Staying and Living

Hotels and Accommodation

There are only a few accommodations in Sumba, mostly limited to towns, or some tourist spots. In the countryside, you can stay only in private houses or in a simple Homestay. Recently, almost only hotels in the upper price range and by international providers have been built, often also as Balinese branches or as money laundering facilities. Mid-range hotels are missing.

If there is an official meeting in a town and important administrative officials from other regions arrive, reasonable hotels are often fully booked. But nowhere in Sumba is it a problem to find a place to stay in a private home.

In Sumba, the price level of hotels is higher than in Bali. Maybe it's because of the lack of competition or the fact that many goods have to be imported from other islands.

Below I have listed information about the accommodations that I know. Exclusive Airbnb offers are not included, because I think that the personal mutual assessment gives an objective rating.

Accommodation offers for hotels that have no direct connection to nature, landscape and the people of Sumba, are mentioned only by name and with a few keywords.

Internet offers for smaller accommodations are certainly easier to book. But they don't have to be better than offers without internet. Maybe just marketing is better.

The following hotels do no longer exist or have temporarily ceased operations: Ama Homestay, Ama Tukang/Rambu Chiko, Costa Beach Resort, Kaliuda, Monalisa, Lima Saudara, Merlin, Peters Magic Paradise, Sumba Adventure Resort, Watukaka, Wera Beach.

The northeast of Sumba
Pantai Cemara at Pantai Kambera is the only resort in this area. It is a, small, quiet, stylish but unfortunately extremely high-priced, direct on the beach. Bungalows are a bit too close to each other and got a bit old. The nicer part of the beach is outside the grounds of the resort. Snorkelling, Riding and boat trips are possible – but unreasonably expensive. The surrounding area is totally bleak. WhatsApp: 08123842178; Web: facebook.com/PondokWisataPantaiCemara

Waingapu
Padadita Beach Hotel is located directly on the mangrove coast. It is a typical hotel type, as it is everywhere in the world - and now also in Sumba. The Surroundings are dull. The beach is not suitable for swimming there might be crocodiles. Town center is 2 km away. But there is a drop off service. Web: padaditabeachhotel.blogspot.com
Hotel Kambaniru: isolated location, far from the center
Casa Kandara: pool and restaurant have just been completed
Hotel Unicorn is located right in the center on Jalan El Tari, a few meters from the bus station and the central market. But anyway, it's quiet. Helpful staff. WhatsApp: 082145843416
Hotel Tanto in Jalan Prof. Dr. Yohanes is expensive, has a lot of plastic stuff in the rooms and a sterile atmosphere. WhatsApp: 081283255500 ; Web: facebook.com/TantoHotel.WGP/
Hotel Elvin has been renovated and extended again; it is very clean and well maintained. Rooms are large, those to the main road Ahmad Yani are loud, those to the curtilage quiet. The reception area is sedate but somewhat impersonal. Phone: 038761462, Web: https://elvin-hotel.business.site/
Sacca Residence & Resto is located in Jalan S. Parman 88, in the district Tandaroto on the road to Kambaniru and about 3 km from the center. It has small rooms with AC, bathroom and terrace. It is super clean, dignified atmosphere, perhaps a bit noisy through the restaurant. WhatsApp: 081337442222; Email: saccacellular@gmail.com
Lope Homestay is located on Jalan Flores south of the hospital. A little out of the way but new. Rooms with AC super clean and quiet. The owner is French. Unfortunately, there is no restaurant in the area. WhatsApp: 082145067891
Maramba Homestay and Cafe are located in Jalan Ikan Hiju 15, a quiet side street, next to the Western Bus Terminal. It has small rooms with AC, bathroom and a shaded terrace. The shop of the Chinese owner is directly opposite. WhatsApp: 081332222435
Praikamarru Guest House - Prailiu offers a traditional house with bathroom and balcony. It is quietly situated, at the end of the traditional royal village. In almost every Family of the village Women are weaving. Good starting point for an East Sumba trip. Preferably bookings only for several days. Booking via Airbnb or WhatsApp: 081338093459
Hotel Sandalwood is located in the center on Jalan Panjaitan, near the bus station. The pleasantly designed facility has a personal touch and is in a quiet location. A certain renovation backlog can be felt. But it is cheap for that. Rooms have different price ranges. Phone: 038761887. 
Wisma Cendana is located in Jalan Pulau Savu, about 5 streets away from the hospital and 400 meters from the road towards Waikabubak. From the hill you have a wonderful view of the surroundings of the city. Nice atmosphere, friendly people but too far out without your own vehicle. WhatsApp: 085239351351
Wisma Eldorado is located a bit outside the city, at km 5 Jalan Matawai Amahu (which is a bit loud) but on the way to the 2 new harbours and 1 km from the western bus terminal. It has 6 rooms with bath a terrace and is super clean. The Chinese owners are very friendly and keen to help. Motorcycles are for rent. WhatsApp: 081339457506; Web: facebook.com/wisma.eldoradowaingapu
Elim has become a hotel, was previously an event center. It is 200 meters from the airport, just off the bridge over the Kambaniru River. It has simple rooms with bath. It might be that it is a bit loud. In the evening you can have a drink directly over the river and with some luck you will see crocodiles ... WhatsApp: 081287953707
Hotel Jemmy in Jalan Umbu Maria Hongu is simple, cheap and impersonal. You can rent motorcycles. Phone: 038762747
Baim Homestay  is located right in the center, east of the gas station in Jalan Haryono. Clean modern rooms with bath and air conditioning. A bit loud and impersonal. WhatsApp: 085231080507
G.Homestay is located 500 meters east of Prailiu village in the Jalan Rihi Eti 26. Clean large modern rooms with bath and air conditioning. It has a small restaurant. WhatsApp: 081338363052
Mr.R.Homestay is located 100 meters east of Prailiu: From Jalan Rihi Eti to the east, then 500 meters to the south. There is a little direct footpath to Prailiu. Modern rooms with bath and air conditioning. View of rice fields. WhatsApp: 085337446164
Damar Homestay is located in the Wangga Kambera district, a bit out of the way but new and clean. WhatsApp: 082147601999

