Interestingly, the island is twice the size of Bali, yet its population is less than one-tenth.
A one-hour drive from Sumba’s Tambolaka Airport brings you to this stunning waterfall, nestled among lush rice fields.
The clarity of the water is truly breathtaking.
This vibrant blue is completely natural—no filters needed. Even on a cloudy day, the water glowed with an indescribable, brilliant hue.
Surrounded by grazing cows and horses, the landscape feels vast and peaceful.
While locals often bathe here, I didn't jump in since it was quiet that day—but I’m definitely swimming here on my next visit.
The terrain is quite rough, so be sure to wear sneakers or sturdy, non-slip shoes.
Sumba remains largely untouched by tourism. I spent 20 minutes navigating bumpy backroads, constantly wondering if I was even on the right track!
To reach the falls, you'll need to walk along the narrow paths through the rice paddies.
While Google Maps listed an entry fee of 10,000 IDR (approx. $0.65), I couldn't find an official ticket booth upon arrival.
However, a local kindly guided us, so I gave 50,000 IDR (approx. $3.25) as a tip of appreciation.
There’s no fixed amount, but for a group of four, roughly 10,000 IDR plus a small extra per person is a good standard.
Sumba is known for its abundant water sources, with hidden gems like this scattered across the island. I look forward to exploring even more waterfalls on my next trip.
2: The "Dancing Trees" — Visible only at low tide
A mysterious spot where words like "mystical" or "the edge of the world" feel perfectly fitting.
It is a 4-hour drive from Tambolaka Airport or just 20 minutes from Mau Hau Airport.
Sumba has airports in both the east and west.
The location is Walakiri Beach.
The scenery here is simply stunning—"breathtaking" is the only word for it.
The mangrove trees growing in the ocean reveal their unique shapes only when the tide recedes.
When this coincides with sunset, they create a truly otherworldly silhouette.
At low tide, the water was about shin-deep.
As the sun begins to set and the tide goes out, you can walk further into the sea to witness this spectacular view.
Check a tide chart like this online before you go.
Search for "Indonesia Tide Chart" to find the latest data.
On this day, low tide was at 5:24 PM with a very low water level—perfectly aligned with the sunset.
Days like this offer the absolute best experience.
To be honest, the four-hour drive from the previous waterfall left me completely exhausted.
But all that fatigue vanished the moment I saw this view.
It’s a rare sight to behold. If you’re looking for an adventure, you should definitely go.
＼How to explore Sumba efficiently?／
Sumba has two airports, one in the east and one in the west, with many attractions scattered in between.A private tour including sightseeing, transport, and accommodation is the best way to see all the stunning spots efficiently.
[Bonus] Travel Tips for Sumba Island
As rumored, luxury items like cigarettes and beer are more expensive in Sumba than in Bali. You rarely find them at small roadside stalls.
While hotels stock them, they can be pricey, so I stocked up on beer at the Bali airport before flying out. This was definitely the right choice!
I highly recommend bringing your own alcohol.
Sumba is famous for its "Ikat" (hand-woven textiles). Even as a Bali resident, I found many rare designs and beautiful motifs that you don't typically see in Bali.
Since they are entirely handmade, a large piece—perfect for a sofa cover—costs around 10,000 JPY. This is actually a bargain; a professional buyer traveling with me mentioned they could easily sell for ten times that price elsewhere.
If you find a pattern you love, don't hesitate to buy it!
＼Check flights from Bali to Sumba!／
Check out these popular Sumba resorts
・World-renowned: Discover the ultimate eco-resort, Nihi Sumba.
・Stunning sunsets: Experience the stylish designer hotel, Cap Karoso.
YUKI
