Capital of the West Sumba district, Waikabubak is an off-the-beaten-path destination in Indonésie. Indeed, unlike the archipelago's flagship destinations such as Bali, Java or Lombok, the island of Sumba that is home to this town has neither resorts nor proper tourist facilities. However, it abounds with attractions such as traditional villages and unique traditions and customs.

Discovering the Town of Waikabubak

Waikabubak is a town located on the island of Sumba, a small island that is part of the Nusa Tenggara archipelago, also known as the "Lesser Sunda Islands". It is the capital of the western part of this island. This charming little town is a destination that completely breaks away from the image we have of Indonésie. Here, no large shops, no restaurants or nightclubs for evening entertainment. What awaits visitors is a genuine return to roots through authentic traditional villages and original cultures and customs.

The traditional villages of Waikabubak are easily recognizable by their distinctive roof shaped like a pilgrim's hat. The most famous and one of the best-preserved is Tarung. Located just steps from the town center, this village fascinates with its house architecture and the presence of stone tombs dating from the megalithic era.

While more than half of Sumba's inhabitants are Christian, in the village of Tarung, residents still practice animism, more precisely, "Marapu". This is a traditional religion recognized by the practice of Wulla Podu, a ritual held each October or November. The word "Wulla" means "moon" and "Podu" means bitter. Literally, Wulla Podu means the bitter moon or the bitter month. This month corresponds to the month of fasting in Islam.

Also in the cultural domain, the "Pasola" is one of the distinctive features of Waikabubak. It is a spectacular event that takes place in February or March. During the festivities, two men face off on their mounts armed with spears. It should be noted that this spectacle is violent and strongly not recommended for sensitive souls. Indeed, during this confrontation, serious injuries, and even death, are not unlikely.

Waikabubak is also renowned for its market, the Wai Laing market, where you will find various travel souvenirs in the form of bracelets, necklaces, or clothing. This market is also the ideal place to discover the daily life of the town's inhabitants.

Climate

The western part of Sumba island enjoys a hot and dry climate with peaks reaching up to 36°C. In general, two distinct seasons are distinguished: a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season extends from May to November, and the rainy season covers the rest of the year. However, it is noted that even outside the dry season, rainfall is fairly rare in this part of the island.

By boat:

Sumba island is connected daily by ferry to the port of Sape (on the island of Sumbawa). The journey takes approximately 9 hours. The ferry departs from Waikelo port (Sumba) at night, arrives in Sape in the morning, and returns to Waikelo. Then, it is simply a matter of taking the bus to reach Waikabubak.

By bus:

Waikabubak is served daily by local buses from Waingapu, the capital of Sumba. You should allow approximately 4 to 5 hours to cover the distance between these two towns.

It is also possible to take the bus to Waikabubak from Tambolaka airport. The journey takes approximately one hour.

By plane:

The nearest airport to Waikabubak is Tambolaka. It is only one hour's drive from the town. This airport is connected to Denpasar, Ende and Kupang.