Waingapu - Surroundings
Maramba Beach + Resort are located about 10 km outside towards the north, behind the petrol station. It has a small pool but no beach! The buildings are built a bit too narrow to each other. Therefore, it may be a bit noisy. It is equipped with plenty of Chinese kitsch. WhatsApp: 081332222435
Morinda Villa + Resto are 10 km outside or 1 km behind the Kambaniru Dam on a mountain top. It has 5 luxury equipped traditional style villas have a great view. The place is something to hang out in an absolute calm atmosphere. The restaurant serves tasty local food. Without a vehicle it is difficult to get around. WhatsApp: 081338893525
Sumba Paradise: secluded location, poor beach, some villas still under construction
Villa Kandora: secluded location on a plain beach, villas have just been completed
Tanoma Beach Resort: secluded location with mini pool and beach near mangroves

The Southeast of Sumba
Melolo - Amudahi Villas opened in 2019. It offers 2 traditional luxurious houses. Super ecological concept. Own restaurant, which is also open to local guests. Right in town behind the Muslim cemetery, quiet location. The French owners offer trekking tours through Sumba. Booking via Airbnb or WhatsApp: 082146682260; Web: amudahi.com
Melolo – Purnama Homestay - The old losmen is renovated and reopened after a break of 10 years. It is close to the “middle” phone pole next the Purnama supermarket in the main street. The bus stops there. It has simple rooms, a bit small and unloving, some with AC
Melolo - Private Accommodation - At Sony Radjah's large family house you participate in the daily life in a small town. His house is opposite the Purnama behind the gallery of the weavers cooperative and provides more than just an accommodation. Sony himself works for the cooperative and is fluent in English. Book it well in advance. WhatsApp: 085239238950; Email: sabrina.gloria69@yahoo.com; Web: facebook.com/sony.radjah
Tanaraing - Eco Resort Sumba Dream is an eco-oasis located 10 km off the main road. Spacious grounds with small stylish bungalows. Quiet and completely secluded. Something to relax and for fishing. French food. Because of the proximity to the river mouth and the mangroves I would not swim there. Phone: 08113820396 ; Web: ecoresortsumbadream.com
Nusa and Maukawini – In both villages you can stay at one of the fishermen’s houses. Accommodation is very basic! The food is great. Just ask. The area is good for swimming, snorkelling, hanging out and relaxing, but very dry.
Sumba Paradise: secluded location, poor beach, some villas still under construction
Costa Beach Resort: may be closed due to renovations
Wajonata Eco Resort is a resort with only 4 bungalows, a rather private complex, WhatsApp: 082253631119; Web: www.wajonata.com/
Sumba Adventure Resort: for sale
Kalala - Beach (Mr. David’s Resort) is in the Baing region. It is Located at the west end of the reef. It is something for relaxing, fishing, horseback riding and exploring the countryside. Unfortunately nothing has been done to the buildings for years. After the death of the legendary Surfer Mr. David, his widow Ibu Jo(hanna) continues the resort. After several fires, only a few bungalows have survived. It is somehow archaic - a cult place with a kind of a ramshackle charm. Starting from Baing, you will get there, if you turn left into the new port road. At the school turn left again to the gravel road, then keep right and turn right onto a dirt road which is barely visible… WhatsApp: 081285979812, 081353976282 ; Web: kalalabeach.com
