East of Wallace Tours
Adventures in East Indonesia

Holiday in the Sunda Islands – An Extraordinary Trip Beyond the Ordinary

Remote beaches, spectacular dive sites, powerful volcanoes and living traditions waiting to be discovered


Hey Adventurer,

Are you tempted by a trip to a tropical paradise? Then a holiday in the Sunda Islands of Indonesia might be exactly what you are looking for. Here you will find beautiful islands, exotic animals, hot volcanoes, secluded beaches, crystal-clear water, brilliant diving areas for beginners and diving professionals and a fascinating culture that is waiting to be discovered. Whether you long for relaxed days on pristine beaches, want to explore the vibrant underwater world, or are eager to taste local culinary delights – we design the perfect, tailor-made journey just for you. 

While Bali and Java belong to the better-known Greater Sunda Islands, East of Wallace Tours opens the door to the largely undiscovered Lesser Sunda Islands – an archipelago full of surprises, stretching east of Lombok all the way to Timor.
 

Get in contact
 

Travel Packages Sunda Islands

Indonesia, Little Sunda Island Sumba: Lonely bay with white sandy beach
Indonesia, Little Sunda Island Sumba: Traditional village of Ratenggaro
Indonesia, Little Sunda Island Sumba: Hidden Weekuri Lagune with crystal clear water
Indonesia, Little Sunda Island Sumba: Waikacura rice field
Indonesia, Little Sunda Island Sumba: Lapopu waterfall
Indonesia, Little Sunda Island Sumba: Stone cliff with open arch
Indonesia, Little Sunda Island Sumba: Traditional village with typical high-roof houses
Indonesia, Little Sunda Island Sumba: Old woman in front of her house
Indonesia, Little Sunda Island Sumba: Textile dyer on his daily activity
Indonesia, Little Sunda Island Sumba: Hidden cascade waterfall
Indonesia, Little Sunda Island Sumba: Rider on decorated horse at Pasola tradition
Indonesia, Little Sunda Island Sumba: Competition on horseback; the Pasola tradition

Sunda Islands: West Sumba Tour

From € 699,- per person (4D/3N)

Sunda Islands: West Sumba Experience Tour. You are interested in the remote region of the Lesser Sunda Islands? You are curious about undiscovered places with their long traditions in untouched nature? And you want to spend your Indonesia trip not only for e.g. Komodo & Flores, but also to get an impression of Sumba? Here you go :-)

  • Duration:
    4 days/ 3 nights
  • Start I End:
    Start: I End: Tambolaka Airport in Waitabula or Sumba Resort Hotel
  • Departure:
    Daily
  • min. # Travelers:
    1 person
  • Best period to visit:
    March to November, but basically all year round
  • Rainy season:
    December to February
Tour description

Sunda Islands: West Sumba Experience Tour

Go on a discovery tour: Sumba is located in Indonesia east of the Wallace Line. The island is about twice the size of Bali. However, the influx of visitors to this jewel of the Lesser Sunda Islands is very manageable compared to its sister island. With the island of Sumba, you decide on an Indonesian trip away from the tourist flow. Pure nature with an impressive island landscape and fantastic beaches as well as a unique culture, characterised by megalithic tombs and the local *Pasola tradition, among other things..


Your fitness level: A normal fitness level is sufficient for our West Sumba Tour. Most of the route is covered by car. However, there are always a few metres to walk. The tropical climate that accompanies you may make some of the movements feel a little strenuous.

 

*Pasola tradition: Pasola is a mounted spear fighting competition from West Sumba, Indonesia. Pasola involves throwing wooden spears at the opponent while riding a horse. This tradition celebrates the rice planting season. The word pasola means "spear" in the local language and is derived from the Sanskrit "sula". Pasola takes place for about four weeks in February and March.

