Can I swim at the beaches and waterfalls?
You can swim at Weekuri Lagoon, and non-swimmers can stand on the shallow ledges of Waimarang Waterfall's first tier. Swimming isn't advised at Pero Beach because of the waves.