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Trip Inspiration

7-Days on Sumba Island, Indonesia

Extend your time in paradise

The secret to Sumba Island's charm lies in its ability to make even the most seasoned traveler seemingly forget the outside world. The Sumbanese have long perfected a relaxed approach to their daily lives and as soon as you arrive, you will sense it in both the peaceful simplicity of your surroundings and the luxurious comfort of Nihi Sumba resort. Here, your time is your own: keep active with hiking, horseback riding and surfing, or slow down and enjoy beach time, a sunset massage or a relaxing boat cruise. Cultural experiences such as village visits or cooking classes will teach you more about the deep traditions of this great island and its amazing people. No matter what you choose, you will love your time on this idyllic island.

Trip Highlights

Locations

  • 7 nights on tropical Sumba Island in eastern Indonesia

Activities

  • Water Activities: Surfing, snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding
  • Island Exploration: Biking, trekking, bird watching and horseback riding
  • Cultural Experiences: Chocolate making, weaving, local village visits
  • Wellness Activities: Yoga, spa safaris, massage, and body treatments

Day 1

Arrive Sumba Island, Indonesia

Welcome to breathtaking Sumba Island, situated in a tranquil corner of Indonesia! Upon arrival, you will be met for your private transfer to Nihi Sumba, a little slice of paradise and your home for the next seven nights.

During your stay, all your meals and drinks are included (excluding alcoholic beverages) and will be served at the resort or in conjunction with your activities. You will love the cuisine at Nihi Sumba! ‘Food miles’ are kept to a minimum, and the resort boasts two flourishing organic gardens, a chicken farm, fish fresh from the sea, a plethora of local fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs to round out a fresh and varied menu.

Take some time to get settled in and explore the area before deciding what to do first – the choices are many! This itinerary provides a sample of what your stay may look like, but keep in mind that your stay will be customized to your particular passions and interests! Your days and activities can be scheduled in the order of your choosing.

About Nihi Sumba: The story of Nihi Sumba is a rare and fascinating tale that began as far back as when Sumba’s ancestors, the Marapu, landed on its secluded beach centuries ago. While stories of their legendary powers vary, their spirit has remained a benevolent force, protecting the way of life on Sumba and attracting strong custodians to ensure the spirit and stories of the Sumbanese people – past and present – carry on. The heart and soul of Nihi Sumba will always be the Sumbanese.

Nihi Sumba Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

 

Day 2

Sumba Island

Waking at Nihi Sumba will cause you to seriously consider your options: get up and get active? Or, luxuriate in your comfortable bed and villa for a while? Great news: for the next six days, the choice is yours!

At Nihi Sumba, you will build your dream itinerary. Explore the options and decide what looks exciting to you: Perhaps it has been your dream to take surfing lessons. Here, you can do that at Coconut Cove, alongside world class instructors. You may be interested in the local culture and opt for a hike into one of the local villages. or indulge in a sunset massage overlooking miles of Indian ocean coastline. Early registration for some activities (especially surfing) is recommended, please speak to your consultant for more information about your interests.

Today you may decide to engage in some quality rest and relaxation after your travel. Spend the day at leisure, unwinding in your villa or enjoying the island’s beautiful beach.

Nihi Sumba Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3

Sumba Island

Today after breakfast, you will head out for your hike in the island’s pristine Indonesian National Park. Your day starts with a beautiful drive through the Wanukaka Valley on your way to Matayangu. Your local guides will lead you on a 1.5 hour, downhill trek to the breathtaking blue lagoon at the base of the waterfall. As the trail emerges from the jungle, the incredible size and scale of the waterfall basin will confirm that the view was truly worth the walk.

While you soak in your surroundings, guides will set up a picnic for a fresh leisurely lunch. You can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and swimming in this beautiful setting before trekking back to the vehicle.

Return to the resort for dinner and a free evening.

Nihi Sumba Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4

Sumba Island

West Sumba’s largest town, Waikabubak, welcomes you for a visit this morning. Just a short drive from Nihi Sumba is a boisterous and unique market where you will see the piles of dried fish, chili peppers, tobacco, and betel nuts the locals so highly cherish. You are sure to meet some unforgettable local characters and it’s quite interesting to see the ‘pasar’ and the vendors hawking their wares. A trip through town includes a stop at the local fruit stand, a local Sumbanese antique store and any other attractions that might catch your interest in passing.

