SUMBA ISLAND PARADISE OF EAST NUSA TENGGARA

SUMBA ISLAND PARADISE OF EAST NUSA TENGGARA Sumba Island with megalithic stone graves, the traditional high-roof houses and excellent Ikat weaving is one of the most exciting areas of the culture of East Nusa Tenggara. Living here in town, complete with funeral rituals remaining time, strict social structure and unique architectural style that they have survived for centuries. If you want the traditional culture has been influenced by Western influence to see from a trip to Sumba is a must.

The Island itself appears as a barren and inhospitable place on first appearance, but it is blessed with rocky highlands giving breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline where near deserted white sandy beaches stretch on to the horizon. The warmth and hospitality of Sumba can be found in the people of Sumba with their incredibly rich culture, their unique architecture and their primitive but orderly way of life. Take a journey back in time and marvel at a people who can produce exquisite ikat weavings, monumental monolithic burial sites and spectacular houses from such a seemingly barren land.

Probably the most well known cultural event in Indonesia, the Pasola is still performed today in West Sumba by hundreds of spear throwing combatants charging at their opponents through an open field, a truly unbelievable spectacle. According to tradition, the Pasola must be proceeded by the catching of the Nyale(sea worms) which occurs in February in Kodi & Lamboya and March in Wanukaka. The exact time is 6 days before the full moon. Take the time and make the effort to get to one of these action packed events, it will be the highlight of your trip.

Ikat weavings in Sumba play a vital role for the women of Sumba. They are exchanged at important ceremonies to show one's social status and the most exquisite cloth are placed at the gravesite for use in the after-world. The west and east regions of Sumba are different in design and color. The eastern ikats bear motifs of bold, bright designs of people, animals and animistic totems while those of the west are more abstract. Taking up to two years to produce, a full sized Sumba cloth is highly prized both within the community and as mementos for visitors.


After you have soaked in all the culture, seen the Pasola action and purchased your Ikats, why not relax in one of the two rustic beach side bungalow resorts in East Sumba. They are located right on the beach and offer surfing, game fishing, snorkeling and bird-watching. The beaches are near deserted so it is easy to feel like Robinson Caruso as you wander down the near endless stretches of pure white sand - then you understand why we say that Sumba is the destination of contrasts.