The 'tranquil' island you should visit instead of Bali, according to expert
Bali travel isn't slowing down anytime soon, but if you've been wanting to visit Indonesia and don't care for the crowds there's another island to add to your list.
Sumba, also known as "surga kecil di bumi" or little paradise on earth, is an Eastern Indonesian island which is located in the province of East Nusa Tenggara.
Much larger than the island of Bali, Sumba is popular for surfing, stunning landscapes and offering a more untouched insight at local traditions.
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Sumba Island is a 'tranquil' escape, according to experts. Getty
"The island offers tranquillity white sandy beaches, and fewer visitors than the popular alternatives," Janin Leach, senior product executive for Southeast Asia at Audley Travel, told the Daily Mail.
"This is the ideal place to head for traditional tribal culture mixed with a relaxing beach stay and excellent diving."
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How do you get to Sumba island
There are a few ways you can get to Sumba island from Bali, the easiest of which is a flight that takes just under two hours from Bali Denpasar to Tambolaka (TMC).
There are three daily flights from Bali to Tambolaka, with departures generally between 9am and 2pm with flights operated by airlines including Garuda, Sriwijaya/Nam Air and BatikAir Indonesia.
Simba has a second airport in Waingapu (East Sumba). Wings Air fly daily to and from Denpasar, Bali (65 minutes) Nam Air (a subsidiary of Sriwijaya Air) fly the same routes as Wings from Waingapu three times per week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Mandorak Beach is nestled along the southern coast of Sumba. Getty
How long is the ferry from Bali to Sumba?
Although it takes longer, there is also an option to travel by boat, which can be an experience in itself, especially for those who want to enjoy sea travel.
You can take the PELNI ship KM. Tilongkabila from Tanjung Benoa Port in Denpasar to Bima Port in West Nusa Tenggara, then take another boat to Waingapu Harbor. The trip takes around 30 hours.
You can also take a ferry from Padang Bai Port to Lembar Port in Lombok, then continue the journey to Sumba by ship from Tanjung Luar Port in East Lombok.
Ferry schedules and prices can change at any time, so please check their official website for the latest information.
Private yacht charters and multi-night tours are also available to book.
Weekuri Lagoon is one of the top places to visit in Sumba. Getty
Can you swim in Weekuri Lagoon?
Almost as far west as you can get on Sumba, about 45km from Tambolaka, is one of the island's most magical spots Weekuri Lagoon.
Dubbed the "Top choice" in Sumba by Lonely Planet, locals and tourists can rent black rubber rings for 10,000Rp and float in the cool, crystal water. An ideal spot for swimming and relaxing.
Or you can marvel at the Indian Ocean as it rages against rocks thanks to a wooden walkway between the lagoon and the ocean.
"Weekuri Lagoon is right beside the ocean, it is saltwater and truly one of the most stunning things I've ever seen," Karlie from Bali Baddies wrote.
"The water is the most magnificent array of blues and turquoise and is crystal clear. In the pictures, it looks fake and even in real life, it looked like an Instagram filter."
Weekuri Lagoon is the "Top choice" in Sumba says Lonely Planet. Getty Images/iStockphoto
How to visit Ratenggaro village?
Ratenggaro is a traditional village in Southwest Sumba, Indonesia, known for its towering thatched-roof houses, which offer a fascinating view of the island's heritage.
The village also features ancient megalithic tombs and is a living example of the megalithic era, with houses built according to the traditional Sumbanese belief system, Marapu.
The high roofs are said to symbolise a connection to the spiritual world, and the village is a place where traditional beliefs and ancestral stories are preserved.
Towering thatched-roof houses offer an insight into the islands traditional beliefs. Getty
Surfing in Sumba
The best time to surf in Sumba is during the dry season, from April to October, due to consistent swells from the Indian Ocean.
The shoulder months of April and October are often ideal for a balance of great swell and cleaner conditions before the trade winds fully set in.
Beginner surfers should seek out specific beginner-friendly spots, ideally with a guide. Mostly though Sumba is considered a place for more experienced riders.
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