Day 1: Arrival Tambolaka Airport – Rumah Budaya Sumba – Sumba Cashew Experience – Lendongara Hill Sunset

• Upon arrival at Tambolaka Airport in Waitabula, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour guide. Before your tour begins, however, you are invited to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (included) and to check-in into your hotel, where you will have a little time to rest and re-fresh.
• Afterwards, you will visit the Rumah Budaya Sumba — Sumba's House of Culture — which forms the starting point of your journey and, through its exhibits, gives you a first glimpse of what you are likely to encounter along the way. The Rumah Budaya Sumba is a cultural gem, built in the style of a traditional Sumbanese house, with the surrounding grounds scattered with Marapu stonework. Marapu represents Sumba's traditional animist belief system, which finds expression, among other things, in local stonemasonry. The truly fascinating collection of the House of Culture includes ikat, stone and wood carvings, traditional jewellery and a handful of everyday objects.
• Next, there is the Talasi Estate Factory to visit. Here you can watch the staff processing local cashew nuts up close. If you are interested, they will also be happy to take you on a tour of their factory and introduce you to the Talasi community and its farmers. A visit to the factory is particularly interesting during the cashew harvest season. Regardless of the time of year, this welcoming little oasis offers you the opportunity to taste not only various cashew nut specialities, but also the delicious cashew milk or Weejewa coffee. So, take a seat, have a rest for a while and enjoy a very local culinary experience that should not be missing from your memories later on.
• And once it's time, your guide will take you for another wonderful experience to round up your first day in Sumba. Enjoy the wonderful sunset from Lendongara Hill. Find a quiet spot to sit and relax as you take in a breathtaking view of the gentle hills ahead, the shimmering sea in the distance, and the small villages in between. Just let the scenery work its magic on you.
• After sunset, you will return to your accommodation, the 'Sima Sumba Hotel' (or similar).
• Dinner there (not included).

Day 2: Traditional Market – Weekuri Lake – Mandorak Beach – Ratenggaro Village – Pero Beach Sunset

• After your breakfast (included), it's time to check out and continue to West Sumba. On the way, you will first visit a local market, where you will have the opportunity to take a closer look at the local range of products and marvel at the variety on offer — alongside fruit, vegetables and everyday goods, large animals are also for sale here. Animals — and especially buffalo and horses — play an important role in Sumbanese culture. Get involved in the colourful hustle and bustle and let your tour guide make contact with the traders :-)
• You will then make your way to the Kodi area and visit Weekuri Lake, a crystal-clear lake that invites you to swim and unwind.
• Feel warmly invited to spend some time at the lake and, if you wish, take a short or long dip in its crystal-clear waters. Don't miss the chance to take a walk around the rocks and reef and enjoy a wonderful view of the sea. Weekuri Lake is framed by two large central rocky ridges as well as Mandorak Beach, where you will have lunch.
• As there are no restaurants in the immediate vicinity, you will be provided with a lunchbox (included).
• Your next visit in the Kodi region is to the village of Ratenggaro. Here you will take a closer look at the traditional houses with their characteristically high Sumbanese roofs. By the way: these are the highest roofs in all of Sumba, all traditionally built and thatched by hand. Ratenggaro owes its uniqueness not least to its picture-perfect setting. It is built directly on a beach and offers a truly wonderful backdrop. And although the village consists of only a few houses, each one can accommodate up to 50 family members. During harvest season, most villagers remain out in their fields, with only the elders and children staying behind in the village.
  
  Should you be interested, your tour guide will also keep an eye out along the way between the various stops for any emerging events, such as a funeral ceremony. These culturally very distinctive celebrations offer a deep insight into Sumba's local traditions and customs, and are sure to stay with you for many years after your journey.
   
• After visiting Ratenggaro, you will have the opportunity to spend the afternoon at one of the nearby beaches, such as Pero Beach or Kawona Beach, to enjoy the sunset. Alternatively, you can spend the rest of the afternoon at your cosy accommodation, the Ketanu Bamboo Lodge, which, while not directly on the sea, offers an incredible view.
• Check-in at the 'Ketanu Bamboo Lodge'.
• Dinner there (not included).

Day 3: Waikacura Rice Fields – Lapopu Waterfall

• After your breakfast (included), today takes you to the area around Waikacura. This region is known for its expansive rice fields, and you will have the opportunity to take a walk — short or long, entirely as you wish — through the surrounding countryside. Time and again you will come across scenes that could hardly be more beautifully depicted in a picture book. You can enjoy a wonderful view of the small river that winds its way through the vast rice field area with its many channels, adding a fascinating dimension to the landscape. The river, incidentally, flows from a nearby cave, at whose fluid entrance bold swimmers from the surrounding villages often take a refreshingly cool dip. On Sundays, you can even see whole families here washing their laundry and making the most of the occasion with an extended picnic. You have time. Enjoy the scenery before you.
• Afterwards, you will head to a local restaurant for lunch (included), where you can rest your feet for a while before continuing your exploration.
• The next destination on your journey is the Lapopu Waterfall, which you will reach in the afternoon after a scenic drive through Sumba's hilly landscape — greener or drier depending on the season. To reach the waterfall, a short hike of approximately 15 minutes is required. You will also cross a bamboo bridge along the way. Don't worry — it will hold you ;-)
• Once there, let the scene before you sink in — a truly idyllic sight. And the best angle to photograph both the waterfall and the bamboo bridge is from in front of the bridge: step right up to the water's edge, crouch down, and you'll get both in the shot ;-)
• If you feel like it, you are welcome to take a dip here. Otherwise, simply take a seat for a while and let the sound of the rushing water carry your thoughts as you watch the cascade make its way down the mountain. A moment for inspiration and daydreaming, we think.
• Now it is time to head back to your lovely accommodation, the 'Ketanu Bamboo Lodge'.
• Dinner there or nearby (not included).

