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The best beaches in Sumba (with map)
Every beach worth the drive on Sumba: lagoons, surf breaks, sunset spots and empty white sand on all four coasts, with tips on safety and access.
Sumba has hundreds of kilometres of coastline and most of it is empty. The beaches fall into three families: the wild, surf-battered south and west, the calmer and drier north and the mangrove shores of the east. All of them are on our interactive map.
Southwest Sumba
Weekuri Lagoon
Weekuri is not technically a beach but a lagoon of clear salt water behind a coral wall, the island's favourite swim. Busy at weekends.
Mandorak Beach
Mandorak is a tiny white cove framed by cliffs. Waves can be strong; enjoy it from the rocks when the swell is up.
Pero Beach
Pero is a fishing village and sunset beach on the Kodi coast with rock pools at low tide.
Watu Maladong
Watu Maladong is remote, framed by big rocks and reached on a long, rough road.
West Sumba
Marosi Beach
Marosi is a long arc of sand on the south coast, known for surf. Swim only on calm days.
Rua Beach
Rua has pale sand and clear water and is one of the nicer swimming spots on this stretch when the sea is calm.
Central Sumba
Kapulit Beach
On the quiet north coast, Kapulit is wide and white, with gentle waves and coral formations for shade.
Mananga Beach
Mananga is reached by boat across a small lagoon and is where Mamboro's fishermen land their catch.
Karendi Beach
Karendi has two river mouths, casuarina trees and old Japanese cannons. Crocodiles live in the salty river on the way: stay on the track.
Lenang (Pahar) Beach
Lenang combines blue-green water, mangroves and traditional salt-making.
Maloba and Konda
On the south coast, Maloba is firm white sand with a sacred grave on a coral outcrop, and Konda is a rare black-sand beach with surf.
East Sumba
Walakiri Beach
Walakiri is famous for its "dancing" mangrove trees silhouetted at sunset. Check the tide: the effect is best when the water is low.
Puru Kambera
Puru Kambera pairs a long beach with savanna and grazing horses.
Londa Lima and Padadita
Londa Lima is the easy swim near Waingapu; Padadita is the town beach, best at golden hour.
Tarimbang
Tarimbang is a remote surf bay on the south-east coast.
Beach safety in Sumba
- There are no lifeguards. Ask locals about currents before swimming.
- Reef breaks are shallow; surf only with experience and booties.
- Carry water and shade: most beaches have no shops.
- Respect sacred sites such as graves and offerings on the shore.
- Take your rubbish with you.
FAQ
What is the most beautiful beach in Sumba?
It depends on what you want: Weekuri Lagoon for calm turquoise water, Mandorak for cliffs, Walakiri for sunset, Pero for village life and the south coast beaches such as Marosi for wild surf.
Is it safe to swim at Sumba's beaches?
The north coast is usually calm. The south and west coasts face the open Indian Ocean with strong currents and reef breaks, so swim only when the sea is calm and ask locals first. There are no lifeguards.
Which Sumba beaches are best for sunset?
Pero, Mandorak and Walakiri are the classic sunset beaches.
Guides
Best sunsets in Sumba: 9 places for golden hour
Where to watch the sunset in Sumba, from the dancing mangroves of Walakiri to the cliffs of Kodi and the savanna hills, with timing tips and sunset hours.
25 best things to do in Sumba
From Weekuri Lagoon to the Pasola, the dancing trees of Walakiri and the megalithic tombs of Anakalang: the best experiences on Sumba island, with a map.
Where to stay in Sumba: the best areas for every trip
Which area of Sumba to stay in: Tambolaka and Kodi, Waikabubak and the south-west coast, Central Sumba and Waingapu in the east, and how to split your nights.
What to eat in Sumba: food, coffee and where to find it
Fresh fish, smoked meat, local vegetables, Sumba coffee and the betel-nut ritual: what you will eat on the island and practical tips.
Sumba in the rainy season: is it worth visiting from November to April?
What travelling in Sumba during the wet season is really like: rain patterns, roads, waterfalls, green landscapes, the Pasola, and how to plan around the weather.
Hiring a driver in Sumba: how it works and what to agree
How to hire a car with driver in Sumba: where to find one, what is usually included, questions to ask, scooter vs car, and tips for a smooth trip.