Our services
  • 4 days individual round trip according to the description.
  • All activities will take place individually for you and will be organised by your personal guide.
  • 3 nights with breakfast in authentic lokal accommodation, including 1 night on local boat.
  • Meal arrangements as described.
  • All transfers accompanied from Tambolaka Airport in Waitabula or Sumba Resort Hotel
  • Your personal English-speaking /tour guide will accompany you on your entire trip and will be your contact person, if you have any questions or requests.
  • Travel insurance certificate

We recommend taking out travel insurance (travel health insurance, travel cancellation insurance).


Enquire now
Tour Plan


Day 1: Arrival in Tambolaka - Weekuri Lagoon - Mandorak Beach - Lendongara Hill Sunset

  • After your arrival at Tambolaka Airport in Waitabula, your tour guide will welcome you and your journey will begin. The day starts with lunch (included).
  • After lunch, you will visit the picturesque Weekuri Lagoon, a crystal-clear lake surrounded by rocks, where you can swim and relax. You can take a short or long swim, then unwind on the small, fine white-sand beach at Mandorak Beach. You will have plenty of time.
  • Please have your swimwear, a towel and, if needed, a change of clothes ready, as you will be heading straight here from the airport.
  • Before setting off again, be sure to walk around the rocks and reef to enjoy a wonderful view of the sea.
  • Before heading to your hotel, you will also have the chance to visit a local market. Don’t miss this opportunity: alongside all sorts of interesting things, you’ll find plenty of local color gathered in one place. Let the unfamiliar offerings inspire you, and don’t be afraid to try some of them :-)
  • To round off the day, you will visit Lendongara Hill, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Framed by the soft colors of the sunset, the landscape gradually takes on an evening glow—a wonderful place to unwind…
  • From there, you will head to your accommodation, the ‘Sima Sumba Hotel’ (or a similar property).
  • Dinner there (not included).

 

Day 2: Rumah Budaya Sumba - Talasi Cashew Farm - Ratenggaro - Wainyapu - Kawona Beach

  • After a hearty breakfast (included) at the hotel, you will start the day with a visit to Rumah Budaya Sumba, Sumba’s cultural center. Built in the style of a traditional Sumbanese house, it stands on grounds dotted with Marapu stone carvings. Marapu is Sumba’s traditional animist religion, expressed in part through local stone carving. The collection includes ikat textiles, stone and wood carvings, traditional jewelry and a handful of everyday objects. You are warmly invited to take some time to absorb this unique culture in all its richness.
  • Afterwards, you are invited to get to know and enjoy local cashew and coffee specialties during a visit to Talasi Cashew Farm :-) During cashew harvest season, from September to November, the farm is in full swing, making this a particularly good time to tour the production facilities. The farm is also a lovely place to relax and enjoy yourself during the rest of the year. Try the local coffee varieties, delicious cashew milk or cashew nuts coated in caramel or coffee—exceptionally tasty!
  • Next, you will continue to Ratenggaro Village in the Kodi region. Here, you can admire traditional houses with their distinctive high roofs, all built by hand using traditional methods. These are the highest roofs on all of Sumba. Ratenggaro is one of the few traditional villages in the area. Although it consists of only a few houses, each house can accommodate up to 50 family members. Interesting fact: During harvest season, most villagers stay in their fields, leaving only the elders and children in the village.
  • Lunch will be provided as a lunch box along the way (included).
  • If you like, you can also visit the nearby Wainyapu Village and enjoy its traditional charm.
  • If the opportunity arises and you would like to experience it, your guide will try to find out whether a funeral ceremony is taking place along the way. Foreign guests are always warmly welcomed to attend.
  • Otherwise, your journey will continue to Kawona Beach, a well-kept beach that is rarely crowded. Take a swim and enjoy the present moment. You are welcome to stay until sunset or spend the rest of the afternoon at your cozy accommodation, which has no direct access to the sea but does offer a truly charming view.
  • You will then head to your hotel in West Sumba, the ‘Ketanu Bamboo Lodge’ (or a similar property).
  • Dinner there (not included).

