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 & West Sumba
Sumba Island Surf Charters: The Best Spots in the West
Where every trip begins: traditional villages, a saltwater lagoon, sunset beaches and waterfalls near Tambolaka.
Ask about the west
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Arrive
Tambolaka Airport (TMC)
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Nights
1 on 4D3N and 5D4N · 2 on 6D5N
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Places
9 across the routes
Unveiling the Premier Spots
Unveiling the Premier Spots of the West
Southwest and West Sumba hold the island's tallest traditional houses at Ratenggaro, weaving at Prai Ijing, the saltwater Weekuri Lagoon and the sunsets of Pero Beach. Every trip spends its first day or two here.
- Ratenggaro roofs up to 30 metres, the tallest on Sumba
- Weekuri Lagoon: swim in salty, brackish water
- Pero Beach: big waves and famous sunsets
- Prai Ijing: 2.6 km from Waikabubak
Southwest & West Sumba
Places on the Western Route
Nine stops across the three trip lengths.
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
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.
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.
Visited with Weekuri Lagoon
Mandorak Beach
On the second day of the 4D3N and 5D4N trips, and with Weekuri Lagoon on day two of the 6D5N trip.
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.
6D5N · Day 1
Weekacura Waterfall
A short trek to sunset and photos at the waterfall on the first day of the 6D5N trip.
5D4N · 6D5N
Lapopu Waterfall
On day two of the 5D4N trip, and with Matayangu Waterfall on day three of the 6D5N trip.
6D5N · Day 3
Matayangu Waterfall
Trekking, free time, photos and lunch with Lapopu Waterfall on day three of the 6D5N trip.
When You Are Here
Planning Your Days in the West
Planning
Planning Your Trip to Sumba
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.
Southwest Sumba FAQ
Questions About the West
Which spots in Southwest and West Sumba do the trips visit?
Ratenggaro Traditional Village, Pero Beach, Weekuri Lagoon, Mandorak Beach and Prai Ijing on every length. The 5D4N adds Lapopu Waterfall; the 6D5N adds Waikelo Rice Fields and the Weekacura, Matayangu and Lapopu waterfalls.
What is the best time of year for a Sumba island trip?
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.
Are the trips suitable for beginners?
They need good fitness rather than experience: the route includes steep, slippery trekking to waterfalls.
Can I swim at Pero Beach?
Swimming isn't advised, as the waves run moderate to high. You can still watch the water blow off the rocks.
How far is Ratenggaro from Tambolaka?
1.5 to 2 hours by road, on good asphalt.