Sumba Island Travel Guide｜Indonesia's Last Secret Paradise, Visit Before the Crowds!

🌴 Sumba Island Travel Guide｜Indonesia's Last Secret Paradise, Visit Before the Crowds! 🌟 Why Sumba Island? Sumba Island is a "green gem" in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, and was ranked first on CNN's "Top Destinations to Visit in 2024"! Unlike the hustle and bustle of Bali, Sumba Island offers pristine beaches, mysterious villages, wild horses, and untamed natural beauty. With abundant sunshine, it's known as the "Sunshine Island," and even the inspiration for Skull Island in "King Kong" might have come from here! 📅 Before You Go 1. Best Time to Visit: May to October during the dry season, with plenty of sunshine and less rain for a more enjoyable experience. 2. How to Get There: Fly from Bali to Tambolaka Airport, a 1-hour direct flight with daily flights available. 3. Essentials: Sunscreen (strong UV rays!), cash (few ATMs on the island), hiking shoes (primitive road conditions at attractions). 🌊 Must-Visit Attractions 1. Nihiwatu Beach Activity: Horseback riding on the waves! The sight of wild horses running at sunset is a picture-perfect moment. It's also one of the world's top 17 beaches and a paradise for surfers (up to 10 surfers at a time). Hidden Gem: Visit the cliff by the beach in the evening to witness the breathtaking sight of waves crashing against the rocks. 2. Mbawana Beach Highlight: A giant coral cave resembling a "gateway to another world," accessible after a 25-minute jungle trek, but the view is absolutely worth it! 3. Walakiri Beach Romantic Moment: At sunset, the mangrove reflections look like "dancing trees," making it a popular spot for proposals! The beach also has a unique boundary line between two types of sand. 4. Weekuri Lagoon Experience: The lagoon's turquoise waters are crystal clear, perfect for a refreshing swim! Locals love to picnic here on weekends. 5. Waimarang Waterfall Highlight: A U-shaped pool with milky blue water, resembling spilled macaron paint, discovered by tourists in 2015, it's a hidden gem with breathtaking beauty. 🏡 Cultural Experiences 1. Visit Primitive Villages Recommended Villages: Praijing Village (stilted thatched houses + tie-dye crafts), Melolo Village (megalithic tombs). Villagers wear handmade ikat cloth, houses are divided into male and female areas, and roofs resemble wizard hats, making them unique. Taboo: Don't touch sacrificial items! Marapu religion (ancestor worship) is central to the islanders' beliefs, so respect local rituals. 2. Watch Pasola Festival Excitement: A horseback "spear battle" with blood sacrifices for a bountiful harvest! Held around the full moon, priests summon sea worms (a local delicacy). 3. Explore Traditional Markets Souvenir Recommendations: Handmade tie-dye cloth, small wooden carvings (bargain for half the price!). 🏨 Where to Stay? 1. Luxury: Nihi Sumba Resort 2.5 km of private beach, horseback riding, and surfing all in one place, a top-notch luxury hotel, perfect for those with a generous budget. 2. Budget: Tanto Hotel From CNY 200/night, clean and comfortable, ideal for backpackers. 🍛 What to Eat? Local Specialty: Try the sea worms (colorful marine worms, fried or eaten raw), a daring challenge! Food Recommendation: Roast pork feast in the village, served with coconut milk rice, eaten by hand for an authentic experience. ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Transportation: No public transport on the island, rent a motorcycle or hire a car (around CNY 300/day), some attractions require a guide. 2. Internet: Signal is intermittent, download offline maps in advance. 3. Environment: Don't leave trash behind! Sumba Island's ecosystem is fragile, take your water bottles with you. 💡 Tips Sumba Island is perfect for adventurers who dislike crowds, with low commercialization, but because of this, services and facilities are not as developed as Bali, so be prepared for a "primitive" experience! If you have time, consider combining your trip with Bali (a 1-hour flight is super convenient). Visit this "island forgotten by time" before it becomes popular! 🌅