Sumba Island Adventure
Explore the Real Sumba on Our 10 Day Adventure Trip
Sumba. Also Indonesia’s ‘Forgotten Island’. Just how ‘forgotten’, you ask? Take everything you know about neighbouring Bali and imagine the polar opposite – and there you have it. In fact, you’ll be able to draw your own literal comparison, as this trip kicks off and winds up in Bali. Get set to meet the real Sumba.
The little tourism that has ‘evolved’ on Sumba island has mostly been reserved for hard-core surfers and the odd backpacker adventurer, with only a handful of eco-tourism resort-hotels. But, you’ll even leave all that behind as you venture off, deep into eastern Sumba. Where we’re taking you, prepare to disconnect from the rest of the world!
Trek through little hamlets, cross paths with curious, indigenous locals – some who have never seen a Westerner or experienced the outside world. Likewise, you’re very likely not to encounter any other Westerners for days. Visit a textiles community, typically these are indigenous people residing in small villages, still creating their age-old designs.
Mat (one of our founders) together with our local guide, are the first outsiders to have ever done certain parts of this trip! Hikes on this trip are moderate. Expect to walk for several kilometres at a time. When not on your feet, you’ll spend time bicycling, snorkelling, kayaking and even fishing – with some beachside downtime, of course.
You need to experience this undiscovered beauty before the rest of the world finds out about it!
Why Choose Our Sumba Island Adventure?
Uncover more info by clicking the tabs below!
Trip Details
Price
$3,987 AUD (twin share)
Note: trip price includes 2 domestic flights at c. $600 AUD
- $1,200 AUD deposit.
- A 2-week cooling-off period applies.
- Lifetime deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Private supplement available: $967 AUD, max 2 spots
Trip length
10 days, 9 nights
Meeting point
Puri Sading Hotel, Sanur, Bali
Departure point
Anja Jimbaran Hotel, Jimbaran, Bali
Availability
16 May to 25 May 2024
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
- You’re open-minded and open-hearted.
- You try to embrace the little things.
- You don’t mind bush camping and washing in a river.
- You love adventure and the surprises that come with it.
- You are gracious to others and a team player.
Fitness
Level 2 – Moderate
If you’re comfortable trekking for 3 to 4 hours and over 7 to 10 kilometres continuously at a time, Level 2 is for you! Expect the terrain to be relatively flat, although it can be undulating in some areas. If you walk at a distance in varying terrain on a regular basis, you should be well prepared. Aside from trekking for a few hours most days, ‘moderate’ trips may include activities like a short cycle tour through beautiful countryside and/or gentle river and sea kayaking. Trekkers on moderate-rated trips have the option to hike for only a portion of each day should the distances become too demanding, if you’re able to tear yourself away from the views that is!
Included
- Meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
- 2 domestic flights, private air-conditioned vehicle transport, and local fishing boat island transfers
- 7 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- 2 nights of wild camping
- 2 top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leaders – 1 x Bali, 1 x Sumba
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Any visas required
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tip kitty
- Personal expenditure
Accommodation Preview
Mario Hotel, Tambolaka, Sumba
Morinda Villa, Kiritana village, Sumba
Anja Jimbaran, Bali
Get To Know Your Sumba Island Itinerary
What You'll See & Do
Day 1: Welcome to Bali!
A friendly face greets you at the airport, signalling the beginning of your Sumba adventure! Today, you’ll unwind and ‘acclimatise’ in Bali. While it’s hardly an off-the-beaten-path destination, Bali is still worth exploring in its own right (and let’s face it… it’s better than being at home, right?)!
Take advantage of the chance to enjoy the famous sunset and sea at nearby Sanur Beach, and a stroll down Danau Tamblingan Street. Your trek will start soon enough!
Accommodation: Puri Sading (or similar)
Included: Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Bali to West Sumba
Breakfast in Bali is certainly a way to begin a trip! Then, off to the airport where your local guide will be waiting for you. Board your flight from Bali to Sumba – where the real adventure begins.
Upon landing at a tiny airport in West Sumba, you’ll transfer to Tambolaka with a few awe-inspiring stops along the way – but we won’t spoil the surprise for you this early on.
Get all settled into your hotel and perhaps spend some time memorising those first-time views. Join your guide and the rest of your Camino crew at dinner where you’ll start forming a special bond… and experience your first Sumba flavours.
Accommodation: Mario Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
Day 3: West Sumba
Wake up to a yummy brekky, then it’s time to make your way to Lamboya. But, this is not just a point-to-point transfer. The scenic route you’re about to embark on takes about two hours. Be prepared for several stops and some gorgeous scenery along the way.
You’re overnighting in Lamboya, so this evening is your chance to explore the pretty-patterned rice fields while absorbing the local atmosphere. Familiarise with the sight of local villagers going about their daily handiwork.
So far, this is just a small peek of what’s yet to come on your Sumba adventure.
Accommodation: Lamboya (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4: East Sumba
A 5 to 6-hour journey lies ahead of you today as the group travels eastbound, so we’ve arranged a picnic box lunch for later. Enjoy a welcome leg-stretch during a couple of surprise stops… and you might also want to have your camera ready to snap away at the sights that will unfold before you. The traditional village ‘huts’ on earthern ‘streets’ with their cone-shaped roof-tops rising up to the sky are worthy of a David Attenborough documentary. Know that, what you are witnessing today has been seen by very few people in the world.
