It was the year of coolcation, sleep tourism and stargazing trips in 2026. Now, 2027 is here and everyone is excited about the new trends it will bring. One thing is clear, though: off-the-beaten-path routes will stay trendy. Skyscanner and LonelyPlanet’s latest reports show that the shift towards lesser known destinations in Asia still continues.
Travelers looking for something new in Asia often find themselves returning to destinations they have yet to explore, but the familiar names are beginning to lose some of their appeal. For Australians who have already experienced popular holiday destinations like Bali, the question is where to go next. Just beyond Indonesia’s better-known islands, Sumba offers a compelling alternative. For those seeking an experience that goes beyond the usual tropical getaway, this Indonesian island is well worth discovering in 2027.
Are you planning a trip for 2027 but haven’t decided where to go yet? Here are six reasons why Sumba, Indonesia, should be on your travel list!
1. Very close to home but far enough for an adventure
Sumba is located very close to Australia’s northern gateway, yet setting foot on the island feels like entering an entirely different world. Despite the short flight and the relatively close proximity of Indonesia to Australia, you will experience a truly surprising shift in atmosphere.
This island is free of crowded tourist trails and pricy attractions. Soaring thatched roofs of traditional Marapu houses, ancient megalithic stone tombs, and a living ancestral culture fill the horizon here.
2. Space to slow down and get away from busy tourist hubs
Travel should be about rejuvenation and rest — at least sometimes. The scooter-clogged roads and noisy beach clubs might sometimes feel exhausting. Thankfully, Sumba offers the perfect antidote.
The island operates at a relaxed, unhurried pace. You can spend your days listening to the wind sweeping across vast savannas, walking along pristine white-sand beaches, such as Nihiwatu or Mandorak and enjoying a sense of peace that is rarely found in today’s mass-tourism destinations.
3. An island for surfers and those who want to become one
If you are a wave-lover, Sumba can make your dream come true. The island is renowned for Occy’s Left, also known as God’s Left, a world-class surf break located near the NIHI Sumba resort. NIHI accepts only a limited number of surfers to the break at a time, ensuring that the lineup is never crowded.
Unlike commercial surf spots that are often overcrowded, Sumba offers uncrowded lineups, warm water, and a welcoming local atmosphere. It is an ideal destination for both beginners looking to try surfing for the first time and experienced surfers in search of barrel waves all without the stress of a crowd.
4. Opportunities to travel more thoughtfully
Traveling to Sumba means your presence can contribute directly to empowering the local community. The island is a pioneer in regenerative, community-based tourism.
Many eco-lodges and luxury resorts in Sumba channel a portion of their room rates directly to local foundations. These funds are used to finance clean water wells, mobile health clinics, and primary schools. Travelers can visit traditional villages, learn to weave traditional textiles directly from the artisans, and make a tangible, positive impact.
5. A distinct landscape with unique features
The Wallace biogeographic boundary goes through Sumba, causing the island’s ecology to display a fascinating intersection between Asia and Australia.
Sumba features dramatic rolling savannas, enchanting waterfalls, the crystal-clear Lake Weekuri, and hills that turn green during the rainy season and golden brown throughout the dry season.
The sight of iconic wild horses, roaming along the beaches or across the hills at sunset, creates a landscape that blends the rugged beauty of the Australian outback with a tropical paradise.
6. A place where you can find true comfort
Sumba redefines luxury travel by shifting the focus from ostentatious grandeur to a soul-soothing, relaxed elegance. Here, luxury translates to private beachfront villas, open-air spa treatments overlooking the Indian Ocean, fresh produce sourced from on-site gardens, and immersive cultural experiences tailored specifically for you.
The island is home to properties consistently ranked among the best luxury hotels in the world, such as NIHI Sumba and the eco-conscious resort Cap Karoso. If you are seeking conscious luxury, this is where you can find it.
Put Sumba in your 2027 itinerary
There is no need to wait until the new year to start planning your next adventure. Sumba is closer than you might think, with connections from Australia via Bali or Kupang making the island an accessible alternative to Indonesia’s more familiar destinations. Once there, you will find a different side of the country: uncrowded beaches, quiet surf breaks, vast open landscapes, and a culture that remains deeply connected to everyday life. Whether you are looking to slow down, explore somewhere new, or experience a different side of Indonesia, Sumba is one of the most compelling travel destinations for Australians in 2027.