15 Top Destinations in Sumba That Should Be on Everyone’s Bucket List!
Indonesia is full of wonders, but if you’re seeking a destination that blends untouched nature, deep-rooted culture, and luxury with authenticity, Sumba Island should be at the top of your travel list. Located in East Nusa Tenggara, just a short flight from Bali, Sumba remains one of the most unspoiled and underrated islands in Southeast Asia.
Curious why this hidden gem is suddenly in the spotlight? In fact, Time Out named Sumba the #1 destination to visit in Asia for 2025, beating out giants like Tokyo, Bangkok, and Bali. While its neighbors attract millions of tourists each year, Sumba still offers quiet beaches, sacred traditions, and wild landscapes, making it a haven for travelers who crave something more raw and real. In this guide, we’ll explore why Sumba deserves a spot on your bucket list, and unveil the top destinations in Sumba that you simply can’t miss. Let’s dive in!
Why Sumba Should Be on Your Bucket List?
With its raw beauty and authentic cultural roots, Sumba offers a refreshing contrast to Indonesia’s more commercialized islands. Let’s dive into the top reasons why this untouched paradise deserves a spot on your ultimate travel list.
- It’s Still a Well-Kept Secret
Unlike the busy scenes you’d find in Bali or Komodo, Sumba offers something refreshingly different, peace and solitude. As you drive through its rugged landscapes, there are moments when it feels like you have the island entirely to yourself. That kind of quiet is rare, and it gives you the chance to truly disconnect. - Unique Tribal Culture
If you’re drawn to authentic cultural experiences, Sumba won’t disappoint. The island is deeply rooted in the Marapu belief system, and you’ll find villages where life still follows ancient traditions. When you visit, you’re not just observing from the outside, you’re stepping into a world of megalithic tombs, traditional ikat weaving, and sacred rituals that have stood the test of time. - Wild Nature in Every Direction
Everywhere you turn in Sumba, there’s a different kind of natural wonder waiting. You’ll hike through golden savannahs, cool off under hidden waterfalls, and relax on beaches that haven’t been touched by mass tourism. It’s a dream for anyone who loves the outdoors and even better for those who crave something untamed. - Luxury That Respects Local Culture
If you’re looking for a luxurious escape without compromising your values, Sumba has something special to offer. You’ll find luxury hotels in Sumba that blend beautifully into the island’s landscape and culture. Instead of just enjoying comfort, you’ll feel connected to the local way of life, whether it’s through the food, the design, or the stories behind every detail. It’s the kind of luxury that leaves you feeling fulfilled, not just pampered.
15 Top Destinations in Sumba
Now that you know why Sumba is worth exploring, it’s time to discover the places that truly define its magic. Here are 15 top destinations in Sumba you don’t want to miss.
1. Weekuri Lagoon
Located in Kalena Rongo Village, North Kodi District, within Southwest Sumba Regency, Weekuri Lagoon sits along the southwestern coast of Sumba Island. You’ll be mesmerized by its crystal-clear turquoise waters, which are a mix of seawater that seeps through coral reef cliffs and freshwater springs. As you float or swim in this tranquil lagoon, the serene setting, surrounded by rugged cliffs, will make you feel as if you have it all to yourself. After your dip, you can climb the surrounding rocky ledges or head up to the cliff vantage point, where the panoramic views of the ocean and savannah unfold before you.
2. Ratenggaro Village
Located in Desa Umbu Ngedo, Kodi Bangedo District, in Southwest Sumba Regency, Ratenggaro Village is beautifully nestled right by the beach, offering sweeping views of the ocean. As you stroll through the village, you’ll see traditional Sumbanese houses with towering roofs and centuries-old megalithic tombs that stand as testaments to a rich ancestral legacy. The seaside setting makes the cultural experience even more special, blending heritage and nature in one peaceful place. Here, you can observe the rhythms of daily life while immersing yourself in Sumba’s deep-rooted traditions.
3. Prai Ijing Village
Prai Ijing is located in Tebara, Kota Waikabubak District, West Sumba Regency. This traditional village offers you a peaceful atmosphere and a strong presence of the Marapu culture that shapes everyday life in the region. As you walk along the narrow village path, you’ll pass towering thatched-roof houses and see locals weaving intricate ikat fabrics by hand. It’s a great place to experience Sumba’s living traditions in a quiet, authentic setting, far from the crowds.