Kalala - villages at the beach. Between the resorts in Kalala are several Savu villages. People are poor but nice. You can ask someone in the villages if you can stay there for a fee. Accommodation will be basic. The area is good for hanging out and relaxing, but also for fishing and exploring the countryside
Kananggar - ask at one of the little kiosks at the junction, they will have a place to stay

The South of Sumba
Salura is an island in front of the southern tip of Sumba, about accommodation look at the Salura Blog under links
Katundu is the starting point for boats to Salura. There is no accommodation in Katundu. Please ask the Kepala Desa if you can stay at his place until the next boat. Nice beach for hanging out
Tawui with Sumba's most beautiful beach also has no official accommodation. But there are possibilities to stay. Just ask at the marketplace or around the church
Praingkareha at the waterfall Air Terjun Laputi also has no accommodation. You can stay in the house or in the village of the Kepala Desa
Wudi Pandak - Ranger Station of Matalawa National Park. If there is someone in the station, you could stay there. It's the blue building east of the street.
Tarimbang - Marthen Homestay has simple bungalows or rooms with shared facilities. Some bungalows have their own bathrooms - please make sure to pre-book. The family makes superb food. Guests come because of the fabled "Miller's right". It's rare that a backpacker is stranded here. The season is from May to September. In the rest of the year people who are enthusiastic about nature are in good hands here. Marthen arranges a professional hiking guide, outrigger boats, and horse riding. Guests who come directly from Bali are sometimes not happy with the price-performance ratio and hygienic situation. WhatsApp: 081238730238, 082237174287; Web: tarimbang-beach.com
Tarimbang – other Accommodation: High-priced camping offerings on the east side of the bay, surfer accommodation on the west side of the bay and river, and accommodation in the former Kepala Desa's house

Lewa - Mama Riwu usually hosted birdwatchers of the nearby national park. Her homestay is located at the western milestone 1 Lewa between the 2 phone poles. Unfortunately it is only open to a limited extent due to her age. Phone: 085239910745 (no WhatsApp). Alternatively, if closed: Rahayu Homestay (Pak Made) a little south behind Mama Riwu's house. Phone: 081339066555 (no WhatsApp)

Waibakul and Anakalang
Bintang Hotel opened in 2023. Simple ensuite rooms without AC. Directly on the main Waingapu – Waikabubak road, 1 km east of Pasunga or 200 meters east of the turnoff to Mamboro. WhatsApp: 081312246201
Wisma Sola Pora -  is located in Jalan Kabunduk in Waibakul, near the old village of Kabunduk. It is a state-owned hotel with different Rooms with different equipment with bath and some AC. The building is something monstrous, lacking in individuality, and in dire need of renovation. But it has a very nice and helpful staff. You can rent cars and motorcycles. Email: wismasolapora@yahoo.com
Maloba - Samuel Homestay has 3 rooms in a traditional house and is located directly on the main beach of Maloba. If more guests are there, you will be accommodated in the family home. The family makes super tasty local food. Is a little expensive, but the only accommodation far and wide. WhatsApp: 082145838458 (David)

