Discover the best cultural tourism destinations in West Sumba, from traditional villages rich in tradition to unique festivals that reflect the richness of Sumba culture.
West Sumba, part of Sumba Island located in East Nusa Tenggara, has a captivating cultural charm with traditions that are still preserved to this day.
Cultural tourist attractions in West Sumba not only offer natural beauty, but also preserve historical heritage and traditions that have existed for centuries.
From unique traditional villages to evocative festivals, West Sumba offers an unforgettable holiday experience. Here are 10 cultural tourist attractions in West Sumba that you must visit to experience the rich culture and history of Sumba Island.
1. Ratenggaro Traditional Village: Traditional Houses and Megalithic Stone Graves
Ratenggaro Traditional Village is one of the most famous traditional villages on Sumba Island. Located in Umbu Ngedo Village, Southwest Sumba Regency, this village has traditional houses with roofs of varying heights, which indicate the social status of the homeowner. The higher the roof of the house, the higher the social standing of the owner in society.
In addition, this village also preserves relics from the Megalithic era, with stone graves neatly arranged around the village. Its uniqueness makes Ratenggaro an interesting cultural tourism destination.
Besides walking around the village, you can enjoy the beauty of Ratenggaro Beach which is located just a few minutes from this village, a perfect place to enjoy the natural atmosphere after exploring the traditional village.
2. Tarung Village: Buffalo Horns as a Marker of Status
Tarung Village, located in Wailiang District, Waikabubak City, offers a unique experience of the life of the Sumbanese people. Traditional houses here have buffalo horns and pig jaws hanging in front of the house as a symbol of social status.
The more horns hung, the higher the status of the homeowner. This village is also a historical site, with various megalithic relics such as stone graves, statues, and menhirs that are still preserved.
The people in Tarung Village are very friendly and will be happy to invite you to learn more about their traditions and life.
3. Praijing Traditional Village: Viewing Terrace with Extraordinary Views
Praijing Traditional Village is located in Wailiang Village, Waikabubak, and is an interesting traditional village to visit. The village has a viewing terrace that provides beautiful views of the entire village and the stunning hill backdrop.
Located about 4 km from Kampung Tarung, Praijing is the perfect place to continue your cultural tour. Apart from enjoying the scenery, you can also witness the life of the Sumbanese people who still highly uphold their customs and culture.
4. Praigoli Traditional Village: Praigoli Tribe Maintaining Traditions
Praigoli Traditional Village, located in Wanokaka District, is a traditional village inhabited by the Praigoli tribe.
This tribe is famous because they maintain their customs and traditions very well, and are not even affected by modernization.
Their lives are highly dependent on nature, and their livelihood is mostly farming. This village is relatively far from the city center, but that makes the experience of visiting this village more authentic and peaceful. Here, you can enjoy a calm and deep traditional atmosphere.
5. Bodo Ede Traditional Village: Traditional Wooden and Bamboo Houses
Bodo Ede Traditional Village is located in Lolo District, near Waikabubak City. This village is known for its traditional houses made of wood and bamboo which are still maintained by the local community.
The Wee Bole tribe who live in this village also have unique traditions, including weaving and farming.
One of the interesting things here is the stone in the shape of a horned human which is the symbol of this village. Bodo Ede is the perfect place for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in authentic traditional Sumbanese life.
6. Manupeu Tanah Daru National Park: Natural Beauty and Endemic Flora and Fauna
Manupeu Tanah Daru National Park is one of the largest nature conservation areas in West Sumba. This park has an area of around 88 thousand hectares which includes protected forests, nature reserves, and limited production forests.
This area is home to flora and fauna endemic to Sumba Island, such as the Sumba pigeon and the Sumba honey. In this park, visitors can enjoy the vast savanna views, beautiful caves such as Kanawabulung Cave, and stunning waterfalls such as Lapopu Waterfall and Matayangu Waterfall. This park offers a natural tourism experience that is very rich in biodiversity.
7. Wulla Poddu Festival: An Enchanting Celebration of the Bitter Moon
The Wulla Poddu Festival, or known as Bitter Moon, is a cultural festival held in almost all traditional villages of West Sumba between October and November.
The festival begins with a series of ancestral stories, followed by a wild boar hunting procession, which is considered a symbol of a successful harvest.
In addition, this festival is also marked by a circumcision ceremony for teenage boys. The Wulla Poddu Festival is an opportunity to experience first-hand the traditions and spirituality of the Sumbanese people, who are deeply rooted in the Marapu faith.
8. Pasola Festival: A Thrilling Horse Riding Event
The Pasola Festival is an annual event that is famous throughout the world. Held every year in February or March, this festival involves fighting between villages on horseback and attacking opponents using blunt wooden javelins.
Pasola is not just a test of strength, but also a religious ritual that aims to ensure a successful harvest. This festival is very unique and shows the strength of the Marapu tradition, the native religion of the Sumba people.
9. Rende Traditional Village: Uniqueness of Traditional Houses and Agricultural Traditions
Rende Traditional Village is a traditional village located in Kodi District, West Sumba. This village is famous for its unique traditional houses and agricultural traditions which are still closely guarded.
The Rende people live simply and rely on their agricultural produce to survive. This village is a real example of how customs and traditions can survive even in the midst of modernization.
10. Tosi Traditional Village: Natural Beauty and Traditional Life
Tosi Traditional Village is located in Lewa District, West Sumba. This village is known for its natural atmosphere which is still very natural and traditional.
The traditional houses here are made of bamboo and thatch, while the people still maintain a lifestyle that is very dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry.
Apart from its natural beauty, this village also offers calming views, making it a perfect place to experience peace and tranquility.
West Sumba offers a very rich cultural tourism experience, from traditional villages that still maintain their traditions to stunning cultural festivals.
Each traditional village in Sumba has its own uniqueness and stories that make it worth visiting. For those of you who want to experience peace and learn more about traditional life and Sumbanese customs, West Sumba is a destination well worth exploring.
Additionally, the rich culture of the Asmat Tribe offers another fascinating insight into Indonesia’s diverse heritage.