Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Sumba and Sumbawa

Visiting Indonesia is incomplete without visiting Sumba and Sumbawa, two beautiful places. Sumba and Sumbawa have what everyone, who leaves their hectic lifestyle behind to visit Indonesia, is looking for. Both Sumba and Sumbawa are very different places to visit in Indonesia. Visiting these areas will make tourists feel the difference. This is why Sumba and Sumbawa are the must-visit places in Indonesia. Here are the top 10 most exciting places in Sumba and Sumbawa.

Best Places to Visit in Sumbawa

Sumbawa is an island in Indonesia known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It offers diverse landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and stunning coastlines. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, excellent surfing spots, and diving sites. The island is also home to traditional villages and cultural festivals. Sumbawa is a compelling destination for adventure seekers and an authentic Indonesian experience.

Sumbawa is located in the Indonesian archipelago, specifically within the province of West Nusa Tenggara. It is situated to the east of the popular tourist destination of Bali. The Flores Sea borders it to the north, the Indian Ocean to the south, and the Alas Strait to the east, which separates it from the neighboring island of Lombok.

Moyo Island

One of the most popular places in Sumbawa is Moyo Island. Moyo Island is famous because many famous people, including Lady Diana, visited it. Reaching Moyo Island is not cheap; cheaper possibilities are available for stepping on the island. Snorkeling is one of the popular reasons why tourists flock to Moyo Island. Snorkeling can be done beautifully underwater, offering a view like no other. 

Mount Tambora

At 2,851 meters high, Mount Tambora has a stunning sky view and a view of the land below. Mount Tambora, located near the northern edge of Sumbawa, is a dormant volcano with a crater that consists of a 3km wide hole. It holds the record of producing the largest eruption in the history of volcanic eruptions. It’s famously known as the “Pompeii of the East.”

Kenawa Island

Kenawa Island is another famous island in Sumbawa. It can be reached by boat from Sumbawa. It has impressive scenery with a lot of greenery and vegetation. Getting a place to stay is easy as well on Kenawa Island. The sunrise and sunset moments are to die for, especially with a view from the top of the hill. The island is cut away from the essential commodities of life, but with the beauty of nature surrounding you, it’s worth a day’s visit. 

White Sand Beach

Pantai Pasir Putih BBIP Labuhan Lalar, or White Sand Beach, is a pristine and tranquil beach in Labuhan Lalar, Sumbawa. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sands, and excellent snorkeling spots make it an ideal destination for relaxation and water activities. The beach offers a peaceful environment away from tourist crowds, allowing visitors to enjoy the local community’s natural beauty and warm hospitality.

How to get to the white sand beach in Sumbawa

First, go to Labuhan Lalar, where the beach is located. You can hire a local taxi or public transportation like a bus or minivan. Once you reach Labuhan Lalar, hire a local taxi or rent a motorbike to Pantai Pasir Putih BBIP Labuhan Lalar. It’s approximately a 30-minute drive from Labuhan Lalar town to the beach.

Lakey Peak and Scar Reef

Lakey Peak and Scar Reef are the perfect places for surfer travelers looking to get their surfboards wet and have a good time. Aside from surfing in these regions, there are other things to do that will allow non-surfer travelers to have a good time. Scar Reef has beautiful sandy beaches and clear water, making its surroundings seem like paradise.

Best Places to Visit in Sumba

Famously known as the island that exported sandalwood, Sumba Island, located in East Indonesia, is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and off-the-beaten-path charm. With picturesque beaches, rolling hills, and traditional villages, Sumba offers a unique travel experience. Visit Sumba to immerse yourself in its untouched beauty, witness vibrant cultural traditions, explore hidden waterfalls, enjoy world-class surfing, and discover a lesser-known side of Indonesia.

Prailiang Village

Prailiang Village on Sumba Island is a place of wonder that features many kinds of tomb structures. These tomb structures are important, from ranking the poor deceased people to the rich dead people. Prailiang Village is also home to many traditional textiles, where ornaments and other cultural goods can be purchased. Prailiang Village also provides a nice view of the local river valley. 

Parona Mbaroro and Bondo Kawangu Villages

The Parona Mbaroro and Bondo Kawangu Villages are the places in Sumba where you will see family life. The traditional houses in these villages are with the highest roofs. The houses have been occupied by families from centuries to centuries. 

Baing Beach

Baing is a great place to be in Sumba. It features a beautiful coastline that has a sandy white beach. The water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is also great for long walks; a motorcycle or horse ride is ideal when the tide is right. 

Tambolaka

Tambolaka is considered one of the newest cities of Sumba. It’s pretty different from the other areas of Sumba, as it’s slightly more developed than the poorer places of Sumba. It also has several nearby villages that are interesting to visit, such as Kampung Waitabar, Kampung Tarung, and Kampung Prai Klembung. 

Nihiwatu Beach

Nihiwatu Beach is a long and pristine beach located in Sumba. It’s clean with soft sand and not dangerous for tourists to swim in; beach guards stand nearby. Various activities can be done at Nihiwatu Beach, such as surfing, snorkeling, diving, and horse riding. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for tourists, as it’s a dream location to unwind after visiting the other places in Sumba. 

Sumbawa and Sumba bring two kinds of experiences into one. These places in Indonesia must be on the must-visit list of every tourist visiting this vast country. Sumba and Sumbawa bring an untouched flavor to Indonesia’s culture, tradition, and people.