Sumba: Nearly six months have passed since visiting Sumba Island, yet the memories remain vivid, igniting a longing to return someday. Known as Pulau Seribu Bukit (Island of a Thousand Hills) for its stunning landscape of hills and grassland savannas, Sumba is situated in Indonesia’s southernmost province. The island boasts a unique natural beauty that remains largely untouched by modernisation. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, Sumba is bordered by Timor Island to the east and the Australian continent to the south and southeast.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, most residents work as farmers and livestock breeders, with a predominant Christian population that also practises the ancestral belief system known as Marapu. Additionally, there are Muslim residents on the island. Unaware of Sumba’s existence until recently, this writer was drawn in by a travel agency’s social media post and booked a five-day, four-night package last May to personally experience the island’s beauty.
Reaching this island is no easy ta
sk. From Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2, a flight to Bali, Indonesia, and an overnight stay there were necessary before catching a morning domestic flight from Denpasar to Waikabubak on Sumba Island. While waiting for the flight to Waikabubak at Ngurah Rai International Airport’s domestic terminal in Denpasar, a few fellow Malaysians were met. It turned out there were 11 other women who had booked the same travel package.
The group was the only Malaysian contingent on that flight. Noticing the group from Malaysia, several Sumba locals on the plane approached and inquired about the purpose of visiting their island, offering warm wishes for a pleasant stay. The flight took about an hour, landing at Lede Kalumbang Airport, a small airport in the Sumba Barat Daya (Southwest Sumba) region, where a warm welcome was received from Erra, a Malaysian representative from The Fadaelo Project travel agency.
Travelling in two SUVs, the group was taken to a small eatery to satisfy their hunger. The meal of
chicken noodles and es jeruk kelapa (coconut water mixed with lime and ice) was refreshing. On the way to the hotel, a stop was made at Talasi Estate to enjoy coffee and cashew biscuits, a place known for its coffee and cashew production. Erra introduced Samat and Jimi, two locals from Sumba who would be guides, photographers, and ‘bodyguards’ throughout the journey.
Weekuri Lake, naturally formed by waves from the Indian Ocean crashing against the coral rock cliffs, was the next destination. The name ‘Weekuri’ comes from the Sumbanese language, combining ‘wee’ meaning water and ‘kuri’ meaning splash. This lake is a must-visit destination for tourists, with its clear blue water and beautiful landscape. The group spent the afternoon relaxing and swimming in its refreshing waters.
As dusk approached, they left Weekuri Lake for Mandorak Beach, about a 10-minute drive away. They arrived just as twilight set in, capturing the breathtaking sunset panorama framed by two opposing rocky cliffs that resembled a horse
shoe. The sound of local children playing added to the experience, showcasing the friendliness of the community.
The second day began with a visit to Waikelo Sawah Waterfall, a tiered water dam established in 1976. Although visitors could not swim there due to the heavy cascade of water, the surroundings were tranquil. The journey continued to Weekacura Waterfall, nestled amid rice paddies, where the group enjoyed the serene morning atmosphere and the warm greetings of local farmers and schoolchildren.
After lunch, a visit to the Prai Ijing Traditional Village in West Sumba provided insight into the local culture, with a chance to see traditional Sumbanese attire and architecture. Later, the journey continued to Wairinding Hill in East Sumba, known for its rolling grasslands and stunning sunset views.
The third day featured a visit to a weaving centre, where the significance of Sumbanese textiles and the Sumba Ikat technique was explored. The journey then led to Tanggedu Waterfall, where the group enjoyed
the invigorating chill of the waterfall, followed by a picnic at Purukambera Beach.
On the fourth day, a long journey to the island’s western region provided further cultural insights and beautiful scenery. The journey concluded with a stay at a resort overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Despite the limited accessibility, Sumba’s pristine beauty, free from commercial development, holds immense potential as an alternative tourist destination in the ASEAN region. With hopes for improved air connectivity, the connection between Malaysians and the people of Sumba could strengthen, showcasing the island’s charm to a wider audience.