Waikabubak
Hotel Manandang is the first address in town. Rooms vary in standard and condition, some are run down. It has a small back garden with some high standard rooms around. Phone: 038721197
Casa de Luna or J2 Guest House opened in November 2022. It's not Sumba-typical, but stylishly designed with a concrete look. Centrally located on Jalan Patimura. WhatsApp: 081338719299
Tanakotto or RedDoorz: central location at the phone pole
Morika Inn is located 3 km outside in the suburb Weekarou. It has big clean rooms with bath. Something sterile atmosphere and in the area is nothing. However, if the newly built bus station goes into operation, Morika is within easy walking distance. Booking via Airbnb or WhatsApp: 081259541325
Shekina Homestay is on the extension of Jalan Veteran. It's simple and rather impersonal. Has a small cafe. WhatsApp: 082245555994
Hotel Artha is tucked away in quiet Jalan Veteran. All rooms with private bath are arranged like a horseshoe around the well-kept garden. It is clean and the people are super friendly and advise you competently. A traditional village and the tourist office are nearby. WhatsApp: 085253253980
Hotel Aloha is situated at the main junction opposite church, hospital and football stadium. Rooms open onto a patio and all are quiet and clean, they vary in standard. It lacks greenery. Phone: 038721245
Hotel Karanu and almost diagonally opposite
Hotel Ronita are at the main road to Waingapu. Both are relatively clean, a little noisy, but cheap
Hotel Pelita is at the corner of Jalan Ahmad Yani and the road to Waitabula. It is centrally but noisy and expensive
Waikabubak - Private Accommodation - Yuli (Yuliana Leda Tara) speaks English and French. She lives with her family in the traditional Marapu village of Tarung. Her Village burned down in 2017 but has been completely rebuilt. You can stay with her or in other houses in the village. WhatsApp: 081337957670;   Email: yuli.sumba@gmail.com.

The Southwest of Sumba
Waihura - Jhony (Johnny, Joni) Homestay is situated at the final end of the road. At first Jhony has only one beach bungalow with 2 simple rooms, 2 others will follow. It is located in the fishing village, directly on the beach of Wanukaka. The terrace offers a great view of waves, the sea and the work of the fishermen. Everything is very simple with a common bathroom. Good food and the friendliness of the family fascinated me. Jhony also arranges horses for beach excursions and boats of local fishermen to take you for example to (Konda) Maloba. Phone: 081236835144 (no WhatsApp)
Umaroto Hill Resort and Bobocabin: Location and prices are high
Rua Beach Resort. The former water park has been converted into a resort. There are rooms of different categories and 3 pools. It's not cheap at all, but it has a pleasant atmosphere. External guests can also dine in the associated restaurant. WhatsApp: 08113865588, 08113920145; Email: amahomestay@yahoo.com.au
Rua Beach - The Village Inn is located behind the Beach Resort. Simple rooms. Partially unfinished facility. The concept and target group are unclear. Should be offered more for the price. WhatsApp: 081186322632
Nihiwatu has very nice staffs who tell a lot about the resort and their owners. Travellers who want to enter the resort overland are not welcome. It seems to be a reserve for another class of human being - an extraterritorial area - where Indonesian laws are not valid. It is strictly forbidden to feed guests of the resort with peanuts, when they are cavorting outside their territory. Booking is possible only via the website and before entering Sumba. Web: nihi.com
Lelewatu Resort: upper class, located on a slope
Marosi – Sumba Nautil is 1 km inland from Marosi beach in Lamboya. It is owned by Ali Derdouri, a Frenchman of Algerian origin. The well-maintained hotel area and bungalows, have an international standard. The view from the pool to the west coast scenery is incomparably beautiful. It has an excellent French cuisine. Ali advises you competently. Naturally this has its price. But in Ali's chalet there are also 2 affordable rooms. WhatsApp: 081339558652, 038721806; Web: sumbanautilresort.com
Sanubaru: on Marosi Beach, Boutique Hotel
Alamayah: Boutique Hotel
Sumba Surf Camp: Surfer Hotel
Sumba Retreat Kerewe: under palm trees
Sumba Beach House + Bar: at the beach
Kerewe – Musa Homestay is one of 3 typical surfer accommodations. It is near the beach and has Rooms with different facilities. Everything is very simple but clean. WhatsApp: 081353193033; Web: facebook.com/pages/category/Hotel---Lodging/Musa-Homestay-727896490711930/
Kerewe - Sumba Surfing Homestay is located opposite the Musa. Daniel makes a friendlier impression than the hosts of the other resorts. From the terrace you have a beautiful view of the sea. Otherwise, it is similar to Musa Homestay. Phone: 081246743172 (no WhatsApp)
Kerewe – Sumba Sunset Beach is about 70 meters above sea level and about 1 km from the beach with great views. The bungalows are built in a traditional style. Great food and great atmosphere. WhatsApp: 082147546538; Web: facebook.com/sumbasunset.kerewe
Ngalung Kalla Retreat: Boutique accommodation, secluded location
Mambang - in this tiny fishing village you can only stay in a private home. At Pasola people want to stay here and wade over to the neighbouring Weetana Pasola place…

