PASOLA & THE FORGOTTEN ISLAND OF SUMBA

The split personality of Sumba makes the island very attractive. The east-coast rocky shores are decorated by beautifully shaped craggy mountains and the west was contrastingly blessed by fertile verdure with rolling hills and lots of rain. Merchants from all corners of the world have been coming here to pick the finest ikat fabric for decades.

These days, tourists come to visit the hill-tribe villages, learn about the local animist culture and take part in an outstanding spectacle – Pasola.

Pasola is the most important event of a year in Sumba

WAINGAPU AND WAIKABUBAK

The largest port town of Waingapu is the capital of Sumba, but it is far from a modern city. Pigs and poultry roam the backstreets and locals still walk barefoot, just ikat, which looks more like a colourful towel to the Westerners, wrapped around their waists and heads. There is no need to rush on this island; just relax and go with the flow.

Waikabubak is the second most important town. Surrounded by green meadows and forested hills, the land made home to numerous traditional tribal villages. Waikabubak is where you need to go to uncover the secrets of the Sumbanese civilization.

Traditional Sumbanese architecture, Kodi

THE ANIMIST CULTURE

The local traditions and customs are the main reason to pay a visit to the mysterious countryside of Sumba. The villages are characteristic of huge clean houses made out of a petrified tree, from which the heads of conquered enemies once used to be proudly hung to celebrate the victory. Such totems are quite a spectacle.

Death here in Sumba plays the most important role, as that is a moment when the mortal soul makes the journey into the spirit world. Therefore, some of the most impressive experiences on this island are graveyards and the funeral rituals and ceremonies like megalithic burials and animal sacrifices.

The Sumbanese are animists and their lives are filled with religious ceremonies, rituals and festivals

TOP 1O THINGS TO DO IN SUMBA

1.KAMPUNG TARUNG – pay a visit to the Tarung culture village on the hill-top of the town of Waitabubak. That is where ancient megalithic graves come into sights and where the most significant spiritual centre of the island lies.

Tarung culture village, Waikabubak

2.WULA PADU – if you travel in November, you will get the chance to witness one of the most fascinating tribal festivals in Indonesia – Wula Padu. This is a relatively barbaric ceremony when many animals are sacrificed in order to pay honour to the spirits of the Sumbanese ancestors.

Buffallos are sacrificed in a barbaric manner, Wula Padu Festival

3.RANTENGGARO VILLAGE – go to Kodi to visit the Rantenggaro Village – you will find typical tall houses with their own tombs, nicely decorated and located near a lovely beach – it is one of the major attractions on Sumba Island

Rantenggaro Village

4.PASOLA – another annual fiesta is Pasola and it is the absolute ‘must-take part in’ in Sumba. The extraordinary harvest festival takes place each February or March in Kodi, Lamboya and Wanokaka and it is the most important event on the island.

This “bloody” fest is held on a flat battlefield where spear-armed horsemen from different villages meet and they are divided into two teams, which are supposed to fight against each other. Spilling of their blood is to be believed to placate the spirits of the tribes and restore the balance between villages.

Pasola festival in Kodi

5.PRAILU  – a heaven for all the textile and fabric lovers. The local ladies literally spend their life weaving and threading ikat – worldwide reputed high-quality silk fabric. This is the place where to buy best quality ikat blankets, scarfs or wall hangings.

The good thing about this place is that you can buy here a $100 USD ikat cloth which would have a value of more than $1000 USD in the West.

Sumbanese ikat is some of the world`s finest

6.RENDE & MELOLO – astonishing ancient stone tombs with bizarre carvings. Rende was once a kingdom where slaves used to weave the ikat for their kings. Today, both male and female residents continue in their ancient weaving tradition.

Sculptured stoned megalithic tombs in Rende

7.PERO – this simple seaside village much liked by surfers. The deserted long stretch where mighty waves crash onto the steeply sloping sand; the currents and undertow are ferocious here. This beach is good for interactions with the locals. Horseback riding is available as well.

Sumbawese are exceptional horsemen and horseback riding is one of the favourite tourist activities

8.WATERFALLS – take a dip in one of Sumba`s tropical waterfalls, e.g. Lapopu, Tanggedu, Matayangu, Waikelo Sawah, Gunung Meja

Mata Yangu Waterfall, Sumba

9.WEEKURI LAKE– a spectacular lagoon with every hue of blue imaginable and is fringed by lush tropical greenery. With crystal clear water teeming with sea life and a sandy bottom, this lagoon is perfect for cooling off after a long journey to reach here.

The best views are from the rocky cliffs as it offers views of the entire lake and the crashing sea below that feeds the lake with fresh seawater.

Weekuri Lake

10.NIHI SUMBA ISLAND  ECO-RESORT  – spend a night at the luxurious resort if your budget allows. The retreat was awarded the title ‘World’s Best Hotel in 2016 & 2017’ for its native ambience and authentic local experience.

Nihi Sumba Island, luxurious eco-resort (rates start from $900 USD per night)

WHEN TO TRAVEL

Sumba gets heavy rain falls between December and February and it is almost impossible here to travel in these months, middle season months are March-April and October-November.

The peak season is in the dry time of a year (June-September) when it gets very hot.

Remember that Pasola takes place in the months of February-March and Wula Padu in November.

HOW TO GET THERE

Sumba is accessed either by boat or plane.

Fly to Jakarta/Java or Denpasar/Bali first. Then catch a local flight to Sumba. There is also a domestic airport in Waingapu (see https://www.garuda-indonesia.com/)

If travelling overland, ferry from Ende/Flores brings you to Waingapu/Sumba, or from the other side, from Sape/Sumbawa to Waikelo/Sumba.

For all international flights check out www.skyscanner.com or www.momondo.com