Senast uppdaterad i januari 2026
Sumba Island, also known as “surga kecil di bumi” or little paradise on earth, offers a stunning natural charm, making it a top holiday destination after Bali. There are several ways to travel from Bali to Sumba, whether by air or sea, allowing you to choose based on your preferences.
This article has compiled a guide to the routes and time taken to reach the island of Sumba from Bali. This will help you understand the flow of the journey and plan a fantastic holiday experience on the island.
Viktiga punkter
- You can travel from Bali to Sumba primarily by air, with daily flights from Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) to Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport in Waingapu or Tambolaka Airport.
- Flight duration is usually around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it the fastest and most convenient way to reach Sumba.
- For budget travelers, you can combine a ferry from Bali to nearby islands and local flights, but this option takes significantly longer.
- Once in Sumba, you can explore its pristine beaches, traditional villages, and cultural landmarks easily with local transport or tour services.
- Planning ahead and booking flights early ensures you get the best schedules and prices for a smooth Bali to Sumba journey.
Why Travel from Bali to Sumba
Sumba is an island in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. It borders Sumbawa to the northwest, Flores to the northeast, Timor to the east, and Australia to the south and southeast. The island has many unspoiled tourist attractions, showing its natural beauty. If you’re considering adding Sumba to your holiday list after Bali, here are a few compelling reasons to do so:
1. Friendly Locals
Indonesia is renowned for its hospitality, and Sumba is no exception. The locals have a rich cultural heritage and are generally warm and welcoming to visitors. They are proud of their traditions and enthusiastic about sharing their culture and way of life with travelers.
2. Unexplored Beauty
Sumba has many hidden gems waiting for you to explore. Sumba is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters. Along with beautiful beaches, Sumba has many waterfalls hidden in the middle of the forest and a series of hills that change color depending on the season. Don’t worry when visiting Sumba, every corner has its uniqueness and beauty.
3. Cultural Villages
In addition to its friendly people, Sumba has many traditional villages still rich in local culture. You can find a conventional Sumbanese house called “uma mbatangu” with a thatched roof and bamboo walls.
4. Vast Savannahs
Sumba is also known as the “Pulau Seribu Bukit,” meaning it has rows of green hills, vast expanses of savannah, and grasslands that change color with the seasons. The quiet and tranquil atmosphere is the perfect place to enjoy Sumba’s natural beauty.
5. Sustainability and Ecotourism
Visiting Sumba means supporting sustainable tourism practices. The island emphasizes eco-friendly initiatives such as conservation efforts and community-based tourism. Sumba also allows visitors to enjoy its natural beauty responsibly and support local communities, making it an ecotourism destination for you ecotourists.
Read more: How to Get to Sumba Island 2026: Best Routes & Tips
How to Get from Bali to Sumba
There are 3 ways to reach Sumba from Bali, there are:
Plane Trip
Sumba has two airports, Tambolaka Airport in Waikabubak, West Sumba Regency, and Umbu Mehang Kunda Kijing Airport or Waingapu Airport in Waingapu City, East Sumba.
To make your journey from Bali to Sumba more convenient, consider Bali Premium Trip’s luxury services. Whether you need VIP airport transfers or chauffeur services, Bali Premium Trip ensures a seamless and comfortable experience as you travel from Bali to Sumba. Our luxury car rentals and personalized service will enhance your travel, making your trip to Sumba even more memorable.You can fly to either airport from Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali. Here are the flight options you can choose from:
A. Ngurah Rai Airport [DPS] to Tambolaka Airport [TMC] with NAM Air
- Details of flight: Depart from Ngurah Rai Airport at 09:00 and arrive at Tambolaka Airport at 10:00. This fastest flight takes approximately an hour.
- Estimated cost: This flight is operated by NAM Air and costs you approximately USD 72.
B. Ngurah Rai Airport [DPS] to Tambolaka Airport [TMC] with Wings Air
- Details of the flight: The flight departs from Ngurah Rai Airport at 10:35 and arrives at Tambolaka Airport at 12:00. It takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
- Estimated cost: This flight is operated by Wings Air and costs you approximately USD 90.
C. Ngurah Rai Airport [DPS] to Waingapu Airport [WGP] with Wings Air
- Details of the flight: The flight departs from Ngurah Rai Airport at 14:40 and arrives at Waingapu Airport at 16:25. It takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Estimated cost: This flight is operated by Wings Air and costs you approximately USD 163.
Note: Flight prices and schedules may change at any time depending on the season, so booking well in advance is wise.
Boat Trip
The next alternative to reaching Sumba from Bali is by boat. You can take the PELNI boat KM. Tilongkabila from Tanjung Benoa Port in Denpasar to Bima Port in West Nusa Tenggara. The trip takes about 28 hours and 25 minutes and costs from USD 16.
On arrival at Bima Harbor, you must take the next boat trip with the final destination of Waingapu Harbor via KM. Awu. This trip takes about 23 hours and costs a Mukai of USD 13. The boat trip from Bali to Sumba is lengthy, but you will enjoy beautiful sea views throughout the journey.
Note: Ferry schedules and prices can change at any time, so please check their official website for the latest information.
Read more: Sumba Tour 2025: Discovering One of Forbes’ Must-Visit Destinations
Slutsats
Sumba Island is often referred to as the little paradise on earth. Located in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, the island has endless natural attractions, from beautiful beaches to waterfalls in the middle of the forest to vast expanses of savannah. With its beauty, Sumba Island has become one of the most popular destinations after Bali. You can visit Sumba Island from Bali by plane or boat.
If you are interested in visiting Sumba, we highly recommend the private Sumba tour offered by IndonesiaJuara Trip, a top-notch tour operator with more than 9 years experience. We recommend you to join a 4D3N, 5D4N, or 6D5N trip to experience a holiday to 19 destinations in Sumba, especially Tanggedu Waterfall and Tanarara Hill.
IndonesiaJuara Trip will take you to discover hidden treasures in each location to have an unforgettable experience in Sumba. Explore the hidden, untouched gem of Sumba for an unforgettable holiday experience. What are you waiting for? Book your place and start exploring this little paradise on earth.