Betelnut Beach is a small private resort – not just for surfers. Idyllically located in tropical greenery. About 2 km south of Wainyapu at the village of Gallu Kalogho near the SDN Kere Pamba school. Camping is also possible. Super nice hosts. WhatsApp: 08112973388
Pero - Merzy (Mercy) Homestay. The owners of Stori Homestay have moved, now their place is called Merzy and is located on the beach road. It is an oasis in the otherwise rather rugged village. There are several shared bathrooms, common areas, a prayer room, karaoke room, and a beautiful watered garden. Rooms with private bathrooms are now also available. It is run by a committed Bugis family. They make a super tasty food! It is a place for surfers and a good starting point for visiting the villages along the coast. WhatsApp: 082199622939; Email: hatijahstory@gmail.com
Rindu Villas are located right on the Pero River Estuary and Port. Great location and facilities. Unfortunately, food is only available in the Merzy
Wainyapu - burned down almost completely in September 2022. There are currently no accommodations
Cap Karoso: the construction work is not yet finished

Waitabula / Tambolaka
Maringi Eco Resort of the Sumba Hospitality Foundation is a college of hotel management with attached small hotel business. You live in stylish round houses and can be pampered by the hotel school students. The Management helps planning your excursions. To the beach it is 3 km. Web: sumbahospitalityfoundation.org/maringi. The Foundation also operates the stylish Makan Dulu Restaurant at Kalena Wano Street in Tambolaka.
Hotel Mario + Cafe are located at Mananga Aba beach. Is a somewhat green oasis in a rather desolate environment. Rooms and bungalows are rather expensive. Web: mariohotel.net
Sima Hotel Sumba: the construction work is almost finished
Newa Sumba Resort is located at the north coast near the airport Tambolaka, 4 km east of Waikelo. It was built very extravagantly. Sometimes it makes an empty impression. The surrounding is savannah. The beach is ok. Very high priced. Booking is possible only via the website: newasumbaresort.com
Hotel Sinar Tambolaka is in the Jalan Radamata opposite market, gas station, and Waikelo junction and is reached via a narrow driveway. Rooms have different standards and are partially run down. The attached restaurant is good and reasonably priced - with a beautiful view of the countryside. Phone: 03872534088; Web: sinartambolaka.com
Hotel Sumba Sejahtera is also located in Jalan Radamata, close to the Sinar Tambolaka. Standard and prices are similar. Everything is super clean, but it is very sterile, dark, and impersonal. Phone: 03872524123
Hotel Ella is the newest in this series and is also located in the Jalan Radamata close to the Sinar Tambolaka. It is most expensive but also offers the most: quiet rooms, some have small gardens, nice ambience. Unfortunately, Ella does not have a proper restaurant. For that you have to go a few steps to the Sinar Tambolaka. WhatsApp: 082145837745
Anggrek 2 Inn has just opened. It is on the main street opposite the cathedral. Simple rooms with and without AC. More information to follow.
Oro Beach Houses and Restaurant is located directly at a small beach. It is a small and individual resort to relax, bathe and snorkel. Food is very tasty. The German-Indonesian owner is always friendly and helpful. Good starting point for a West Sumba trip. They give a competent tour advice. It is located close to the airport. You can arrange to be picked up from the airport. From the Tambolaka Katewel road, after the first asphalt turn-off behind the turn-off to the market, turn left , then it's 5 km new asphalt road. You can hire motorcycles and snorkelling equipment. WhatsApp: 081339110068, 081339780610; Web: oro-beachbungalows.com
Hotel Pasola is located outside the airport portal. It's something when you arrive late. Clean and friendly staff. WhatsApp: 081237864560
Penginapan Melati is on main road between phone pole and Kodi junction. It is a simple family accommodation. Rooms are a bit dated. Many volunteers from charities and the Catholic Church stay here. Therefore, rooms should be booked in advance. WhatsApp: 081353966066
Rumah Budaya Sumba, in an educational institution and museum of the Catholic Church, west of Waitabula on the way to Kodi Phone: 08111892908 (no WhatsApp) and in the
Villa Redemptorist, a restaurant and convention center of the Redemptorist Congregation in Waikelo, there are accommodations. Phone: 085333707337 (no WhatsApp)

