We did a day tour of West Sumba. The landscapes. traditional villages and welcoming inhabitants make it a stunning destination. Read on for info on what to do and practical tips

West Sumba is a hub of lovely places to visit and fun stuff to do. Everything about the natural beauty of West Sumba and the cultural attractions is equally inviting. Nothing can surpass the charm and beauty of the beaches, lagoons and villages there. If nature has blessed this piece of earth with impressive aesthetics, the locals have done it justice too with their traditional architecture. They have preserved their culture so well that you can still have an insight into the way that people lived there in the past. There are so many things that you can do in West Sumba, but below are some of the best ones which we did in one day.

While the number of kilometres is not very high the road can be bumpy at some times so plan for a long day. We left Nihi Sumba at 8 am and did not get back before 6 pm. Yet, the landscapes are really enjoyable. It also feels very remote. We have not seen another tourist over the whole day.

For my review of Nihi Sumba, read here.

Practical tip: We met Yuliana who is a great guide from Sumba. She speaks excellent English and some French too. She can be contacted by email at yuli.sumba@gmail.com or by phone / WhatsApp at +6282236216297. We had a great time touring with her and highly recommend her. She also organised a driver for us. Roi is friendly, a good driver and has a good car. A guide is necessary if you don’t speak Bahasa Indonesia as few people in the villages speak English

As we were driving by, we also witnessed a procession for a church birthday celebration

Exploring Tarung village in West Sumba

This is the village where Yuliana is from. It burned down a few months ago and is currently in the rebuilding process. It is very impressive watching the men carrying up huge stones that they will use for the tombs.

The village is a beautiful traditional village.

The Kampung Tarung Village is a classic Indonesian village with its rustic charm. The colorful roofs of houses and the old fashioned streets in the village are so picturesque that you will not be able to get enough of the photoshoots there. As soon as you step in there, you feel like you have entered a rainbow town since it is so vibrant and colorful. The charm of this village is further enhanced by the liveliness and hospitality of the people there. You can venture out in the main street and explore the true colors of West Sumba.

Exploring Ratenggaro village and beach in West Sumba

The first thing that comes to mind on hearing the name of Ratenggaro Village is the Brobdingnagian rooftops. These traditional rooftops are an architectural idiosyncrasy of the Ratenggaro Village which makes it unique and more beautiful. This village has lush green surroundings and has a very awe-inspiring charm that leaves the visitors touched to their heart and soul. There are folk traditions which you will love as they take you to another world. The people there have many things unique to them in addition to the way they construct their homes which you must see.

Not only the village is beautiful but its setting on the border of the sea and a lagoon is breath-taking. You can also do a bit of horse riding around the village for a fee of 50000 rupiah

TIP: Beware of where you take pictures because locals have decided that tourists must pay to take pictures at the front of the village. You will also need to sign the guest book twice ( and give your donation. Usually 20000 to 30000 rupiah per person). Once in the village and once on the beach

 

Exploring Pero beach in West Sumba

Pero beach is another gorgeous beach near Ratenggaro village. It is located just outside a small fishing village and also offers a breathtaking landscape.

Exploring Waikuri lagoon in West Sumba

There is no denying the healing and rejuvenating powers of nature. Is there? These powers get many times better when you are in the lovely vicinity of the Weekuri lagoon. The beautiful turquoise waters and the lagoons made on the sides of the lake are so lovely that you can hardly believe that you are on earth and not in heavens. There is such a peaceful and soothing vibe around Weekuri Lake that you feel even your soul get refreshed to its very core. Merely hanging out on around the lake and relishing the blue waters and lush greenery can be a therapy of its own. But don’t expect to have the lake for yourself as it is a popular place with local kids

TIP: Don’t forget to take your swimming suit and towels as you will want to go and swim in the lagoon

 

West Sumba has so much in store for you, so do not forget to try these things once you are there!

For information on the best prices and availability of hotels in Sumba, check out here.

I was staying at Nihi Sumba. It is an amazing hotel and you can read my review here

And if you want to know more about meeting local tribes in Indonesia, do read my article on West Timor. It is also an amazing destination.

 

Have you been to West Sumba? Please share your comments below