Ratenggaro Beach
Ratenggaro Beach, located just a short drive from Ratenggaro Village, boasts breathtaking views with its soft, light brown sand that gleams almost white in the sunlight, and clear…
Best Strands on Earth
Scroll to explore Beaches of Sumba
Pristine coastlines and stunning lagoons across Sumba!
Curated by Local Experts
Sumba is a prime destination for visitors who are seeking an idyllic getaway. The island’s coastline remains one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets, with golden beaches stretch along a turquoise sea, extending into lush inland where green and blue lagoons remain hidden. Explore the island’s best beaches in this page!
Top 5 Beaches in Sumba
Sumba is home to a myriad of hidden beaches and lagoons, favored by visitors from all around the world. While some of these spots might have entry requirements, the majority of pristine Sumba beaches are open to everyone.
#1 Top Spot
Nihiwatu Beach
A premium beach area with long white sand, powerful left-hand reef breaks, turquoise water, limestone cliffs, and strong sunset views. Famed for its top-level surfing opportunities stunning vantage, the beach stands out with its cleanliness and soft sand.
Nihiwatu Beach is home to Nihi Sumba, a beach resort with contemporary facilities and luxury services. Additionally, there are several hotels nearby with access to the beach.
Only NIHI Sumba Guests
Nihiwatu Beach is only accessible to guests at NIHI Sumba and Villa Haweri.
#2 Dramatic Landscape
Walakiri Beach
Known as the mangrove beach of Sumba, Walakiri might be the most famous spot on the entire island. The beach has such clear water that it reflects objects like a mirror in shallow tidal waves. During sunset, tiny mangrove trees along the coastline are struck by the crimson sunset and unveil their true beauty. The view of slender trees under moonlight creates an illusion of dancing figures.
Walakiri isn’t a popular spot for swimming but it’s a great destination for sightseeing. The best time to visit the spot is during sunrise or sunset.
#3 Secluded Beauty
Mandorak Beach
Mandorak Beach is a scenic spot where you can enjoy the stunning ocean views on powdery white sand. The water at the beach is crystal clear and the shoreline is very clean. Dramatic rock formations around the beach are also worth a visit for anyone interested in sightseeing. At low tide, you can view caves hidden under gigantic rocks.
Although the beach is relatively small, it’s usually not very crowded. If you’re lucky enough, you can even have the entire beach for yourself. Don’t forget to take pictures between large rocks and bask in the warm Sumba sun.
#4 Natural Wonder
Weekuri Lake (Danau Weekuri)
Weekuri is a turquoise saltwater lagoon separated from the ocean by coral limestone walls. The otherworldly views of the lake make it a very popular destination among tranquility-seekers. Surrounded by captivating greenery, the lagoon is one of the must-see gems in Southwest Sumba Regency.
The lagoon is located at the island’s western tip and the journey can take about 1 hour from Tambolaka and 2 to 3 hours from Waikabubak. If you stay in East Sumba, the journey can take up to 5 to 6 hours.
#5 Underappreciated Gem
Puru Kambera Beach
Puru Kambera Beach is known for its white sand and crystal-clear blue waters. The beach is accessible after a long journey across the island’s vast savanna in the east. Due to its relatively secluded location, the beach is usually quite uncrowded, with only a handful of people. The facilities in the area are quite basic; do not forget to bring anything essential.
There are limited accommodation options nearby, so, it is more suitable for a day trip. If you are staying near Waingapu, you can travel to Puru Kambera after a 1-hour trip. From West and Southwest Sumba, the journey will probably take around 3 to 4 hours, depending your location.
Other Must-See Beaches
There are world-class beaches all across Sumba. Below are our favorites.
Top Beach Activities
Turquoise lagoons and stunning beaches in Sumba are ideal places for many exciting activities, swimming is not the only thing you can do there. All visitors can take a day or even an entire week hopping from one spot to another, having completely distinct adventures, regardless of the season and budget.
Surf Sumba's World-Class Waves
Sumba is the destination for both professional and amateur surfers. Most resorts in Sumba offer special surfing experiences, offering unforgettable experiences to surfers of all levels.
Dive to Uncover Underwater Gems
Turquoise waves of Sumba hide gorgeous coral reefs and a thriving marine life. Dive into the island’s mesmerizing blue to enjoy this hidden gem.
Take a Little Breather
A long day of visiting villages and hunting for unforgettable souvenirs indeed demands a little breather. If you don’t feel like returning to your resort or hotel, you might head to a lagoon or beach for a short getaway from all the rush.
Planning Tips
- Prioritize sunrise and sunset for coastal photography, especially Walakiri’s tidal mangroves.
- Visit Weekuri when the sea is calm for safer swimming conditions and clearer water.
- Low tide windows improve access to coastal features such as Mandorak’s cave areas.
- Check entrance conditions of beaches and lagoons, as some are only accessible via resorts, such as Nihiwatu.
- Lagoons and beaches in Sumba are best visited during the transition period between the dry and wet seasons; visit the weather page to plan a smoother trip.
Best Beachfront Hotels in Sumba
Find your beachfront base in Sumba for a dream-like journey!
Dive Deeper
Explore Beach Activities
Top beach activities and water sports in Sumba!
Curated Guides by Locals & Travelers