Sumba

Sumba is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands and its geography spans 11,000 square kilometres, making it twice the size of Bali, with only 650,000 inhabitants (approximately one sixth of Bali) where the majority of the population still follow the ways of their ancestors.

The terrain on Sumba is quite different to its neighbouring islands; undulating hills replace the typical volcanic terrain in Indonesia with many areas in the North and East of the island resembling dry savannahs, whilst central highlands are covered in native Alang Alang grass and the mountains in the South extend down into lush tropical vegetation.

Due to the isolated location of the island, the language, religion and traditional lifestyle of the Sumbanese culture has been preserved.

Traditional dress is still observed in day to day life; men wear a short sarong (Hinggi) around their hips with belt and sword and a band or turban of woven Ikat with motifs and women wear long sarongs and headbands with different motifs.

Traditional villages and settlements are commonplace with traditional houses constructed over three storeys in a wooden structure, high pointed roofs made from native Alang Alang grass and sides of plaited bamboo. The construction of a house is accompanied by rituals and is believed to be a social and ceremonial unit.

Throughout the year the island is the site of many fascinating rituals; the most spectacular of them all are the Pasola ceremonies that take place during the months of February and March at select locations along the west coast.