Upon your return to the resort, you will have a fun and exciting afternoon of surfing instruction!

The surf at Nihi Sumba is world-class and it is hard not to be mesmerized by the endless sets pounding the reef. The strength of the currents requires that only registered surfers may enjoy the waves, unless you are with an accompanying trainer during a one-on-one lesson.

After an exhilarating afternoon, you will be ready to indulge in another one of Nihi Sumba’s delicious dinners!

Nihi Sumba Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5

Sumba Island

Today you depart for another lovely drive through the Wanukaka Valley, this time to the base of Lapopu waterfall.

The waterfall originates at a mountain spring and the water cascades down moss-covered rocks for more than 325 feet. The water ends in a natural pool enclosed within a small canyon, making it an idyllic spot for swimming and sunbathing on the rocks. A packed lunch will be provided and you can feel free to bask in the beautiful surroundings for as long as you please.

Back at the resort, you will have time to relax a bit before you participate in another of Nihi Sumba’s signature experiences: horseback riding! As the sun sets, one of the most memorable ways to enjoy the changing beach hues is on a beautiful Sumbanese horse. Horses live in the present and are highly attuned to what and with whom they come in contact, making the activity a connective experience between horse and rider. Their gestures and behaviors give you wonderful feedback on the energy you project. All levels of experience are catered for, from a gentle stroll safely led by one of our local Sumbanese horseman, to an exhilarating canter through the rolling ocean shallows.

Later enjoy dinner and a free evening.

Nihi Sumba Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6

Sumba Island

When you hear that you are embarking on a “spa safari” this morning, you may wonder you are in for! Don’t worry, this is a day focused on you and your relaxation, health and wellness – all while you explore Sumba’s dramatic west coast and the secluded Nihi Oka Valley.

You will start with a trek through a palm tree forest, where your guide will share interesting stories and information as you pass by the local wildlife and flora. Along the way, you will come upon a traditional Sumbanese village where you can meet the locals and get a taste of their life and the customs that prevail to this day. Further along the trail, the freshwater streams, cascading rice paddy fields and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean welcome you to Nihi Oka Valley.

You will be greeted with wet towels and a freshly chopped coconut to refresh you after your trek. You will then begin a morning yoga session followed by a reflexology treatment.

Enjoy a bush-cooked breakfast, served on a unique tree house platform nestled in ancient rocks and perched above the coast and crashing waves. After breakfast your spa therapist will perform your chosen treatment amidst uninterrupted views overlooking the Indian Ocean.

After additional relaxation time, an open-air safari vehicle will be standing by for your return to the resort.

Dinner will be served at the resort.

Nihi Sumba Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7

 

Sumba Island

Nihi Sumba works with the Sumba Foundation to continually improve the quality of life on Sumba Island. The close partnership between the two organizations has helped bring health, nourishment, education, and enrichment to the lives of many indigenous Sumbanese people. Nihi Sumba returns all profits to the foundation, founded in 2001. Past guests have also embraced the chance give back to the island by fostering some of these community-based projects. The result was a unique collaboration between Nihi Sumba and the local community that co-exist with a strong interdependence. In fact, the resort has become the biggest employer on the island. Over the last thirteen years, the foundation has set up over 15 primary schools, built 48 water wells, five clinics; supplied 172 villages with clean water and reduced Malaria by 85% in Nihi Sumba’s neighboring villages.

Today you will have an opportunity to see and participate in a few of these important projects, including a visit to the foundation headquarters. Depending on your interests, you may choose to visit a local water project, see a Malaria-combating health clinic, or volunteer with the local school lunch program.

You will return to the resort for lunch and can then enjoy your final island afternoon at leisure.

Nihi Sumba Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8

Depart Sumba Island

Today you say farewell to Sumba Island. You will be transferred to the Tambaloka airport for your return flight to Bali, followed by your connecting flights home.

N/A Breakfast