Mamboro Mananga Homestay - here you can live with a Muslim family. She lives at the abrupt end of the street on the right, in the colourfully tiled house. With shared bathroom or wash in the river. There is always great food with fresh fish. Phone: 081339572015 (no WhatsApp)

Food and Drink

Only in the towns of Waingapu, Waikabubak, Waitabula, Melolo, and Lewa you will find restaurants, small and cheap. And there are more and more. At the same time, restaurants for the upper class are being built in cities. Some of them have additional offers such as: car wash or fitness. Food always tastes great with a family and better than in any restaurant. That is why I have no culinary restaurant recommendations. Incidentally, restaurants often change the name and the owner so that statements about the food make no sense

But regarding the ambience, what the Orang Bule likes I have some recommendations:
PC Corner in Waingapu, in Jalan Soeharto on the hill of the government buildings with a great view maybe up to the volcanoes in Flores. Good local food.
Mr. Cafe in Waingapu, on Jalan Tipuk Marisi in Matawai. Well-seasoned Indonesian food. Sweets from the frozen bakery. Training company
Alexis Cafe & Bakery in Lewa, near BRI Bank. It's hard to believe that there is such a culinary offering, in the otherwise rugged and poor surroundings.
D'Sumba Ate in Waikabubak, Jalan Ahmad Yani, on the road towards Wanukaka. Well-kept atmosphere with super tasty food. There is even pizza from the stone oven.
Ne'neru Loko in Waikabubak, on the road to Mamboro, about 1 km north of the football field, narrow entrance next to the transformer station. Great rural atmosphere, diverse food offerings. Quiet, dignified oasis in the rice fields.
Makan Dulu in Tambolaka, in Kalena Wano, 1 km south of the airport junction. Great architecture. Training company supported by Misereor Germany. That's why you should eat there.
Gula Garam in Tambolaka, on the road to the airport, was the first restaurant with a pizza oven in Sumba.

Typical Indonesian Warungs and night markets are rare in Sumba and have a limited menu. But after sunset in Waingapu you will certainly find something tasty at fish stalls at the old harbour and at the stands around the city park at the south-eastern end of Jalan Ahmad Yani. In Waikabubak Warungs can also be found in Jalan Ahmad Yani. In Waitabula you find Warungs along the main street.

The day in towns in Sumba ends very early, latest when electric power goes off again. Therefore you should start right after sunset and take your flashlight.

If you participate in traditional festivals, it is a must or courtesy to eat with the people. The food consists of rice and parts of sacrificed animals. You may have good luck or bad luck. As a special guest you sometimes get a piece of raw liver as a special honour.

