Nihi Sumba

So let’s start with the big question. Where the hell is Sumba?

Sumba is a part of Indonesia, about an hour’s flight away from Bali. It’s the closest island back to Australia.

Our trip to Sumba had been a long time coming thanks to COVID-19 and in 2022, we finally got our opportunity to stay at this remarkable place.

From Australia, you fly into Bali (a stay at Kuta is no stranger to most Aussies) before flying to Sumba. The flight is easy. The airport on Sumba is fairly primitive but as we were staying at Nihi Sumba, everything was taken care of as our safari-style 4WD was waiting there for us when we touched down.

The drive to Nihi takes you past local homes and schools, with school kids walking along the road waving at the cars going by.

Then, after about an hour, you approach the resort, with an incredible view over the beach.

The resort is made up of bungalows scattered across the hillside. All luxurious. Most with pools, surrounded by frangipanis and lush gardens. All private, making you feel a million miles away from anywhere.

There’s a ripper surf break out the front of the resort. So good in fact that while we were there the Billabong girls surfing team was there checking it out and surfing at every opportunity.

On our first night they had horse races along the beach which helped raise money for a local community sports centre. At the end of the race, a local farmer walked his herd of buffalo along the beach letting them play in the water. Is this place for real?

But the highlight (or insta moment) of staying here is when they let their horses run free along the beach. The other half went riding in the water and took a morning ride along the beach.

Nihi Sumba is paradise. No wonder it’s been voted the best hotel in the world several years running. Just hope this little bit of paradise remains that way.

Our holiday to Indonesia also allowed us to spend a couple of days around Ubud. You can see some of the pics below.