Hello, readers! Have you started planning your next holiday? If you haven’t, what about visiting Sumba, Indonesia? I went there in 2024 as a solo traveller (private trip) and I LOVED every moment. There are many things to do in Sumba!
And the most important thing: this island is one of Indonesia’s hidden gems. That means it’s very quiet and you can explore the island as if it’s yours. I can’t believe I had the beautiful beaches, savannas, and waterfalls to myself because there were very few visitors. Sometimes, I was the only one there.
Wondering what are the things you can do in Sumba? Alright, let me share the top 10 things to do in Sumba in 2027.
1. Have a beach day on Watu Bela Beach
This is my favourite beach in Sumba! Watu Bela Beach offers white sand, stunning rock formations, beautiful surroundings, and is very tranquil. Be it being active on the beach or just sitting down, staring at the sunset in silence – the call is yours. You can also check out the cave within the rock formations.
By the way, if you’re going to get married soon, I feel like Watu Bela Beach would be a good location for your pre-wedding photoshoot and videos.
2. Visit the mangrove forests of the east
There are some mangrove forests in Sumba, such as Prailiu, Temu, Hamba Praing, and Walakiri. If you’re a nature lover who craves a serene environment or wants to have a digital detox, strolling these mangrove forests will help you get the peace you’re looking for.
Okay, some of you may think, ‘but there’s nothing to do in mangrove forests!’ Well, you haven’t been to Sumba if you don’t visit Walakiri Mangrove Forest! It’s that famous photography location, where you stand between twisted branches during sunset to get stunning silhouette photos.
Practical Tips
The best photos are taken before 6pm. Be there early, as you may need to queue.
Mangrove Forests of Sumba
3. Bask in ancestral wisdom at traditional villages
Another thing to do in Sumba is to visit traditional villages, such as Ratenggaro Village, Boku Bani Heritage Village, and King Prailiu Village.
If you only stay for a few days in Sumba, I highly recommend Ratenggaro Village. It’s the most famous traditional village in Sumba, where you can see traditional houses with high roofs and grave stones of the fallen warriors, and buy handcrafted souvenirs. You can also rent traditional Sumba attire to explore the village and take photos or videos.
While Ratenggaro Village is kinda touristy (comfortable pathway, clean toilets, etc), Boku Bani Village gives off a sacred and traditional vibe. The pathway is rugged yet serene, thanks to the tall trees surrounding the 12 traditional houses. But don’t worry, exploring this village with a pair of sneakers will do.
If you like history, don’t miss King Prailiu Village, it’s the residence of one of the kings in East Sumba and has some megalithic graves that are adorned with detailed carvings.
Villages to See in Sumba
4. Take Instagrammable photos at Wee Kacura
A multi-layered waterfall in the middle of a paddy field? Now, that’s something you don’t want to miss. Get your camera and drone ready because you’re going to fill your IG with photos of Wee Kacura, probably the most unique waterfall in the world!
If you have a drone, I highly recommend bringing it so you can capture Wee Kacura’s beauty from above. It’s a truly magical atmosphere in Wee Kacura and you will want to capture this scenery from all possible angles!
5. Marvel at the beauty of Tanggedu Waterfall
Alright, another must-visit waterfall in Sumba is Tanggedu Waterfall. The rocky cliffs surrounding the formation will remind you of the Grand Canyon, and the view is OH. SO. BREATHTAKING.
Make sure your drone battery is fully charged, wear non-slip shoes or sandals, and apply sunblock beforehand as you’ll walk under the scorching sun for 2.5km. If you don’t want to walk much, you can hire a motorcycle taxi. Still, prepare your stamina, there are hundreds of stairs to reach the waterfall!
6. Swim in seclusion at Matayangu Waterfall
Imagine taking a dip in a secluded waterfall deep in central Sumba. There’s nobody but you and the turquoise pool, surrounded by dense jungle and rugged cliffs…
Unfortunately, not everyone has what it takes to witness the beauty of Matayangu Waterfall. You’ll need unbreakable conviction and good stamina to overcome hundreds of stairs, a narrow pathway, steep climbs, and a muddy field. That’s why only around 100 people visit this waterfall per year. Well, you’ll never know if you never try it, right?
7. Ride a horse along Nihiwatu Beach
If you have a substantial budget, by all means, stay at least one night at NIHI Sumba. This luxury resort was crowned as Indonesia’s Best Hotel by Condé Nast Traveler in 2024 and recently ranked 35 among the world’s best 50 hotels.
One of the highlights of NIHI Sumba is its 2.5-kilometer stunning private beach, where you can ride wild horses. Is it your first time? Don’t worry, there are horse riding lessons for adults and kids.
8. Eat local food at a Waingapu warung
Of course, no holiday is complete without eating local food! One of the things to do in Sumba is trying local dishes at warungs (street-side food stalls). I highly recommend Old Pier in Waingapu, where you can find a row of seafood stalls by the sea. This is a popular spot among the locals, especially in the evening.
Everything is freshly caught; you can even choose the type of fish, the weight, and the cooking method (grilled, fried, or tangy soup).
9. Take a road trip to Wairinding Hills
I’ve covered some things to do in Sumba, but when I stood on top of Wairinding Hills during sunset, I felt immense joy and gratitude…
This popular East Sumba destination is so breathtaking. You can clearly see the wavy shape thanks to the open and treeless savanna hills. Contrary to some waterfalls in Sumba, where you have to conquer a challenging trek, strolling on Wairinding Hills is like a breeze in the park.
The best time to visit Wairinding Hills is during sunrise and sunset, when natural sunlight gives a dramatic view, especially for photography.
10. Surf Miller’s Right for an unforgettable adventure
Last but not least, if you love surfing, you have to visit Sumba and try riding the wave at Miller’s Right! It has powerful short waves and consistent surf, popular among intermediate and advanced surfers.
Getting to Miller’s Right is a bit tricky, as it’s located far, far away in Sumba’s southwest coast. The journey takes a few hours, the road is rough and there’s no signage. So it’s better to hire a driver, preferably 4×4 cars. I would also recommend hiring a local tour guide, just in case you need help as there’s no medical access and sometimes there won’t be mobile coverage.