A Week in Sumba: The Perfect Escape from Bali’s Bustle
Bali, Indonesia — After two months of remote work and exploration in Bali, Sonya Moore sought solace from the island’s heavy crowds and incessant traffic. Her solution? A well-timed getaway to the lesser-known island of Sumba, which turned out to be a refreshing escape.
The Journey to Sumba
In March, Sonya decided to capitalize on her flexible work schedule, embarking on a two-month adventure in Bali. While the island’s iconic beauty and unique charm had always captivated her, the increasing number of tourists and the resulting congestion began to overshadow her experience.
Despite enjoying Bali’s offerings—yoga, massages, sound baths, and authentic spiritual traditions—she found herself longing for a quieter setting, away from the din of bustling streets and the omnipresence of motorbike engines. A planned week-long trip to Sumba provided the perfect opportunity for tranquility.
Welcome to Sumba
A short 90-minute flight from Bali’s Denpasar International Airport took Sonya and her friend to Sumba, an island roughly twice the size of Bali but much less populated. With only one-sixth of Bali’s population, Sumba promised a much-needed break from overpopulation and commercialization.
The island’s lack of extensive signage and limited Wi-Fi in many of its undeveloped areas required the pair to hire a local guide, ensuring they made the most of their visit.
Natural Beauty and Adventure
Upon arriving in Sumba, Sonya and her friend were met with breathtaking natural beauty. The island features stunning rock-framed sandy coves, turquoise lagoons, lush green hills, and majestic waterfalls. They enjoyed peaceful visits to these sites, often finding themselves alone with nature. Occasionally, local children approached to chat, showcasing the island’s warm community spirit.
The roads were devoid of traffic, a stark contrast to the busy streets of Bali. They reveled in sightings of goats and horses roaming freely across golden savannahs, enhancing the idyllic surroundings.
A Change in Pace
While Sumba’s serene environment was invigorating, it also came with certain trade-offs. The lack of amenities familiar to Bali, such as a wide variety of food and massage options, was pronounced. In fact, Sonya noticed a distinct absence of wine and cocktails—not readily available outside of a handful of upscale hotels. Communication posed its challenges too; with limited English spoken, translation apps became essential, often supplemented with gestures.
“Our driver had a relaxed approach to time,” she recounted. Arriving 15 to 20 minutes late for pick-ups became the norm, as he often took detours for coffee and breakfast. Nonetheless, he was a skilled drone operator and photographer, helping the group capture precious memories of their escape.
A Boutique Hotel Experience
Their journey included a four-day guided road trip, after which they enjoyed three nights at Cemara Beachfront Suite, a boutique hotel located on a tranquil stretch of white sand in East Sumba.
Shaded by tall cemara trees and bathed in the gentle sound of ocean waves, the accommodations offered an ideal environment for relaxation. At just $80 per night, the attentive staff ensured comfort with afternoon tea and light desserts. However, Sonya humorously noted that for next time, she’d pack her own wine and a good book.
The Perfect Complement to Bali
The combination of Sumba’s wild beauty and the inviting atmosphere of their hotel allowed Sonya and her friend to fully unwind and enjoy the simplicity of their surroundings. As their trip came to a close, the pair realized that Sumba not only provided the escape they were craving but also allowed them to appreciate the more frenetic Bali with a refreshed perspective.
In a world increasingly marked by busyness, escaping to the tranquil shores of Sumba offered the perfect counterbalance to the vibrant energy of Bali.
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