Day 4: Praijing Village – Anakalang Village – Wairinding Hill Sunset

• After breakfast (included), it's time to check out again, as your Sumba Explorer Tour has yet more highlights in store.
• Today you will head to the eastern part of Sumba. The drive will take some time — plan for around 4 hours. However, along the way there is the opportunity for detours to the remarkable villages of Praijing and Anakalang, which you will get to know during your journey.
• Your first visit is to the village of Praijing. Praijing is one of Sumba's traditional villages. It is situated on a hillside and surrounded by lush greenery. As such, it is one of the few Sumbanese villages that allows visitors to enjoy a wonderful overview of the entire settlement and get a real sense of how village life is organised. Take your time and feel warmly invited to explore this special place on a village walk.
• In Praijing, you will mostly encounter the older generation of the village. Together with the younger children, they form the central image of the settlement during the day, and their smiles will accompany you throughout the village. If you have a few sweets with you, this would be a good opportunity to share them :-)
• As you pass through the Central Sumba region, you will next have the opportunity to visit the village of Anakalang. While the traditional grass roofs here have given way to modern corrugated iron, you can still visit the large megalithic tombstone in this village, dedicated to the late King of Sumba, who came from Pasunga.
• Lunch is en route and by lunchbox (included). And on we go.
• Now arrived in East Sumba, your next stop is Wairinding Hill, a wonderful place to enjoy the sunset.
• From there, it's on to your accommodation, the 'Myze Hotel', where you will spend the evening after checking in.
• Dinner at the accommodation (not included).

Day 5: Tanggedu Waterfall – Puru Kambera Beach & Savannah

• Your day begins once again with a good breakfast (included).
• Today's programme takes you to explore the unique landscape of East Sumba. You will visit hidden waterfalls and get an impression of the enchanting savannah, with its free-roaming horses, buffalo and cows, which you can observe going about their search for food.
• On your way to the first waterfall, you will pass through the Puru Kambera Savannah. Feel invited to stop here for a moment, soak up the atmosphere and capture the moment with a souvenir photo before continuing to the waterfall.
• East Sumba's Tanggedu Waterfall is simply unique, though it takes a little effort to reach. From your vehicle's stopping point, you will hike for approximately 20 minutes through terrain that goes up and down, before arriving after a further 15 minutes or so of stair climbing. On the steps along the way, it is worth taking a short break every now and then to capture and savour the view that changes with every step. You will be thrilled. It is not for nothing that Tanggedu Waterfall is also called the 'Grand Canyon of East Sumba'.
• It is a good idea to have lunch here at Tanggedu Waterfall, for which a lunchbox (included) will be prepared for you. Take your time and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere.
  
  If you wish, your guide can arrange a visit to one of the few remaining traditional villages that still follow a very special ritual. Here you can experience local culture truly up close — your host will introduce you to a recently deceased family member who, occupying a place of honour at home, is awaiting their burial.
   
• Now it is time to move on to the next stop on your journey. As things have been a little strenuous, the afternoon is all about relaxation. You will head to Puru Kambera Beach, where you can spend the afternoon swimming, reading, relaxing — whatever you like.
• At some point it will be time to return to your accommodation. You make the call.
• Overnight stay at the 'Myze Hotel'.
• Dinner there (not included).

Day 6: Waimarang Waterfall – Rende Village – Walakiri Beach Sunset

• After breakfast (included), you will continue your journey through East Sumba.
• Today another fascinating waterfall is on the programme: the Waimarang Waterfall.
• The waterfall is very well hidden, and the route to it involves quite a bit of exertion. As you will be moving through rough terrain, this stop has something of an adventurous feel and requires sure-footedness. But don't worry — you'll get there. Your tour guide will be attentive to your needs and there will be plenty of breaks along the way.
• Don't forget to pack your swimwear, as the waterfall's naturally formed pool of crystal-clear water offers a very welcome cool-down after the exertions of the trek. Take your time.
• You can also have lunch here, which comes in the form of a lunchbox (included).
• Afterwards, you will head to the village of Rende, a traditional village in East Sumba, where you can marvel at the large megalithic tombs of the late King of East Sumba. The locals look forward to the visit from afar and are happy to engage in conversation with you through your tour guide. Get involved and learn about life in the village of Rende :-)
• After that, it is time to make your way back to your accommodation. Along the way, however, you will have one more opportunity to stop and admire yet another of Sumba's breathtaking sunsets.
• You will head to Walakiri Beach, where the local sunset is framed in a truly impressive way by the mangroves lining the shore. Let yourself be both captivated and inspired by the sunset among the small magical trees that grow from the water and seem to dance. Dream hour beckons…
• When the sun has set and you have captured your last photo, it's back to the 'Myze Hotel'.
• Dinner there (not included).

Day 7: Kat Tenun Village – Transfer to your Resort Hotel or the Airport in Tambolaka

• After your breakfast (included), you will have a little time left to add one final attraction to your tour.
• You will have the opportunity to visit the village of Kat Tenun to learn about the local ikat weaving culture. Ikat Tenun is the fabric from which traditional Sumbanese clothing is woven. If you like, you are welcome to dress up in traditional costume for a final photo here ;-)
• And now the moment has come: it's either on to your beautiful Sumba resort hotel for your subsequent diving, snorkelling or swimming holiday or back to Tambolaka to catch your flight.
• Either way, your 'Nusa Tenggara: Sumba Explorer Tour' is now drawing to a close, and our driver and tour guide will be ready to take you to the next stop on your journey at the agreed time.
• We wish you a wonderful onward journey :-)