Dec – Mar
Green season
Tanau Hill, Sumba
Sumba island guide
The Definitive Sumba Private Tour Guide
Sumba, the Hawaii of Indonesia: how to get there, when to go, what to pack and what to expect on a trip from Tambolaka to Waingapu.
- Destinations on our trips
- 18
- Airports: TMC in, WGP out
- 2
- Days per trip
- 4–6
About Sumba
Exploring Sumba: Beyond the Ordinary
Sumba, Indonesia's hidden treasure, is affectionately known as the Hawaii of Indonesia for its irresistible beauty and cultural richness. From pristine beaches to enchanting waterfalls, it is not just a visual delight but a cultural journey into unique traditions.
- Arrival
- Tambolaka Airport (TMC), Southwest Sumba
- Departure
- Waingapu Airport (WGP), East Sumba
- Trips
- 4 to 6 days, private or open
- Hotels
- 3-star, twin share
- Documentation
- Drone and mirrorless, on every trip
Getting there
Getting to Sumba and Around
Every trip crosses the island from west to east, so you fly into one airport and home from the other.
-
Fly into Tambolaka (TMC)
Trips start at 12.00 WITA at Tambolaka Airport or a hotel near it, with pick-up from 11.00. Arrive the day before, or on a flight that lands before 12.00.
-
Cross from west to east
The first night (two on the 6D5N) is in Southwest Sumba, then the trip drives on to Waingapu in East Sumba. Private groups of 6 to 10 travel in two cars; the open trip uses an Innova.
-
Fly home from Waingapu (WGP)
Trips end at 11.00 WITA at Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport, Waingapu. Fly home the day after if you can: the itinerary cannot be adjusted to flight times.
Best time to visit
When to Visit Sumba Island
Private trips run on any date while accommodation is available; the open trip departs every Thursday in 2026.
Apr – May
Green turning yellow
Tanarara Savanna, Sumba
Jun – Nov
Yellow season
Purukambera Savanna, Sumba
What to pack
What to Pack for Sumba
The must-bring list from our trip terms, and what is worth knowing before you land.
Must bring
- Sunblock SPF 30–50
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Snacks and supplements
- Drybag or backpack
- Change of clothes
- Sandals or shoes for trekking
- Power bank
- Bath kit (optional)
- Personal medicines
- Wet tissue
Good to know
- Bring a hard disk, not a flash drive: the photo and video files are usually over 32 GB and are copied on day 3.
- Telkomsel has the best signal in Sumba.
- Sumba is quite hot, so bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock.
- Trekking shoes or sandals are required, and a water-resistant daypack is advised.
Before you go
Regulations and Respect: Travelling Well in Sumba
The trip terms every traveller accepts on registering.
Stay fit
The trip involves a lot of physical activity, including trekking to waterfalls, so make sure you are in good shape.
Your health
With a history of asthma, hypertension, heart disease, acute gastritis, diabetes, epilepsy or sinusitis, see a doctor first and bring your own medicines.
Open trip ages
The open trip is for travellers aged 10 to 50, because the waterfall paths are steep and slippery. Outside that range, choose a private trip.
Leave no trace
Littering and anything that damages nature are strictly forbidden, as is damaging trip facilities or documentation equipment.
Local rules
Follow the rules of each destination and of your guide. Illegal drugs, narcotics, firearms and anything that could harm others are prohibited.
One group
Help each other and follow the tour leader's directions. If the weather turns, parts of the itinerary change for everyone's safety.
Where to go
Sumba's Natural Wonders: Waterfalls, Villages and Beaches
The 18 destinations on our trips, by type. Each one links to its page.
Traditional villages
2
Beaches and lagoon
4
Trips
Creating Your Itinerary: 4, 5 or 6 Days
Private
Private Trip 4D3N
Ratenggaro · Weekuri · Walakiri · Tanau
From USD 390 / person, group of 8
- 4 Days 3 Nights
- 11 destinations
- 2–10 pax
Private
Private Trip 5D4N
Adds Lapopu Waterfall & Purukambera Savanna
From USD 490 / person, group of 8
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- 14 destinations
- 2–10 pax
Private
Private Trip 6D5N
Adds Waikelo, Weekacura, Matayangu & Mondu Hill
From USD 570 / person, group of 8
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- 18 destinations
- 2–10 pax
Open trip
Open Trip 4D3N
Sharing trip, Thursday to Sunday
USD 459 / person
- 4 Days 3 Nights
- Every Thursday
- Min. 4 pax
FAQ
Sumba Travel Questions
Another question? Our team answers on WhatsApp.
Ask on WhatsApp All Sumba trip FAQs
Which airports do I fly into and out of?
Into Tambolaka Airport (TMC) in the west, where every trip starts at 12.00 WITA, and home from Waingapu Airport (WGP) in the east, where every trip ends at 11.00 WITA.
Which mobile network works best in Sumba?
Telkomsel has the best signal in Sumba.
Is a Sumba trip suitable for children?
The open trip takes travellers aged 10 to 50, because the waterfall paths are steep and slippery. Younger travellers can go on a private trip.
Do I need to bring anything for the photos and videos?
A hard disk rather than a flash drive: the drone and mirrorless files are usually over 32 GB and are copied on day 3.
Book your trip
Sumba Awaits You. Book Your Trip Now
Contact our team for personalized assistance. How booking works:
- 1 Pay a deposit of at least 50% to secure your date.
- 2 Settle the balance no later than 14 days before departure.
- 3 Booking within 14 days of the trip? Pay in full at once.
- 4 Send the transfer receipt and traveller details on WhatsApp.