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Located in the heart of Sumba, The Sanubari resort offers you a getaway where time-honored customs and stunning scenery collide. Beyond the pristine beaches and sophisticated quiet luxury of our Sumba adventurous resort lies a rich cultural tapestry, spun with stories and traditions. Our cultural experiences, such as the Village Tour, are the perfect island offering you can explore to immerse yourself in the nature of Sumba.

Participating in The Sanubari's Village Tour allows you to discover the spirit of Sumba by means of its local, tradition, and diverse cultural legacy. Here we walk you through all you will encounter on this fascinating tour.

• Live Ancient Traditions: Witness daily life in the Sumbanese villages shaped by Marapu beliefs, traditional farming, and ancestral practices.
• Architectural Time Travel: Explore iconic Uma Mbatangu homes and sacred megalithic tombs that connect our modern day to Sumba’s heritage.
• Weave Culture Into Memory: Discover the symbolic art of Ikat weaving, from natural dyes to motifs that tell generations-old stories.
• Travel with Purpose: Support local communities while indulging in authentic, immersive experiences that make your journey meaningful.

Embracing the Rhythms of Traditional Sumbanese Life

Deeply ingrained in community values and a profound reliance on the land, Sumba's way of life runs at its own slow, measured pace.

Through agricultural methods closely linked to the seasons, Sumbanese people raise buffalo and pigs in addition to crops like corn, cassava, and rice. This subsistence-based way of life captures their peace with the surroundings and community. Guests staying at our resort in Sumba—especially those that are interested in cultural immersion—are invited into their world via this tour.

Architectural Marvels: Thatched Roofs and Megalithic Tombs

Wandering around Sumbanese settlements, you will soon find towering, pointed thatched alang-alang roofs that rise upwards, the local’s traditional homes called Uma Mbatangu. These buildings represent social hierarchy and spiritual ideas, reflecting the immense cultural value of the Sumbanese people.

Close by are megalithic tombs, majestic stone constructions designed for the last resting place of ancestors. These sites highlight the value of ancestry and the respect Sumbanese people have for their history.

The Art of Ikat

Well-known for their intricate designs and symbolic significance are Sumba's Ikat fabrics. You will be able to see artisanal local weavers and their work directly on our Ikat tour. Sumbanese weavers produce not just clothing but also traditional items using hand-spun threads and natural colours from plants.

Each craft captures local history, family legends, and societal symbols, reflecting the local beliefs of the Sumbanese people.

Marapu: Sumbanese Culture's Religious Foundation 

The Marapu religious system defines Sumbanese life as a type of ancestral worship that permeates elements of their daily life.

Get the chance to learn more of the rites, ceremonies, and practices ingrained in the Marapu system during our Village Tour. Understanding Marapu reveals the Sumbanese people's strong connection to their history.

The Pasola Festival: A Spectacle of Tradition and Valor

The Pasola Festival, held between February and March, is the Sumbanese’ annual celebration carried through a spectacular exhibition of bravery through mock wargames. Horseback riders participate in ceremonial battles and to display their ability and energy by flinging wooden spears towards their opponents.

Rooted in Marapu's customs, this festival honours communal strength and calls for a bountiful crop.

Clan and Community: The Tapestry of Sumbanese Society

Strong family and clan ties define the social life in Sumbanese communities. Clans help in everything, including ceremonial planning, farming, and housebuilding. 

Supporting Local Communities: A Purposeful Journey

At The Sanubari, one of the best resorts in Sumba, Indonesia, we believe in giving back to the locals. A portion of proceeds from our tours and cultural experiences supports education, healthcare, and infrastructure development in the local communities.

Your participation not only enriches your understanding and knowledge of Sumbanese culture, but also directly contributes to preserving and sustaining Sumba's heritage.

The Sanubari: Your Gateway to Cultural Immersion

Known as Sumba’s best hotel, The Sanubari is Sumba’s resort filled with adventure and explorations, designed to balance tranquil relaxation with immersive cultural experiences.

Start Your Cultural Adventure Today

Through sustainable actions, cultural interactions, and immersive experiences, you will depart from The Sanubari with a better awareness of a world that respects history, community, and environment.

Are you ready to explore Sumba paradise’s beach resort? Book your stay at The Sanubari and explore our cultural immersions now.

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