Sumba is one of Indonesia's most culturally rich islands. From centuries-old rituals and crafts to stunning waterfalls and pristine beaches, this secluded paradise offers a unique experience to mindful travelers. The Sanubari, a barefoot luxury resort focused on intentional travel and cultural preservation, works closely with local communities to provide authentic experiences that support local livelihoods.

This article highlights five cultural experiences options at The Sanubari perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers. Each experience immerses guests in Sumbanese traditions while contributing to the local community. Whether you're exploring Marosi and Dassang beaches or diving into local culture, The Sanubari is the perfect Sumba Adventure Resort for an unforgettable trip.

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Key Takeaways : Why These Cultural Experiences Define Immersion at The Sanubari

• A Sumba island getaway isn’t about fixing yourself, but creating space to slow down, feel, and reconnect.
• A typical day balances guided activities, cultural experiences, rest, and free time—without pressure or overwhelm.
• Many guests leave feeling calmer, lighter, more grounded, and deeply reconnected to themselves.

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What Cultural Activities Can You do While Staying at The Sanubari in Sumba?

1. Ikat and Dye Class: An Ode to the Ikat Heritage of Sumba

Our Ikat & Dye Class allows guests to learn one of Sumba's most important cultural treasures: a textile heritage that turns plain thread into wearable art. During this session, local artists will show you how to make traditional ikat colours using natural materials found in Sumba's landscape, like tree roots, bark, and leaves. This session goes into great detail about the old dyeing process that has been passed down through generations, with each family keeping its own methods.

The small class size means that each individual gets individual attention, and all the resources are provided. This encounter brings you closer to Sumba's artistic legacy and shows the lengths Sumbanese take to keep their traditional crafts alive.

To reserve a class, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance via WhatsApp.

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2. Village Tour: A Humbling Trip Filled with Appreciation and Tradition

Our Village Tour gives you a more intimate look at Sumba's life, where ancient burial practices and spiritual traditions have not been affected by modern life. The Sanubari's partnership with locals allows you to visit sacred ‘kampungs’ to see megalithic tombs and traditional dwellings with towering peaks. This hour-long guided exchange will shift the way you think about daily rituals and crafts, as well as community and spirituality. It will also connect you profoundly with the island's artistic and ancestral legacy.

Village living in Sumba is very simple, with limited access to clean water and cooking over an open fire. This revelation typically makes visitors feel grateful for their own life of comfort all the while appreciating the humble Sumbanese way of life.

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3. Pottery Class: Shaping Clay and Reconnecting with Earth

In Sumba, pottery is a heritage that is regarded as crucial to daily living in the village. Our Pottery Class offers you the chance to immerse in the art and craft of clay pottery, taught by local artisans, whose families passed down these wonderful skills for centuries. With this class, you'll learn how to turn raw earth into beautiful, useful trinkets using a pottery wheel and ancient methods. And for our guests’ convenience, all tools and supplies required are provided during this class. Your guide will help you centre the clay, make vessels, and form shapes that are both beautiful and useful.

With our Pottery Class, you'll learn how to manufacture real village items like water vessels, cooking pots, and ceremonial things using clay from the area. Many visitors say that the rhythmic process of working with clay is quite calming and relaxing, and it helps them connect with the basic joy of making things. Please get in touch with our staff at least 24 hours in advance to reserve a spot in this class.

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4. Waterfall Tours: Sumba’s Majestic Nature Sites to Immerse Yourself In

Sumba's majestic waterfalls, having a variety of geological and ecological features of the island ready for exploration, vary in its accessibility from easy to challenging. Fret not, our guided waterfall tours still offer you the chance to enjoy and immerse yourself in this facet of unspoilt nature in Sumba.

Waikelo Sawa

Before hiking to any waterfall sites, you’ll get the chance to travel to Waikelo Sawah first, a great nature site to enjoy a leisurely stroll where an ancient tree and rice paddy views become your backdrop.

Matayangu Waterfall

Now, one of our waterfall sites is called Matayangu Waterfall, located inside Sumba's national park. The hike to Matayangu can be more challenging, but you’ll end up at a beautiful natural pool at the end of your hike.

Lapopu Waterfall

Lapopu offers stunning views for nature lovers, with a waterfall scene that pours down into a natural pool, surrounded by a mini canyon. This natural site is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and simply for immersing in nature as you are.

Our guided nature tours will take you from the best hotel in the world, into the island's wild landscapes, showing off the scenic island wonders that make Sumba so captivating.

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5. The Ocean as Your Playground: Swimming with Horses

Swimming with Horses at The Sanubari is undoubtedly one of our most popular resort activities for staying guests. Guests are invited to ride bareback through the cool waters of Dassang Beach.

We lovingly care and train our household horses for any horseback riding activities to make sure that they are used to riding with our various guests, and making the activity safe and fun as well for the riders. Please note that there is a weight limit of 80 kg to ensure our horses’ wellbeing. The bareback method creates a level of closeness that standard saddles can't match, and skilled guides make sure that both the guests and the horses are secure during the trip. This activity is our attempt to honour the sacred role that horses have in Sumbanese society as transportation, status symbols, and major participants in traditional ceremonies. Guests leave with a deeper awareness of the role these beautiful creatures play in Sumbanese culture when they interact with them in a respectful and fun way.

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Common Questions About Cultural Experiences in Sumba

Do I need prior experience to join the cultural workshops?

No. All classes, including ikat dyeing and pottery, are designed for students of all levels and are guided by local artisans.

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Are these cultural experiences suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes. Activities range from casual workshops and village tours to more challenging waterfall hikes, and guests are able to choose experiences that suit their comfort level. Please inquire and consult directly to our Front Team via WhatsApp prior to joining any experiences or activities to ensure clarity of information and manage set expectations.

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How far are the cultural activities from The Sanubari?

Distances and activity times range between our cultural classes and nature activities such as waterfall hikes and village tours. For more information, it is best to directly contact our Front Team via WhatsApp and inquire for specific classes you’re interested in during your stay, and our team will be more than happy to assist you.

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Start Your Intentional Journey at The Sanubari

These cultural experiences are only the beginning as the best hotel in The World Sumba for intentional resort living. Our idea of slow luxury encourages you to trade in extra for depth, and to truly experience Sumba Adventure Resort, guests are invited to explore by learning old crafts, observe traditional village life, or explore the natures the island has to offer.

The Sanubari is not just another Sumba paradise resort; it is also a private retreat for people who want to reset and reconnect with themselves and nature. Our activities ensure that your stay improves the welfare of the local communities, and our location gives you the most privacy and solitude. Reserve your stay at The Sanubari now. Get in touch with our team right away to reserve your retreat.

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