In the late afternoon, time permitting, venture out for a bike ride or take an easy walk to appreciate your new surroundings a bit more intimately. Of course, we’d understand if you wanted to spend time relaxing in your very own hut. Sitting under the edge of the thatched roof and enjoying the peaceful views from your balcony is certainly a nice way to spend an afternoon.
Accommodation: Morinda Villa (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: East Sumba
Day 5 kicks off super early – the time has finally come for you to be at one with the beauty you’ve eyeing off from your balcony. As you paddle your canoe along the Kambanuri River at sunrise, it’s delightfully obvious why you’ve come to visit. No Aussie-style brunches here. No traffic jams. No reminders of home. You’re here to disconnect.
The day only gets better. Find yourself among the curious locals in a nearby village – unmarked by tourism – to appreciate, and perhaps on some level even envy, the simplicity of their traditional lifestyle. Shy and reserved at first, they break out into all smiles once you offer yours!
Admire the beautifully hand-woven ikat fabrics while you’re here; you won’t find designs like this anywhere else. When it’s time to leave, you’ll humbly realise that the impression these Sumbanese people have made on you will be probably be greater, even, than the impression you’ve made on them.
Accommodation: Morinda Villa (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Camp Mangundu Island
Today’s the day the adventure starts to get real… this is what you’ve been waiting for! Another early start with a final river kayak or walk (depending on what you did the day before). Next stop – a remote island. And we do mean remote! By the time you reach the boat, it only takes about 15 minutes to the island, but you’ll be leaving a number of creature comforts behind – not a shower or toilet in sight. This is wild camping at its wildest.
Roughing it for the next two days is going to test your comfort-level tolerance, but… it’s sooo worth it. Swim and snorkel in transparent waters. Keep an eye out for rare birds, turtles and dolphins, and maybe even spot a manta ray somersaulting out of the water. Try your hand at fishing from one of the narrow boats.
After a day full of exploration, you’ll easily drift off to sleep in your tent tonight.
Accommodation: Shared Tent
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Camp Salura Island
Just when you thought you’d experienced remote – an even more remote and secluded island awaits you, if that’s even possible. The same drill as yesterday – no toilet or shower facilities, however, your guides will set up the tents and cook for you.
You’re unlikely to encounter another living soul outside of the group. As this realisation kicks in, you remind yourself that you’re here for you, with the stress of everyday life far, far behind.
Breathe in the salty air and soak up the warmth from the sun, knowing that your connection with nature in this moment has never felt more real, or relevant.
If you’re lucky you might spot an exotic bird perched in the distance or come across a pod of dolphins playfully swimming together.
Sit by the fire in the evening where D&Ms with your fellow adventurers will just flow. Enjoy the good company and the feel of the ocean’s breeze. Capture this moment in your mind – it’s your ‘place’ to come ‘back’ to, whenever you should need it.
Accommodation: Shared Tent
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Waingapu
Sadly, it’s time to bid farewell to the island and return to civilisation. Transfer back to Sumba by boat and vehicle. If there’s time, you may have another chance at a village walk to mingle with the local community – once they get over their shyness.☺️
Dinner tonight is up to you. Will you eat in-house after a dip in the pool or wander into town for a low-key meal at one of a handful of street restaurants?
After two days of wild camping, the beautiful rooms at Kambaniru Beach Hotel & Resort will feel luxurious. Enjoy your night’s sleep in a comfy bed. You’ve earned it!
Accommodation: Kambaniru Beach Hotel & Resort (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
Day 9: Waingapu to Bali
Waking up with the knowledge that you only have one full day remaining tinges on melancholy. But, we’re going to make the most of the day!
Fly back to Bali and transfer to Jimbaran. A former fishing hamlet, Jimbaran has kept its relaxed local flavour even though it’s grown in popularity with visitors – still feeling less busy than nearby Kuta and Seminyak.
Wiggle your toes in the sand of the last golden beach you’ll encounter on this trip. It’s impossible to ignore the tastebud-tingling smells coming from the beachside seafood restaurants serving fresh catches directly from local fishermen. Take a final dip in the water, either on the shore or back at the resort.
Bid your fellow travellers farewell over a true feast – a celebratory BBQ of seafood and local dishes complete with Jimbaran Bay as the picturesque backdrop. Toast to the memories made during your Sumba adventures.
Accommodation: Anja Jimbaran (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: Farewell friends
Exchange emails and contact info with your new friends over breakfast. It’s time to say goodbye for now. Your transfer to the airport is included.
Farewell until next time!
Included: Breakfast
FAQs
There’s a lot of choice for non-stop and 1-stop flights to Bali from Australia and New Zealand.
Australians and New Zealanders require a Visa which you’ll apply online for, before travelling to Indonesia. The cost is around $50 AUD for a 30-day visit. We’ll be in touch with more details closer to your departure date.
There are 2 days of Wild Camping on remote islands on this trip. You’ll travel by local fishing boat to get there and while we can’t guarantee particular wildlife sightings, there are lots of opportunities on the islands to see things like turtles (including baby hatchlings at night), dolphins, manta rays and indigenous birdlife. There are no toilets or shower facilities, so it’s primitive camping. All the sleeping and cooking facilities, as well as water supplies, will be carried to the islands. Your guides will do the cooking and general camp maintenance – but you’re welcome to chip in and give a hand too! We’ll be providing twin-share, Western-style tents, sleeping mats, pillows and lightweight sleeping sheets for your comfort and convenience.
A deposit of $1,200 AUD is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Note: prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is a significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate; this trip pricing is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.65 USD.