4. Wairinding Hill
Located in East Sumba, Wairinding Hill welcomes you with vast golden savannahs and gentle rolling hills. As you explore the area, you might spot wild or local horses grazing freely, adding to the peaceful charm of the landscape. The best time to visit is during sunrise or sunset, when the soft golden light creates a breathtaking view across the horizon. It’s a beautiful spot for nature lovers, especially if you enjoy scenic walks and stunning photography.
5. Tanarara Hill
Located in East Sumba Regency, Tanarara Hill is well-known for its sweeping savannah and dramatic landscape of rolling hills that stretch to the horizon. As you arrive, the vastness and peacefulness of the surroundings, especially at sunrise or sunset, invite quiet reflection and amazing photo opportunities. It’s a must-visit for travelers seeking untouched beauty and panoramic views in Sumba’s eastern region.
6. Tanau Hill
Located in Desa Tanau, Kambera District of East Sumba Regency, Tanau Hill, also known locally as Bukit Tenau, is just about a 15 km drive from Waingapu city. You’ll be greeted by sweeping savannah pastures with gently rolling hills that glow green during the rainy season and turn golden brown in the dry months, offering year-round visual variation. As you climb the hill, the panoramic views stretch toward the Waingapu city skyline and nearby valleys, making it a perfect backdrop for serene reflection or stunning photos. It’s a peaceful escape you’ll enjoy especially at sunrise or sunset when the light enhances the vivid colors of the landscape.
7. Persaudaraan Hill
Located in East Sumba Regency in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Persaudaraan Hill sits just a short drive from Waingapu city and the airport. As you make the easy trek to its summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of rice fields, the vast green savannah, and the winding Kambaniru River. From this vantage point, you can watch local livestock, like goats, horses, and cattle, grazing below against the backdrop of rolling hills and distant Waingapu. It’s a peaceful stop where you can relax, take in a serene sunset, and capture breathtaking scenery during your East Sumba journey.
8. Matayangu Waterfall
Located in Central Sumba Regency, within the protected area of Manupeu Tanah Daru and Laiwangi Wanggameti National Park, Matayangu Waterfall is a hidden sanctuary in tropical forest. You’ll trek for about an hour through dense primary rainforest, eventually stepping down more than 500 stone stairways until you hear the thunderous cascade. At the bottom, the waterfall plunges around 75 meters into a serene turquoise plunge pool, surrounded by lush foliage and shaded rocks. It’s a spiritual and serene spot, leafy, luminous, and deeply peaceful, a perfect reward after your hike
9. Waimarang Waterfall
Located in East Sumba Regency, Waimarang Waterfall is about a 2-hour drive (≈87 km) from Waingapu, the capital of East Sumba. You’ll embark on an adventurous trek of about 1 km that descends through dry forest and rocky terrain before reaching the falls, complete with an unguarded ravine and steep stone steps. At the base, the waterfall, while only about 2 meters high, plunges into a turquoise limestone basin up to 8 meters deep, making it ideal for cooling swims or cliff-jumping if you’re adventurous. The surrounding cliffs and shaded pool create a serene, almost mystical ambiance that makes the effort to reach it completely worth it
10. Tanggedu Waterfall
Located in East Sumba Regency, about 46 km northeast of Waingapu, Tanggedu Waterfall is often called the “Grand Canyon of East Sumba” due to its dramatic cliffs and rocky canyon landscape that mirrors Arizona’s Grand Canyon. You’ll begin your journey with a scenic drive through savanna pastures and traditional villages, ending with a 20–30 minute trek across undulating terrain before reaching the falls. Once there, you’ll see a clear turquoise pool at the base of an approximately 8-meter-high waterfall, framed by steep rock cliffs that create a canyon-like ambiance. The area invites you to swim, take photos of the unique geological formation, or simply relax amid the lush greenery and fresh breeze, making it a memorable stop on your East Sumba adventure
11. Lapopu Waterfall
Located in West Sumba Regency, within the protective boundaries of Manupeu Tanah Daru National Park, Lapopu Waterfall stands as the tallest cascade on the island, dropping majestically over tiered stone steps into a calm, clear plunge pool. You’ll start your visit with a gentle trek through lush rainforest, where the dense foliage gives way to the dramatic reveal of the waterfall tucked into a secluded ravine. Upon arrival, you can dip into the refreshing basin, feel the mist on your face, or simply sit by the water and soak in the serene ambiance. It’s a rejuvenating escape into nature’s embrace, especially for anyone looking for peaceful solitude immersed in green and rushing water.