Rice or a mixture of rice and corn is the main ingredient of each dish. In addition there is fish or meat from chicken, buffalo or beef; and especially for Christian’s dog or pig. Everything is prepared fresh, because refrigerators are rare - or as Dendeng, a smoked or dried and fermented meat from beef or buffalo. The local people eat only a few vegetables, mainly in the countryside. During dry season the supply of vegetables is also quite sparse. An alternative for eating in the dry season is Cassava (manioc) = Ubi Kayu, or a type you find in woods = Ubi Kayu Hutan. This is also offered with Gula Savu = Lontar palm syrup. Or seaweed that tastes like strong salted spinach. It tastes less severe, when it is mixed with grated coconut.

As sweets specialties there is Mangulo: a paste of bananas and peanuts and Kaparak: a paste of maize and peanuts.

Drinking water in PET bottles is available in major cities. Things offered in blue or green coloured PET bottles: is fuel or diesel; clear or pink: is a vegetable oil; white or yellowish: is an alcohol distilled from Lontar palm juice, called Peci. You get Peci in different distillation degrees from 20 up to more than 40%. Beer (from Bali) is only available in large bottles - bottle deposit is unknown. In areas where Lontar palm trees grow, you often get fresh Lontar palm juice. It tastes refreshing and more like fruit than coconut milk. After a few hours it ferments and tastes like a creamy wine and is very effective…

Shopping

In the streets of Sumba towns you feel like in a giant open-air construction market, combined with a stock of spare parts for motorcycles. There are only very few shops which attract tourists.

In front of hotels and on the market you can buy Ikat or Tenunan (woven) cloth. Ikat and woven cloth you can get cheaper and especially more original directly in the villages. In the remote villages you need to ask, if you can buy such things. Guides have also recommendations - but usually get a substantial commission.

In Waingapu you should definitely visit the factory of Rambu Chiko (formerly Ama Tukang). It is about 1 km north of the road to the airport. You have to turn off at the Sekola Tinggi Ekonomi Kristen into the Jalan Haram Wuruk and keep left before the hill. She has a huge collection of Ikat and he shows visitors the manufacturing process. More about Ikat is written in chapter history and culture. You should definitely be shown the difference between natural dyes and chemically produced colours.

However, her goods are not cheap, please make price comparisons. There are other shopping options in the city, for example in Prailiu.

A number of show factories have emerged on the Mauliru Plain. Day guests and cruise tourists are brought here. In my opinion it's a rip off.

Other craft items from Sumba are woven boxes, containers, and baskets made of reed for Sirih Pinang.

Although there is no gold extracted in Sumba, there is typical gold jewellery. Earrings and necklaces are given within the family over generations or end up as grave goods. For tourists you get replicas of gold or silver. (Gold)smiths are found in villages especially in East Sumba.

In the Traditional Village

As a visitor to a village, you are usually a rarity. Villagers therefore expect behaviour from you similar to local visitors. This also means that you have to provide Sirih Pinang (betel) to your host. You get in any market - you should always have enough of it. As a substitute drug, you can use cigarettes or a 50000 rupees bill.

A visit follows the following pattern: On the porch of the house, they will first spread a mat (Tikar) on which you have to sit down. Your feet can dangle or you can sit cross-legged. You had better take off your shoes. Then you provide your host with Sirih Pinang which you brought with you. The host examines the gift very long and critically. Finally, he will give you a braided box or wooden box with Sirih Pinang. You take at least something from it, stick it in your mouth and say thank you for the kindness. You push the box back or to anybody in the round. Often also tea or coffee is offered. There will be many questions: What are you doing here, why do you visit us, how many children do you have,  ...  .

For a longer visit you will be offered food. For Sumbanese, it is important to provide you with fresh food to make you feel good. In any case, they don't allow you to leave, without heaving eaten. You must not refuse food.

In more often visited villages they have a Buku Tamu (guestbook). There you write your name, address,  ..., and finally put a bill into it. Usually there is a donation column in the Buku Tamu. From the previous entries, you can see what previous guests donated. If you want to stay in the village, you have to discuss this with the Kepala Desa (head of village) or Kepala Dusun (the head of the settlement). The donation should then be adequate.

