Sumba is a place you most probably won’t of heard of, and even now writing this article I am battling with the dilemma of the effect I may have on travel to such a wondrous and enchanting island. I have seen the damage of over-tourism, the crowds, the rubbish and the destructive nature we tend to inflict on even the most beautiful of places.
We were fortunate enough to have been hosted by Nihi Sumba during our short stay on the island, a hotel that has helped shape the island itself in the way of schooling and supporting the local communities, just as I hope these images and articles will promote responsible travel to such a destination.
Sumba is unlike other parts of Indonesia, English is not widely spoken, most accommodations are basic, and the island is one of the most challenging places we’ve traveled around, that being said it’s also one of the most rewarding! Where else can you stumble across a tropical lagoon only to find yourself completely alone, in awe, and enjoying these moments without mobs of tourists and hawkers. It’s also a place that seems to hold the key variables to a perfect sunset!
Ritual sacrifices are still a common occurrence and the different tribal groups still assemble in a yearly Pasola Festival. A bloody battle where the tribes charge into each other on horseback as they try to strike their opponent with blunted, wooden spears. The idea of the clash is to honor the ancestors in the belief that the more blood that’s spilled to the ground the better the seasonal harvest will be.
12 Comments
Wow, gorgeous photos, especially of those trees in the water! And I can imagine your hesitance towards sharing this, what seems to me, a true hidden gem in Indonesia! I wonder how you found about it and how you travelled to Sumba. Those rituals sound very intense and frightening but then again, we have racist attacks and other sad things taking place in the West so I guess I shouldn’t judge. Thanks for sharing this secret info with us, it was so interesting and also a relief to see that not all of Indonesia has turned into a tourist haven (yet ;-))
Your photos are stunning! it’s hard to believe that there still places like this island that are so off the grid for travelers.
While it sounds like you had to go through a lot to experience this- these photos are some of the most beautiful travel photos I have ever seen! I too hope that this location can avoid over tourism- it is stunning and deserves to be preserved!
Your photos are so amazing that they make it look like a place straight ot of a dream.
I love finding places like these whaaaat people are still living in the traditional way.
We are always on the search for those hidden gems yet to be discovered by mass tourists and I think you found it.
Your photos are stunning and leave me wanting to know and see more.
Wow, as usual, your photos are beyond gorgeous! I have only been in Indonesia once and that was on a business trip. But it seems I need to definitely go back and explore the country.
All. Those. Photos. OMG.
You’re incredibly talented!
Sumba Island is truly nothing short of revelation. So pristine and beautiful. Your pictures are spectacular and capture the place so lovingly.
You’re absolutely right! I had never heard of Sumba Island. Thanks for sharing! Your photos are beautiful and really capture the movement and energy of the moment. I am curious about the history of horses coming to the island. Do you have any good recommendations for resources to learn a bit more about the history of the island?
Wooow. As always, you show the most beautiful photos! Sumba Island looks seriously gorgeous, and I love the photos of the Ritual sacrifice…Was this set up for tourists, or did you just turn up at the right moment to see it? They look like they are having a blast, rather than preparing to spill some blood!!
p.s. Do you speak a little Indonesian? I remember when my friend was learning some in high school. It is such a cool language.
I have never heard of this island before. It seems like a really unique island. Would love to visit during my trip to Southeast Asia next year! Also, I have to say “What a stunning pictures”!
I will also say your pictures or Postcards from Sumba Island are absolutely amazing! How cool that there is still a world still untouched by modernism and the people still live a traditional life. I know so little about Indonesia in general so I had obviously never had even heard of Sumba but this is making our Indonesia Bucket List. It would be awesome to watch the locals participating in a traditional experience like the Pasola Festival!