Sumba, Island in Lesser Sunda Archipelago, Indonesia.
Sumba is an island in the eastern Lesser Sunda archipelago of Indonesia, extending across more than 11,000 square kilometers of limestone hills, savannas, and dense jungle. The coastline alternates between sandy beaches and rocky sections, while the interior rises with plateaus and shallow valleys.
Portuguese seafarers first reached the area in 1522 and opened trade routes to Europe. Dutch colonial administrators incorporated the island into their East Indies system in 1866, shaping its governance for over a century.
Residents give the place its name and speak languages such as Kambera or Wanukaka, which spread across several districts. Villages often follow a circle of houses with pointed grass roofs, where living spaces are arranged according to old principles.
Tambolaka Airport is the main access point, reachable via connecting flights from Bali or other Indonesian cities. Ground transport and local drivers help reach the remote coastlines and interior, as many roads remain unpaved.
Over 200 bird species inhabit different habitats, including the Sumba eclectus parrot found only here. Wild horses roam the coastal plains freely and shape the scene in several regions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