In a village, where the Marapu faith is still very strong, you have to be careful not to violate prohibitions. This includes, for example:
- Do not go too close to the Rumah Adat and certainly not into it
- Do not leave beaten paths in the center of the village
- Avoid fenced trees, small wooden statues on the ground and sacrifice points
- Ask before you take photos
- Avoid visits in October/November, the Wulla Poddu month

It is advisable to visit a Marapu village with a guide. You should not walk alone through a village; locals will always be happy to accompany you. You can easily get into a dangerous situation, without understanding what you did wrong.

It is simpler in all villages that are closer to civilization; perhaps have a Christian faith, and where children or relatives already live in town. There rules are not as strict. That does not mean that there are no traditions. You cannot conclude from the external appearance, such as corrugated iron or a motorcycle, about tradition in the village.

If you want to stay in a village or privately, actually you should have to register at the police. Most people in Sumba know how that works. You must stop at the local police station. Depending on the view of officials you have to sign in a book or just have a cup of tea.

Tourism and its Consequences

The lack of land for sale In Bali, and the price level are immense. Because of that and because of the proximity of Sumba to Bali swarms of investors look around for land in Sumba. They do this not only on foot, and with 4wd's, but also from the air with drones like vultures … and present their prey on the internet. Almost all beautiful beaches are already owned by Balinese or foreigners from China, Russia, France,  …  . There is already a brisk trade. People buy and sell plots, driving prices up. Hotel factories as in Bali will not be built at once. For this the infrastructure is still too bad. In Google Earth, however, you can already see the name of the planned hotel on many a beach.

The proof of ownership is generally not verifiable. There is no land register, but only purchase and sales certificates as well as written statements that someone is owner. Before Indonesian courts you have absolutely no chance against a possible fraud. So, it often happens that the same plot is sold several times. As a precaution some smart buyers purchase the same plot from several sellers.

Foreigners who wish to engage in some kind of commercial activity in Indonesia need a temporary legal form of society or enter into a bond for life, in the form of an Indonesian second wife (this is unfortunately a reality).

Foreigners have advantages in comparison to locals, because when buying land, money flows. The administration will get something from it and approve everything. If locals want to develop something on their own land, the administration tries to put wherever possible bureaucratic obstacles in the way, in order to soak money somehow.

If you look at recently built roads in Sumba, you will notice that new roads are built nearly only in areas where no one lives and no settlement projects are planned. Instead of building a road connection to a remote village, a road is built for example through the jungle to the waterfall Air Lai Popu. Or a new road leads to a mountain – only to provide a beautiful view for whomever. Or a road through an unpopulated dry savannah around the western tip of Sumba. Or …  .

This list of the consequences of tourism could be continued endlessly. The needs of the original inhabitants of the island don't seem to be considered. Here fits a saying I heard in Sumba:

Orang Jawa jual bakso untuk beli tanah
Orang Sumba jual tanah untuk beli bakso
=
Javanese sell meatballs to buy land
Sumbanese sell land to buy meatballs

A Project Idea

In many villages I have heard about the idea of building a guesthouse for visitors from foreign countries. It would be great if such a facility opened a source of income for the village. With these necessary acquisitions could be made, medical care could improve, something for the future of children could be done, and people in the village would get a job.

Such an idea will only work if the villagers want foreigners in their midst and are really willing to make the guest feel welcome. And the other way around, tourists want a situation where they are accepted in their very different lifestyle. Where they enjoy staying and can live out their South Sea dream, exoticism and adventure.

To realize such a project, both sides have to set up a catalogue of what is wanted. During my travels I have often discussed this topic. The success of such a project is not whether the construction costs for a house in the village get paid back. Important are the consequences that arise from the encounter of different cultures.

Another problem is the speed with which things change in Sumba. For example there are changes in the family structure. Someone moves away because he finds a job. Also social distress, illness or deaths are closer than with us. Also the environmental situation can change. Some years ago I described a beach is beautiful. There was clear water and you could snorkel and explore the underwater world. Today, seaweed is cultivated there and you have absolutely no possibility to go into the water at all.