To get straight to the point: no, we don’t think Sumba will become the new Bali. Bali is unique and attracts people from all over the world. Sumba doesn’t have this and probably never will. Is that a shame? Absolutely not. The Indonesian archipelago has many islands, but none of them will ever become a second Bali. So why write a blog about Sumba? Simply because there is growing interest in this island.
Influencers are beginning to discover the island and write about it. Various new resorts are being promoted on social media, and a recent issue of Vogue magazine mentions that luxury hotel chains like Four Seasons and Alila have set their sights on Sumba for future hotel developments.
Sometimes it’s the small things that show a particular place is gaining attention. For instance, the convenience store chain Alfamart has recently opened several stores in Waingapu, the capital of Sumba. Additionally, several new gas stations are being built around the city. These are small changes, but they can accommodate the future growing flow of tourists.
Although Sumba may seem far away, it is only an hour’s flight from Bali. For the more adventurous traveler, there is the option to reach Sumba by boat. From Lembar in Lombok, a simple cruise ship sails to Waingapu in about a day. Board the Dharma Kartika 5 and let yourself be transported to Sumba.
Why then the comparison to Bali? Because there are similarities with this island. Sumba resembles Bali about 40 to 50 years ago: empty roads without traffic jams, pristine quiet beaches where surfers can enjoy themselves, and a beautiful underwater world. Natural beauty and a culture distinct from other islands. The west side of Sumba is green and comparable to southern Bali. The east side is rougher and drier, more like northern Bali.
Sumba is the island for pioneers who want something different, who don’t want to follow the beaten path, but want to go on a discovery.
No, we don’t believe Sumba will become the new Bali. Bali is like a mysterious beautiful woman who, despite many setbacks (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, bombings, COVID), still manages to attract many people. Sumba is more like an adventurous wild young lady who is developing and gradually losing her wild side. Perhaps now is the time to meet this young lady. Visit her and you may find yourself attracted to her as well.
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