 

Day 3: Waikelo Sawah - Praijing Village - Lapopu Waterfall - Waigali & Praigoli Village

  • After breakfast (included), today you will travel further into the West Sumba region. On the way, you will stop at Waikelo Sawah, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding rice fields and also take a look at the nearby water cave.
  • Your journey will then continue to Praijing Village, a traditional village situated uphill amid lush greenery. It is one of the few villages from which you can enjoy a lovely view over the entire settlement and get a good sense of what village life is like there. Take some time to stroll around this traditional place. During the day, you will usually meet the village elders, who, together with the children, are the main people around the settlement and are happy to share their smiles with you. Perhaps you could bring a few sweets to share.
  • Your next destination is Lapopu Waterfall. After a drive through Sumba’s seemingly endless green, hilly landscape, you will stop near the waterfall. To visit it, you will need to take a short hike of about 15 minutes and cross a bamboo bridge. Don’t worry; it will hold you ;-)
  • Once there, you will be treated to a wonderful view of the scenery before you. Take a seat and let your thoughts drift as you watch the water make its way down the mountainside. Feel free to take a swim. Otherwise: time for inspiration and daydreaming...
  • And before you know it, it will be time for lunch (included).
  • Afterwards, you will visit another village in West Sumba, Praigoli Village, to see the Kajiwa stone and the Pasola field.
  • Not far from Praigoli Village, you will then visit Waigali Village, which is located on a hill offering truly spectacular views. Here, you can see the Andung (Scull Tree).
  • You will then head to your hotel in West Sumba, the ‘Ketanu Bamboo Lodge’ (or a similar property).
  • Dinner there (not included).

 

Day 4: Transfer to your Resort Hotel or the Airport

  • After breakfast (included), it will be time either to leave for the airport to catch your flight or to head to your resort hotel for your subsequent diving, snorkeling or beach holiday.
  • Perhaps you like the Keanu Bamboo Lodge so much that you would like to stay for a few more days—that would be lovely :-)
  • In any case, your ‘Nusa Tenggara: West Sumba Experience’ with us now comes to an end. Our driver and tour guide will be waiting for you at the agreed time to take you to the starting point of your next destination and -unfortunately- to say goodbye.
  • Either way, we wish you an exciting time and a safe journey.
Prices

Price

  • 699,- EUR per person (based on 2 persons sharing accommodation)
  • Single traveller as per request

Our tailor-made Lesser Sunda Islands: Sumba Discovery Tour is suited for children. 

The prices are from/to the starting point of the tour. They include all services according to the respective tour description. Higher prices may apply especially during Indonesian holidays like Ramadan or Idul Fitri. All prices are in Euro and per person based on 2 persons traveling together in a double room/ accommodation. Our terms and conditions apply.
 


Extend your Trip

…and explore destinations beyond the wonders of the Spice Islands. Extending a trip creates even more unique experiences and breathtaking moments for you and your travel companion. Combine your cultural trip with a volcano experience or a beach vacation or even more adventure. Make your trip a unique experience and extend it to experience Indonesia east of the Wallace Line to the fullest.


Expand your Options

  • Delve even more into the magic of the Sunda Islands.
  • If you simply want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, combine your West Sumba Tour with a relaxing beach holiday at the Eco Resort Sumbawa Dream, The Sanubari, Sumba Beach House or the super scenic Lelewatu Resort.
  • Extend your trip and combine youOr simply travel further east and visit Komodo National Park and the island of Flores. Our Komodo & Flores Rundreise is just the ticket.
  • Perhaps you’d like to extend your trip and combine your ‘West of Sumba Tour’—with a flight via Bali—with our West Sumbawa Adventure Tour or our slightly longer Best of Sumbawa Tour, which also covers the eastern part of the island.
  • And if you are keen to climb up a volcano, then do a trekking to Sumbawa’s Tambora volcano - we can take you there :-)
  • Otherwise, go and explore the impressively diverse island of Sulawesi or the magnificent Raja Ampat.
  • And how about exploring the fabulous Spice Islands while travelling through the Moluccas?
  • By the way, the Moluccas are also home to several active volcanoes and tense jungles. So is Sulawesi. Why not going on a trekking or volcano adventure or exploring endemic species.
  • Go and explore the enchanting underwater world of the Coral Triangle and go diving to the world's most species-rich marine region!
  • Explore the most remote ‘corners’ of Indonesia East of the Wallace Line by yacht on one of our Sailing Cruise Tours.
  • ...or mingle with the locals and get to know the beautiful island landscape and nature as well as its people on one of our Culture and Nature Tours.
     

