Sumba, Indonesia

The latest place to win over our hearts and minds is Sumba. Just over an hour’s flight from Bali, it is twice the size but home to only 650,000 inhabitants. Part of Nusa Tenggara Timor, its isolated location means that for centuries, little has changed, with the exception of one intimate all-inclusive resort. Nihi Sumba is the rustic-luxe gateway to the wildness of Sumba.

Suggested itineraries for Sumba

These example journeys will give you a starting point from which to plan your holiday to Sumba. This collection of ideas includes our favourite combinations of hotels, regions and destinations. Every Turquoise itinerary is unique, so please treat these as inspiration and get in touch with our destination experts to create your bespoke journey and quote.

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Off the Beaten Track Bali & Sumba

11 nights from £3,595 per person

For those seeking a Bali away from the crowds this three-centre itinerary combines three of our favourite hideaways,…

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Bali, Komodo & Lombok Adventure

14 nights from £6,595 per person

Accessible by flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo, Komodo National Park is renowned for its iconic Komodo Dragons. Yet,…

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Classic Bali & Lombok Island Escape

14 nights from £3,695 per person

Explore Indonesia’s island paradise… Start in southern Bali and relax at Samaya in the lively seaside town of Seminyak,…

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The Ultimate Round the World Adventure

30 nights from £15,995 per person

This itinerary brings together some of the world's most iconic destinations into one unforgettable journey, taking you…

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Beach and pool views from Six Senses Con Dao

Splendours of Vietnam & Luxury Beach

14 nights from £6,995 per person

Discover the best of Vietnam from north to south from Hanoi to Mekong Delta, including Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An and…

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Ha Long Bay in Vietnam with boat and views

Vietnam Essentials & Beach

14 nights from £5,995 per person

A two-week top to toe journey through Vietnam, staying in luxury boutique hotels. Visit Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An -…

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Four happy elephants in a line at elephant hills

Thailand Jungle & Beach for Families

12 nights from £12,995 per family

Merging together some of Thailand's most enigmatic landscapes, this itinerary is ideal for families looking to enjoy…

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Hidden Thailand & the Eastern Islands

12 nights from £3,395 per person

Discover Thailand's exciting city, Bangkok before heading east of Bangkok where you’ll find islands covered in…

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Very romantic private dining on candlelit beach at The Sarojin

Classic Thailand Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Khao Lak

12 nights from £2,645 per person

Witness three of Thailand's finest landscapes in one trip. Begin with a bang amid the city buzz of Bangkok before…

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Best time to visit Sumba

May to October is our favourite time to visit Sumba, with drier days for beach horse rides, village visits and exploring the island’s wild coastline. The hills gradually turn from green to gold, while the surf draws those keen to catch Sumba’s celebrated waves. The wetter months bring lush landscapes and fuller waterfalls, with rainfall generally heaviest between December and March, so outdoor adventures may need a little flexibility.

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Sumba highlights

Beaches & Horse Riding

There’s something rather special about exploring Sumba’s coast on horseback, with open sands ahead and the Indian Ocean beside you. Ride with a local guide through coastal scenery or head out as the afternoon light softens. The island’s Sandalwood horses have a long place in Sumbanese life, making this much more than a scenic beach ride.

Where to stay in Sumba

Sumba’s retreats make the most of their extraordinary surroundings, from thatched pool villas overlooking the surf to contemporary beach hideaways filled with local art and craftsmanship. Our favourites offer space, privacy and a thoughtful connection to the island, whether you’re drawn to adventurous days, exceptional food or simply a beautiful stretch of sand.

NIHI Sumba

Our little blue planet is heavily populated and it is rare to find a spot which offers real escapism in the truest sense of the word. On the remote island of Sumba, an hour’s flight east from Bali, we have found just such as a place – welcome to Nihi Sumba.

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Cap Karoso

A resort with an eco-conscious heart, Cap Karoso is the newest luxury retreat to open on the off-the-radar island of Sumba. Located an hour’s flight east of Bali and serviced by daily flights, the Island of Sumba is one of the rare places where local culture is preserved. The local Marapu religion follows a belief of a balance of nature, man and influence of ancestors.

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Explore, dream, discover and embrace ...

"Don't try to see beyond the horizon - often the richest experiences are those that you stumble upon because of where you are and who you're with. Explore, dream, discover and embrace each new experience as a life-changing memory."

Sue Bell - Co Founder

Sumba travel inspiration

Places To Visit In Bali: Bali As It Should Be

Bali is an idyllic island. It’s one of my favourite places in the world. Not just for the enchanting verdant scenery and volcanic landscapes but for the people, whose deep belief in spirituality and balance creates a special vibe of …

Rachel Gleave

14 May 20254 mins read

Escape to Sumba – a hotel review by our Asia Product Manager

Sumba has long been a castaway corner of Indonesia where very little has changed. Whilst other islands have embraced tourism, life on Sumba is still relatively untouched and the local traditions are still very much in place - The Marapu …

Rachel Gleave

16 Jan 20248 mins read

Once-In-A-Lifetime Holidays & Destinations

Everyone should have one holiday in their lifetime, which is truly extraordinary. Experiencing a destination, a journey or an event so spectacular it blows the socks off everything else. Maybe it’ll be for a celebration, your retirement or a big …

Lizzie Heeley

21 Apr 20227 mins read

Top Incredible Pool Villas in Asia

To infinity and beyond! Discerning globetrotters are becoming increasingly harder to impress, but if there is one room type that gets everyone excited on holiday it is the pool villa. Nothing can compare to that glorious feeling of pure indulgence …

Lizzie Heeley

16 Mar 20202 mins read

Why Choose Turquoise?

Family Owned & Run

We are one of the few remaining family owned and run operators of our size. We have direct relationships with every single destination, island, resort and hotel we work with, in order to deliver exceptional and truly personalised service.

Our Passion Runs Deep

We are - and always have been - mad about travel. For almost 25 years we've been scouring the globe for the best places to stay, the newest routes to take, the perfect people to meet. No-one will care more about your holiday.

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Luxury means something different to everyone. Whether you are seeking the silence of vast spaces, the isolation of a private island, the buzz of a new city, the adrenaline of a safari or anything in between, we listen, we learn, we advise.

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We endeavour that every Turquoise experience is unique, fun and refreshing. Travel is all about experiences, about serendipitous moments and endless smiles. It is a joy and an honour to plan each and every Turquoise holiday.