The island of Sumba in the province of Nusa Tenggara is a fascinating and captivating destination. The island is well known for the large stone graves that are elaborately decorated as well as the traditional homes that have high roofs. Historically, locals referred to the island as Sandalwood Island. During that historical period, sandalwood was used as a treatment for a variety of illnesses that were prevalent on the island. Because Sumba was cut off from the rest of the nation for so many generations, the island was able to keep its distinctive animist culture intact. Because the island is not very developed, the only people who should go to Sumba are those who are interested in seeing a genuine, ancient culture that is unaffected by the Hinduism and Islam that are prevalent in other parts of the nation.
Houses in Sumba are typically built in the traditional style, and the island is famous for its Ikat weavings. Other than that, it also has several impressive tombs made of stone. About seven kilometres away from Melolo lies the town of Rende, which is home to some of the most impressive tombs in all of East Sumba. Pau may be a little town, but it really functions as its own autonomous kingdom and is ruled by its own rajah. There are a few of graves and several traditional thatched-roof homes in Umabara. The western part of the island of Sumba is home to the quaint little village of Waikabubak. The village is surrounded on all sides by verdant meadows and rolling hills. It features several typical buildings and antique cemeteries.
Sumba is a place with distinct culture. The people that live on the island may be classified into one of these three groups: slaves, officials, or the monarch. They are known as the Maramba, Kabihu, and Ata in the surrounding area. Farming, livestock breeding, rice-field farming and commerce are the major income source of Sumbanese. The majority of the population adheres to the Christian faith, although some continue to practise their traditional indigenous religion of Marapu. The people of Sumba also honour the spirits of their ancestors in their religious practises.
Main Tourist Attractions in Sumba Island, Indonesia
Rende
This village is roughly 7 kilometres away from Melolo and is known for having some of the most beautiful tombs in all of East Sumba. The mausoleum of the raja is a massive building made of stone slabs. In the graves, strange sculptures may be seen on top of the large slabs. In addition, the town includes numerous traditional buildings and excellent ikat. The doors are embellished with large buffalo horns, and the roofs are constructed out of tin.
Pau and Umabara
Pau and Umbara may be found to the east of Waingapu, directly in front of Melolo, the bigger of the two towns. Pau may be a little town, but it really functions as its own autonomous kingdom and is ruled by its own rajah. The Rajah is an extremely erudite individual who is well-versed in both the customs of Sumba and the island in general. There are a few of graves and several traditional thatched-roof homes in Umabara.
Waikabubak
The western region of Sumba has this quaint little village. The village is surrounded on all sides by verdant meadows and rolling hills. It is home to a large number of traditional homes as well as old burial grounds. These tombs have intricate sculptures in the shape of animals, human heads, nude men and women, and other human figures. These patterns were formerly employed to convey information about a person’s social standing. In the Tarung kampung, there are a handful of burials that stand out in particular. This location is also recognised throughout the island as an important spiritual centre because of its location.
