Ikat, island savannah and turquoise waters Far from the crowds, the secrets of Sumba

When Bali's buzz becomes too much, Sumba beckons with open arms. To the east, this Sunda Island radiates tranquillity and a unique, vibrant energy. Miraculously preserved from tourism, it quietly unfolds its immaculate beaches bathed by idyllic waters, its unspoiled landscapes of tropical forest and hills and its villages with conical thatched roofs and façades adorned with buffalo skulls.. The sandalwood that has perfumed the island and warmed hearts for centuries has given its name to a small horse that gallops in herds across the island, at a safe distance from the crocodiles: the Sandalwood. You need to go Bali Bali to reach Sumba. An opportunity to see - or rediscover - the Island of the Gods at its best, its most authentic. For this, you will spend two days in the lush and peaceful region of Sidemen. Around the village, rice fields and flower meadows create a wonderful setting for walks. Head to the local market, step into artisans’ workshops, or enter a massage parlour. Indonesia offers a calm, elegant first impression. From there, head to Sumba, west of the island of Timor. You approach the island from the east, a wild region where tourism takes the form of simple accommodation nestled in the heart of breathtaking landscapes. It soon becomes clear that the Sumbanese have a distinctive identity, which they seem to weave into their ikats - very beautiful, world famous traditional textiles. Eastern Sumba’s pieces are especially refined, and the master weavers you meet there describe their craft better than anyone else. From waterfalls to valleys, from rice fields to remote villages, time seems to move at a different pace, and doors open with natural ease. One example is the picturesque Pasola festival, where riders from different villages face each other in a warrior ritual - now peaceful - armed with javelins and their traditional colourful ikats. They ride the famous Sandalwood horses decorated with flowers for the occasion. From there you briefly pass through the north of the island and the region Kambera. New walks lead to new waterfalls. Natural pools refresh hikers who are surprised - and delighted - to find savannah landscapes and kayaks for river trips right in the heart of the island. You will then head to the other side of the island. On the west coast, you see a completely different Sumba: a rugged shoreline with steep cliffs battered by the waves. There are also white sandy beaches, where a lucky handful of surfers ride the waves. Once again, your steps lead you to marvellous waterfalls as well as to the multicoloured tropical fish living in the coral reef. This is the kind of place where you could happily put down roots Combining practicality with pleasure, one last night in Bali allows you to experience a lets you experience a slice of local daily life in Jimbaran. Shop in the fish market, before savouring your deliciously cooked precious catch in a warung

Your trip

We wanted to make this journey seamless, despite the unavoidable flights taking you from Bali to Sumba. We have also made it easier for you to get around on both islands thanks to our private drivers. They take care of the logistics and the small country roads so you are free to contemplate and unwind. Everywhere, we have selected accommodation in harmony with their surroundings and the atmosphere of each place. However, it's worth remembering that much of Sumba remains undeveloped for tourism, so options are still limited and comforts can sometimes be quite basic. In Sidemen, your first stop in Bali, we have chosen typically Balinese-style accommodation that has the feel of a small village. In Sumba, you will stay in turn in a charming bamboo cottage facing a sublime beach where green turtles come to lay their eggs; in a hilltop refuge offering breathtaking views over the lush hills of the Waingapu region; and finally in a superb retreat set by the ocean, which also welcomes artists and chefs in residence. For your last night in Bali, you will stay in a small thatched-roof retreat, where you will dine right on the beach. Explore the area with locals who know their island inside out. With their guidance, you'll connect with the very soul of the two islands through walks and bike rides,meeting locals and artisans along the way. As a bonus, we've also added a delightful massage to your itinerarybefore your flight to Sumba. Then, at the end of your trip, you’ll enjoy a snorkelling excursion on the island’s west coast, where, where — surprisingly — surfing isn’t the only star attraction And for anything we couldn't plan ahead - minor setbacks or sudden whims - you can rely throughout your trip on the assistance of our o-site Concierge service.