Sumba in 5 days: west and east
Five days crossing the island from Tambolaka to Waingapu, with the highlights of both sides.
Five days is enough to see both halves of Sumba if you fly into Tambolaka (TMC) and out of Waingapu (WGP), or the other way round, so you never drive back.
Days 1 and 2: the south-west and west
Follow days 1 and 2 of our 3-day route: Weekuri, the Kodi villages, Waikabubak and the south coast.
Day 3: across the island
Leave early. Stop at Lapopu, then drive east through Central Sumba. The drive takes most of the day. Arrive for sunset at Wairinding Hill.
Day 4: East Sumba savanna
Tanggedu in the morning with a guide, Puru Kambera in the afternoon and sunset at Walakiri at low tide.
Day 5: Waingapu
Ikat at Prailiu, a sunrise from Brotherhood Hill and the evening at Padadita before your flight.
Guides
Best time to visit Sumba and what the weather is like
Dry season, rainy season and what each means for beaches, waterfalls and roads.
How to get to Sumba and get around the island
Airports, flights from Bali, ferries, distances and why most visitors hire a car with a driver.
Respect and etiquette in Sumba's villages
Marapu, guestbooks, photos and gifts: how to be a welcome visitor.
Sumba in 3 days: a route for the west
Three days around Tambolaka, Kodi and West Sumba: lagoons, megalithic villages and waterfalls.
Sumba in 7 days: the complete route
A full week to see Sumba slowly, including the remote south and north coasts.
Surfing in Sumba: where and when
Reef breaks, empty bays and what to know before paddling out in Sumba.
Pasola: Sumba's horseback spear ritual
What the Pasola is, where it happens and how to watch it respectfully.
Sumba ikat: how it is made and how to buy it well
The island's famous hand-woven textiles, and how to support the weavers.
How much does a trip to Sumba cost?
What you will spend on in Sumba and how to plan your budget.
Health and safety in Sumba
Hospitals, insurance, mosquitoes, the sea and the roads: what to know before you go.
Sumba or Bali? An honest comparison
Crowds, flights, healthcare, culture and nature: where each island wins.