12. Weekacura Waterfall
Located in Southwest Sumba Regency, Weekacura Waterfall sits uniquely at the heart of wide, green rice fields, making it one of Sumba’s most unexpected scenic spots. You’ll reach it via a 40–60-minute drive from Tambolaka, followed by a short trek through paddies until the tiered waterfall appears almost like a natural pool within the fields. When you arrive, you can cool off by swimming in its clear, shallow pools and enjoy the serene ambiance under the wide-open sky. Its rice‑field setting, gentle water flow, and verdant surroundings make Weekacura a calm, photogenic escape off the beaten track.
13. Walakiri Beach
Located about 24 km east of Waingapu in East Sumba, Walakiri Beach is famous for “dancing” mangrove trees that appear at low tide in a magical sunset setting. You’ll walk across smooth black sands toward the silhouetted mangroves as golden hour arrives. The combination of calm sea, rustling trees, and glowing skies is ideal for photography and quiet reflection. As the tide lifts, the dancing effect disappears, so timing your visit matters.
14. Mandorak Beach
Located in Southwest Sumba Regency, Mandorak Beach is just a 5‑minute drive from Weekuri Lagoon. You’ll be welcomed by a cozy cove of soft white sand, framed on both sides by steep coral cliffs that rise dramatically from clear turquoise waters. As you explore, you’ll find a small gazebo perched on the reef where you can relax and watch the waves crash rhythmically against the rocky walls. Whether you’re here to swim gently, walk along the shore, or capture photos as the light shifts across sand and sea, Mandorak’s natural beauty makes every moment feel private and serene.
15. Puru Kambera
Located in Mondu Village, Kanatang District, East Sumba Regency, Puru Kambera is an expansive stretch of golden-white sand beach adjacent to a vast savannah landscape, just about 30 km (≈45 min drive) north‑east of Waingapu in East Sumba. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a peaceful sanctuary, surrounded by open grasslands, gentle waves, and a few pine trees offering shade. As you walk or relax on the soft, golden sand, you might spot wild horses grazing in the nearby savanna, creating a scene often described as “Indonesia’s little Africa”. This tranquil spot invites swimming, beach strolling, wildlife photography, and serene sunset watching, making it an unforgettable coastal escape in East Sumba.
Tips for Traveling to Sumba
Traveling to Sumba takes more than just booking a ticket and packing your camera. To make the most of your trip, here are some essential tips you should know before you go.
- Choose the Right Season for the Experience
The dry season, which runs from May to October, is the best time to visit Sumba. During these months, you’ll enjoy clear skies, dry roads, and better access to the island’s natural attractions, such as waterfalls and savannahs. If you’re a photography enthusiast, this is also when the iconic sunsets at Walakiri Beach and lush landscapes are at their peak. - Respect Local Culture and Customs
Sumba is home to one of the richest and most preserved cultures in Indonesia. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, especially when visiting traditional villages like Ratenggaro or Praijing. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, homes, or rituals. Taking the time to learn about local Marapu beliefs and adat traditions will not only enrich your trip, but also show respect to the communities. - Pack Smart for Rural Conditions
Much of Sumba’s charm lies in its remoteness. That said, some roads can be rugged and facilities are limited in certain areas. It’s important to bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottles, medications, and cash. Don’t expect strong cell signals in remote parts, offline maps and printed itineraries can come in handy. - Support Local Communities Respectfully
Choose accommodations, eateries, and guides that are locally owned to directly contribute to the community. Be mindful of plastic use, and avoid leaving trash behind at natural spots. When buying souvenirs, opt for handmade crafts or textiles from local artisans, and pay a fair price without bargaining too hard. - Use a Trusted Tour Operator
Sumba is large, and many of its best attractions are spread out and hard to reach. Going with a reliable tour operator can save you time and stress. They not only handle transportation and logistics, but often provide deeper insights into the island’s culture and hidden gems. For a smooth and immersive experience, partnering with an experienced local operator like IndonesiaJuara Trip is highly recommended.
Read more: Sumba Tour 2025: Discovering One of Forbes’ Must-Visit Destinations
Let’s Explore the Top Destinations in Sumba!
Sumba isn’t just a place you visit, it’s a place you truly feel. From the quiet charm of its remote corners to the warmth of its local culture, every moment on this island creates a lasting impression. If you’re ready to experience the best of Sumba, consider joining the Sumba Tour by IndonesiaJuara Trip. As the sister company of Komodo Luxury and one of Indonesia’s leading tour operators, IndonesiaJuara Trip has proudly received the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025. Your journey to Sumba will be smooth, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.
