The 50 has recently ranked NIHI Sumba #35 among the world’s best 50 hotels. The resort has been a serious contender in similar lists in recent years and was ranked the world’s best hotel by Travel + Leisure twice. All these accolades are making many seasoned traveler wonder if what NIHI started decades ago is now creating a serious shift in Indonesia travel scene. Those who knew and visited Sumba before, on the other hand, are happy to know that the island is growing in representation.
No one debates the fact that Bali has long been considered the undisputed gem of Indonesian travel. Due to the burgeoning tourism industry, the island has received an immense hype from tourists from all around the world, as well as bountiful investment.
However, Bali’s recent image as the overcrowded tourist destination made the whispers of new competitors become louder. Among these was Sumba, an island just an hour’s flight away, pointed as the best escape from the hustle and bustle of Bali. But does this emerging goal really turn the beloved Island of the Gods upside down? Let’s find out!
Sumba Is a Trending Destination (But Has It Deposed Bali?)
Both Sumba and Bali represent very different qualities among Indonesia travel destinations. Bali is the place for loud parties and a vibrant nightlife; Sumba, on the other hand, is the calm, tranquil and raw paradise.
While some compare Sumba to old Bali, this is not a fair comparison. Sumba’s travel scene focuses on sustainable, eco-friendly tourism and all resorts on the island do their best to keep the island pristine.
Of course, it is difficult to say how Sumba’s growing popularity will influence the tourism scene. However, in its current state, Sumba does not try to depose Bali; it tries to offer a distinct, more sustainability-oriented experience.
Therefore, it is possible to say that those who value tranquility, empty beaches, turquoise lagoons, world-class surf, eco-friendly experiences and true adventures will pick Sumba over Bali. Travelers who want to enjoy loud parties, raves and crowds, however, will have to wait for some time until Sumba becomes more urbanized.
Sumba vs Bali: Comparing the Islands
Both Sumba and Bali are exceptionally beautiful Indonesian islands, making it difficult to compare them. However, we can still check differences between Sumba vs Bali to figure which destination fits your idea of a travel.
In terms of the local culture, Bali predominantly has Hindu culture, given the island’s past as a significant travel hub. Sumba, on the other hand, is predominantly Christian, with a strong undercurrent of the animist Marapu tradition, featuring megalithic tombs and ancient villages. Furthermore, while Sumba preserves its thousands of years old culture, Bali also does its best to keep its historic traditions alive.
Sumba highlights undertourism as a hallmark; the island offers a warm and exclusive atmosphere. Accommodation in Sumba is typically resorts and hotels along the coastline or the pristine wilderness with cultural activities and natural exploration as their main offerings. Bali, however, suffers from mass tourism. Almost every corner of the island is filled with hotels, most hosting loud parties every night and boasting their own nightclubs. However, no mistake here; places to stay in Sumba are typically more luxurious than Bali on average.
Accessibility-wise, Bali offers a better infrastructure and Google maps generally works on the island. Sumba has also made lots of progress in infrastructural development in recent years; but, it’s still behind Bali when it comes to accessibility. It is a fact that on Sumba, you will have to rely on a rental car or a driver for hire. The island has very narrow roads, unmapped destinations and limited online information. This is why I strongly recommend you to keep the Sumba Places map somewhere accessible.
Might Be Interesting
Does Sumba Cost More?
If we take a moment to compare average spending on both islands, we can see that both destinations are almost identical in affordability. What makes Sumba slightly more expensive, though, is transportation.
If you are a backpacker interested in only traveling to the major areas, public transport will suffice. However, for families and travelers who want to see the real hidden gems of Sumba, renting a vehicle or hiring a driver are the only options. As a side note, you must know that ride-hailing apps like Grab aren’t also available on Sumba. Naturally, this makes Bali slightly more affordable for a backpacker. In the end, you can find a ride-hailing app at lower rates and there is actual public transport.
On another note, ultra luxury resorts on Sumba are generally more expensive than Bali, but how many resorts on Bali have their own surf wave? NIHI Sumba has one. So, Sumba’s luxury resorts are definitely worth their prices.
Does Sumba Have Better Beaches than Bali?
When it comes to beaches and coasts, comparing Bali and Sumba becomes much more difficult. No one can deny that Bali’s beaches are legendary, with areas such as Kuta and Seminyak offering bustling beach clubs and world-class surf spots suitable for all skill levels. However, Sumba offers something game-changing: seclusion.
Surf culture is a big part of Sumba’s identity. The island is known and recognized by some of the world’s top surfers. And seclusion is Sumba’s main advantage. Whether you are interested in riding the waves or basking in the warm Indonesian sun on an empty beach, Sumba is ready to offer you a once-in-a-lifetime beach getaway. Rock formations, especially arches, on Sumba’s beaches are also quite popular for their Instagram-worthy looks.
Since nobody can say ‘no’ to spending time on a completely empty beach, Sumba’s coastline might actually be better than Bali’s. If you are a fan of the crowds though, Bali is still the top destination.
Conclusion
Is Sumba superior to Bali? Depending on the kind of traveler you are, the answer isn’t just yes or no. Bali is the place to go if you’re not yet tired of loud parties. It is perfect for first-time travelers to Indonesia or anyone searching for a handy, user-friendly location with a rich yet approachable culture. Sumba is not a better Bali, but the unspoiled face of Indonesia. It is for the intrepid traveler who wants to disconnect and exchange a busy street for a deserted and spectacular coastline. Sumba offers a more exclusive, raw experience that requires a sense of adventure. If your dream is to find peace in a peaceful wild landscape and immerse yourself in a very authentic culture, then Sumba is the perfect alternative.