Sumba Island is one of the few non-volcanic islands in the archipelago of Indonesia; it lies less than a hundred kilometers south of the in the ‘Ring of Fire’ volcanic chain.
Sumba is unique in a multitude of ways. The north coast is the leeward side of the island; it is dotted with coral reefs, mangroves, sheltered bays, and protected beaches. The south coast features live coral barrier reefs, world class surf waves and unapparelled sports fishing.
The Island of Sumba is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, of which Flores and Komodo are an important part. Sumba is over twice the area of Bali. It is full of limestone hills, maize, cassava and rippling savannah; it is becoming increasingly an important destination for visitors who want to experience a different kind of tropical island atmosphere.
Sumba island is dotted by thatched roof homes surrounded by ancestral tombs; the people of Sumba honor their ancestors with festivals and various rites, such as the annual Pasola festival.
During Pasola the people of Sumba Island act out conflicts with other tribes by fighting mock battles with spears on horseback. Horses are still a main transportation mode, as well as a sign of wealth. Horses and cattle breeding form an integral part of the Merapu religion that helps the people of Sumba to honor their ancestors.
BEACHFRONT BY OWNER
Tourist Travel to Sumba:
If you love tropical islands, stunning beaches, world class surfing and sports fishing you are invited to visit us in Sumba.
Getting to Sumba
Visitors can fly to Waingapu or Tambolaka airport to get to Sumba from Kupang, West Timor or Bali. If you choose, you can take a ferry from Flores to Waingapu, which is located in the eastern region of Sumba Island.
www.ruabeachresort.com is our fifteen bungalow resort on the south coast in Rua Bay; we are ready, willing and able to guide your tour of Sumba Island.