Design your Tour

The above tour description is intended as a suggestion. The tour can be split or extended according to your wishes. We will be happy to customize it to your individual wishes and ideas.



Just get in contact with us.

The Lesser Sunda Islands stretch like a string of pearls across the turquoise waters of eastern Indonesia, and each island tells its own unique story. From the legendary Komodo dragons on Komodo Island to the traditional ikat weavers of Flores, from the wild horses of Sumba to the giant whale sharks of Sumbawa and the majestic Mount Tambora volcano – your holiday in the Lesser Sunda Islands becomes a journey through an entirely different world. Here, where rice is still planted by hand and centuries-old traditions continue to shape daily life, you experience Indonesia in its most authentic form. This is travel beyond the ordinary – raw, cultural, diverse and deeply rooted in nature. With our tailor-made tours in Eastern Indonesia, we design your individual journey entirely according to your wishes – combining nature, wildlife, culture and adventure in one unforgettable experience.

Experience Nature and Connect with People

The magic of your Sunda Islands holiday lies in the diversity of experiences. In the morning, you walk through rice fields where farmers still carry out their traditional work; in the afternoon, you snorkel above vibrant coral reefs; and in the evening, you enjoy the sunset from one of the many viewpoints – or even from the summit of a volcano. Every accommodation in the Sunda Islands that we have carefully selected for you reflects the character of its surroundings – from a simple beachfront bungalow to a stylish boutique resort hotel.

Encounters with local people make your journey to the Sunda Islands truly special. Whether during traditional weaving on Lombok or Sumbawa, at a whip-fighting ceremony on Flores, or while visiting a megalithic village on Sumba – everywhere you are welcomed with open arms. Our local guides not only know every corner of their homeland, but also build meaningful bridges between cultures.

Round Trip Through the Lesser Sunda Islands: Inspiration for Your Itinerary

A classic Lesser Sunda Islands round trip often begins on Lombok, the quieter sister of Bali. From here, your journey continues by boat (car ferry) or flight to Sumbawa, home to its (not yet entirely) world-famous surf spots. For many travelers, the absolute highlight is Flores – an island of striking contrasts with colorful crater lakes, traditional villages, and a rich underwater world. From Labuan Bajo, you can reach Komodo National Park, where the prehistoric Komodo dragons are at home.

For your Lesser Sunda Islands tour, we recommend planning at least one week per island. This allows you enough time to discover the many different facets of this unique region. Destinations within the Lesser Sunda Islands can be combined individually – from adventure to relaxation, everything is possible. If you would like to experience even more of Indonesia’s diversity, other island regions make perfect additions, for example:



Lesser vs. Greater Sunda Islands – Dream Destinations Compared

While the Greater Sunda Islands such as Java, Sumatra and Borneo impress with their vast size and iconic highlights like Borobudur or the orangutans, the Lesser Sunda Islands stand out for their intimacy and authenticity. Destinations on the Greater Sunda Islands already attract large numbers of visitors, whereas here in the Lesser Sunda Islands you can still discover genuine hidden gems.

Your holiday in the Lesser Sunda Islands means fewer tourists, more authentic experiences, and remarkable diversity within a relatively compact area. Whether you hike through the rice fields of Flores, stay in a traditional-style hotel on Sumba, or swim with whale sharks off the coast of Sumbawa – every day brings new adventures. The perfect alternative for those who already know Bali and Java, or who wish to experience Indonesia beyond the well-trodden paths from the very beginning.

 

Request now!

 

Do you have your dream travel destination present in mind? Our travel offers don't quite fit the bill or do you still have questions? Then contact us and we will create your individual offer for you.