Explorers can paddleboard their way down the Wanakaka River.
Straddling the Wallace Line and separating the biogeographical realms of Asia and Australasia, the enchanting island of Sumba lies roughly two island hops east of Bali in the southern reaches of Indonesia's extensive archipelago. Geographically closer to Broome, Australia than Jakarta, this picturesque, sparsely developed island covers an area about 15 times larger than Singapore, and stretches across hilly landscapes intersected by just two main roads.
Immersed in serenity and removed from the bustling world, life on Sumba feels remote and secluded. Traditional Marapu beliefs, an Indigenous religion rooted in ancestor worship, dominate the local culture, with megalithic tombs serving as focal points for thatched-roofed villages. Indigenous languages are widely spoken, and animal sacrifices are a common occurrence, particularly during significant events like the annual Pasola Festival, a mounted spear-throwing competition held in February or March.
Edged by rugged volcanic cliffs and golden beaches, Sumba is renowned for its remote surf breaks, intricate ikat textiles, and stunning beauty. While it has thus far remained untouched by mass tourism, this seclusion is likely to endure only for the present.
Nature and wellness enthusiasts seeking an escape find a perfect sanctuary at the longstanding luxury resort, Nihi Sumba. Famous for its stable of sandalwood ponies that have been an integral part of Sumba life for centuries, Nihi Sumba offers a wellness program designed to showcase the island's rugged environment. Guests can try equine therapy, practice yoga breathwork on horseback, or embark on a restorative swim in Nihiwatu Beach's aquamarine shallows with their horses.
Several additional ways to combine adventure and tranquility are available at the resort, catering to various preferences and energy levels. Water-based meditation, underwater workouts, and a 'spa safari' are all part of the resort's fitness program, offering unique ways to embrace the wild. The spa safari experience can be enjoyed as a half- or full-day adventure, trekking through the jungle via 4WD, mountain bike, foot, or horseback, followed by treatments such as a Sumbanese head massage using Sumba 7 Detox Oil, developed by Dr. Simon Jackson specifically for Nihi Sumba.
The resort's 28 villas, each boasting private pools and inspired by traditional Sumbanese houses, characterize by thatched, peaked roofs and locally-sourced textiles. A day at Nihi Sumba can be as active or passive as one desires, with options to engage in traditional weaving classes, breathwork sessions, surfing Occy's Left, or simply unwinding at the Boathouse Bar while the sun sinks behind the Indian Ocean.
Sumba's natural beauty offers endless opportunities to explore and connect with the island, beyond the Nihi Sumba resort. Surfers can pursuit world-class waves at Pantai Beach, hike to hidden waterfalls like Air Terjun Tanggedu and Lapopu, or go on guided treks along rugged trails filled with endemic plants and traditional hilltop villages. These activities, combined with the structured wellness routines, immersive spa experiences, and spiritual programs available at Nihi Sumba, make for a comprehensive nature immersion and wellness journey that emphasizes privacy, comfort, and holistic health within a sustainable, community-minded resort environment.
- The enchanting island of Sumba, surrounded by rugged volcanic cliffs and golden beaches, provides a perfect sanctuary for nature and wellness enthusiasts.
- Nihi Sumba, a longstanding luxury resort, offers various ways to combine adventure and tranquility, such as equine therapy, underwater workouts, and a 'spa safari' trekking through forests and ending with Sumbanese massages.
- While Sumba is renowned for its remote surf breaks, intricate ikat textiles, and stunning beauty, it remains untouched by mass tourism, offering a secluded and serene lifestyle.
- The environment of Sumba, separated by the Wallace Line and straddling the biogeographical realms of Asia and Australasia, provides ample opportunities for adventure-travel and exploration, inspiring a deep connection with nature.
