Pasola and Warriors of Sumba
In the heart of Sumba, war horses rise up for Indonesia's most spectacular ritual joust.
Duration
4 days
From
€350/pers.
Ideal seasons
Feb, Mar
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe, senior
The spirit of travel
Sumba was once considered an island of no interest to colonial empires or to Javanese and Balinese kingdoms. All attempts at conquest seemed futile given the little profit that could be derived from it. Traditions, dating back to time immemorial, were thus fortunately preserved. Nowadays Sumba is renowned throughout Indonésie for its incomparable attractions, these specificities that make Sumba a unique land. Spectacular rituals, megalithic tombs, particular architectures, splendid ikats, are all the beauties you discover along the paths crossing this island.
One of the most exceptional events in Sumba is undoubtedly its famous Pasola, a complex ritual featuring a joust of several hundred riders. These confrontations, sometimes very violent, consist of purifying villages and appeasing the spirits of angry ancestors, to mark the beginning of a new prosperous year. These unique cavalcades are only the result of omens provided by the entrails of a marine worm with splendid multicolored hues. In the company of the great priest of this event, you discover all the components of this unique ritual and vibrate like the villagers to the rhythm of the Pasola.
Since the beginning of this ceremony is linked to complex calculations, the Pasola always takes place during the same period (February and March) but on dates known at the last minute. Being a witness to the largest gathering in Sumba is therefore a unique adventure.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to the land of Sumba
Tambolaka → Waikabubak
Welcome at Tambolaka airport and transfer to your hotel in Waikabubak.
In the afternoon, visit of Waikabubak, its traditional market and surrounding villages: Prai Ijing, Tarung, Waitabar. Tarung, an important spiritual center in the region for Marapu believers, invites you to discover the most beautiful megalithic tombs in the region. From the top of the hill, in the middle of the modern city, traditional houses still remain. Apparently, official authorities would like to relocate the inhabitants of these houses to other neighborhoods.
During your visit to the village, do not hesitate to ask to meet Pak Dani Ratu Langgu, spiritual leader of the Marapu faith, in order to have your name registered and thus support the efforts being made to protect this village.
The "Pasola" Games
Early in the morning (around 4-5 AM), we head towards Lamboya to reach the locations where the spectacular pasola takes place. We descend to the beach where the ceremony of harvesting sacred worms, the Nyale, is held by the Rato (high priest) followed by the ritual calling of the Pasola. This event celebrates the arrival of the goddess Ina Nale "mother of sea worms" and marks the beginning of rice transplanting and a new cycle of fertility. The pasola then sees two groups of fighters armed with spears (whose tips are less sharp than during past tribal wars) and mounted on their horses clash against each other.
Lunch on site and return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Discovery of local culture
Waikabubak → Kodi
After breakfast, we head towards the Kodi region, at the far west of the island. Kodi is a stronghold of Marapu culture and the villages in the region are remarkable for the impressive height of the roofs of traditional houses.
We stop to visit several of these villages : Tosi, Parona Baroro whose dwellings are known to have the highest roofs on the island, Rotenggaro where many atypical grave stalls dot the surrounding fields and Ranggabaki. Picnic, planned on the beach.
Kodi → Waikabubak
In the afternoon, we resume our return journey, stopping at Waitabula and Waijewa to admire the coffee plantations.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Sunda Islands
Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
