Sumba

Visas

Citizens of another 87 countries are eligible to obtain one of the following visas:

• Electronic Visa On Arrival (e-VOA/B213)
• Electronic Visitor Visa
• Social, Tourist, or Cultural Visa (B211)
• Free Visa Stamp
• Multiple Entry Visa

Some passport holders are eligible to apply for an online e-VOA or Visitor Visa, otherwise, you must obtain a visa in advance at an Indonesian embassy or consulate. If you get the e-VOA before you arrive, you have the option to extend by simply filling out a new Indonesia eVisa application form online, but must first leave the country in order to request a new visa.

Visas issued at the airport on arrival can only be extended through an immigration office, which should be done 14-7 days before expiry.

Visitor Visa is a single-entry visa valid for a 30-day stay in Indonesia with the purpose of Tourism, Government visits, Business Meetings, Goods Purchasing, or Transit only and is not extendable.

The B211 is a 60-day visa for visiting family, friends or an employment trial and can be extended 3 times by 30-days. More hoops to jump through including being sponsored by an eligible Guarantor. Cost IDR 2,000,000.

9 neighbouring countries get a Free Visa Stamp for stays of up to 30 days maximum with no extensions permitted (Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam).

Multi Entry, investment, sport and journalist 60-day visas are available through the main portal.

The 30-day e-VOA & Visitor Visa fee is IDR 500.000. You may be asked for proof of your return flight details and proof of financial resources.

DO NOT overstay as the fines aren’t cheap (IDR 1,000,000/day) and they can stop you from re-entering for a period of time. As always, check for any updates before you book your trip, as visa policy has changed a few times in recent years.

Getting There

From Bali, almost daily flights to Waingapu (WGP) served by Trigana Air, Pelita Air, or Merpati Airlines, cost around $97 o/w. Nusantara Airlines (Twin Otters) 3 times a week from Denpasar or Kupang to Tambolaka (TMC), situated between Waikabukak and Waikelo seaport. Ferries link Waingapu with Flores, Savu and Timor.

Getting Around

This dry, mountainous island stretches 210km (130mi) along a NW-SE axis, 40-70km (25-44mi) wide. Waikabubak and Waingapu are 137km (85mi) apart, about 3-5h by bus. Daily trucks trundle 5hrs between Waingapu-Tarimbang\$3. To rent a car with driver will cost $60/day min and go slow through winding roads. 1h drive = $10, 1h boat = $18. Motorbike hire from $8/d. Lots of daily commuting between homestays and spots.

Accommodation

Choose between cheap & basic homestays near the surf or hotels as far as 45mins away. East Sumba camps $60/d; Marthens (Tarimbang) $20/d inc. food; Ahong (Wainukaka) or Aloha Hotel are $10/d. Nihiwatu 5 days min. $236 (dbl)/$406 (sgl) per person per night; $260/$454 July-Aug. Le Nautile (Marosi) $90/d. Story (Pero) $10/d. Cheap food at about $5 a meal.

Activities

Sumba is well known for its sandalwood, horses, impressive megalithic tombs and typical hand woven textile ("ikat"). The most spectacular ceremony is the Pasola, the ritual fight with spears featuring hundreds of horsemen. It is a wild martial event, and although the government now insists on blunted spears, serious injuries are common and occasional deaths.

Hazards & hassles

Some recent sightings of large saltwater crocodiles cruising near beaches and rivermouths has spooked some captains into checking surf spots with a drone before paddling out. Reef cuts and long hold-downs are common. Anticipation will be the key as spots work on specific conditions and hopping from one spot to another is slow and tedious by road. Take malaria pills. Be patient.

Handy Hints

Most charters (Sama Sama, Lambo, Sri Noa Noa) will sail out of Kupang, West Timor and take in Rote and Savu, before making the long crossing to Sumba. It's also possible to hook up with a charter in Labuhan Bajo (where all the dive boats start their tours) by flying to Komodo airport in Flores and make an overnight crossing to northern Sumba. Take a gun during dry season and as much supplies as you can carry. If you go feral, you need to speak Bahasa Indonesian and that doesn't guarantee you will be able to converse with some of the older locals.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.