Frequently Asked Questions

Getting here

The Sanubari is located on the stunning island of Sumba, just a 50-minute flight from Bali. You can fly from Bali (DPS) to Tambolaka Airport (TMC), where our team will be ready to greet you. From the airport, it’s a scenic 1-hour drive to the resort.
Yes, we offer private airport transfers for a seamless journey. Let us know your flight details, and we’ll arrange everything. For further inquiries, send an email to our Reservation team: stay@thesanubari.com.
Sumba is part of Indonesia, so visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many visitors can enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival. Please check with your local embassy or Indonesian immigration for the latest entry requirements.

Accommodation & amenities

We offer a selection of beautifully designed beachfront and garden view villas with private pools, all blending seamlessly with nature while providing comfort and luxury. Each resort villa features breathtaking ocean or garden views and handcrafted ethnic interiors. To view our villas, head to our Stay page.
Yes, we provide complimentary Wi-Fi in common areas and villas. However, due to our remote location, internet speeds may be slower than in major cities. We encourage guests to embrace the natural surroundings and digital detox during their stay.
Yes, all villas are installed with air conditioning and fans for comfort. Our accommodations are designed to take advantage of natural ocean breezes and traditional cooling techniques, with most featuring high ceilings.
Yes, at the moment, our Jungle spa offers a variety of massages and facial treatments to elevate your wellness experience.

Dining & food

Our restaurant offers a unique beachfront dining experience featuring fresh, organic and locally-produced ingredients. Our menu includes Indonesian specialties, fresh seafood, a fusion of international cuisine, and a few herbs and vegetables grown from our own farm.
Yes, we accommodate dietary preferences and allergies, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special requests. Please inform us in advance regarding your needs so the chef can prepare accordingly.
Yes, we offer in-room dining for guests who prefer to dine in the privacy of their villa. We also offer romantic beach dining experience for two, available upon request.

Island activities & experiences

The Sanubari offers a range of unique island activities, such as:
  1. Horseback riding along the beach and through Sumba’s landscapes
  2. Guided nature walks and hiking
  3. Surfing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling
  4. Cultural experiences with local villages such as Ikat class, village tour and pottery class
  5. Jungle Spa wellness treatments
Please get in touch directly with our Guest Service team to inquire and book of any of these activities.
Absolutely. Sumba is home to world-class surf breaks, and we can arrange surf trips to some of the best waves nearby, suitable for all skill levels.
Of course. Our horse stables offer guided horseback riding experiences along the beach and through scenic trails. Our well-trained horses are suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. We also offer swimming with horses and complimentary horse grooming. Please note the maximum weight per guest for horseback riding activities is 70kg, to ensure our horses’ health & safety guidelines.
Yes, we arrange private guided tours to explore select destinations of Sumba’s beautiful waterfalls and lagoons such as Matayangu and Lapopu, traditional villages, and hidden beaches.

Booking & policies

Our cancellation policy varies depending on the season and type of booking. Please check our terms at the time of reservation or contact us for details.
We require a minimum stay of two nights for all bookings.
We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and cash payments in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Weather & packing tips

Sumba is beautiful year-round. The dry season (April–November) offers sunny days, perfect for explorations and outdoor activities, while the wet season (December–March) brings lush green landscapes and lesser crowds, perfect for a more laidback holiday and relaxation and resetting.
Generally, we recommend:
  1. Light, breathable clothing
  2. Swimwear and beach essentials
  3. Comfortable walking shoes
  4. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  5. A light rain jacket (if visiting in the wet season)
  6. A good book or journal for relaxation and reflections

General

Yes! Families are welcome, and we offer activities suitable for children including surfing, swimming, horseback riding, cultural experiences and biking around our 100+ hectare reserve, which is the perfect playground for kids to roam and get back to nature.
We provide filtered drinking water throughout the resort to reduce plastic waste. Please bring a reusable water bottle to refill during your stay.
We highly recommend travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and adventure activities.
There is mobile reception, but it may be limited in some areas. We recommend using WhatsApp or Wi-Fi-based communication.
Sumba is located in a region where malaria is present, though risk levels vary by specific seasons and locations. We recommend consulting with your doctor or a travel health clinic before your trip to discuss whether antimalarial medication is appropriate for your visit.

At our resort, we take your health and safety seriously while maintaining our commitment to environmental responsibility. We conduct daily fogging treatments throughout the property to significantly reduce mosquito and sandfly populations. These treatments are carefully timed and use products that are safe for both our guests and the local ecosystem.