Sumba Hotels
There are various sleeping options throughout Sumba. When travelling around independently you can stay with the village head- kepala desa usually for a small contribution for food and board. The two main surfing areas: Kalala and Tarimbang have places to stay and there are three luxury resorts in West Sumba that should be booked prior to arrival. Otherwise your best options are in the main towns of Waingapu and Waikabubak.
Waingapu
There are a number of hotels in Waingapu that i'm listing in no particular order:
The Hotel Elvin
This is newly renovated and undergoing further renovation. It is clean, well maintained and the rooms are great. It's also the most expensive.
| Standard | Rp. 88,000 |
|---|---|
| VIP | Rp. 275,000 |
The Hotel Merlin
The classic East Indonesian hotel, established and solid. Unbelievably high stairs, a restaurant with the best view in town and can rent cars, motorbikes and guides.
| Economy | Single | Rp. 110,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Double | Rp. 132,000 | |
| Triple | Rp. 154,000 | |
| VIP | Single | Rp. 132,000 |
| Double | Rp. 154,000 | |
| Triple | Rp. 176,000 | |
| Suite | Single | Rp. 180,000 |
| Double | Rp. 220,000 | |
| Triple | Rp. 242,000 |
The Hotel Sandlewood
The Merlin alternative (and pretty much next door). Better for someone looking for cheaper rooms than for its better ones it'll also rent you cars, has guides and sells cloth. It's restaurant is just down the street
| Class II | Single | Rp. 55,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Double | Rp. 77,000 | |
| Class I | Single | Rp. 88,000 |
| Double | Rp. 121,000 | |
| VIP B | Single | Rp. 143,000 |
| Double | Rp. 165,000 | |
| VIP A | Single | Rp. 165,000 |
| Double | Rp. 187,000 |
Hotel Jemi
A very pratical warehouse. Caters only for Indonesian groups and events. Has a badminton Court
Kampung Raja Prailiu
Perhaps the best experiene of all is to live in a village. Kampung Raja Prailiu is just on the edge of Waingapu towards the airport. You can live with the family in the Royal Village. They'll provide three meals a day with tea and coffee plus you have an invaluable source of information on all things Sumbanese. Learn to cook, weave, speak Sumbanese and you'll definately hear about any weddings or funerals that are taking place in the area. If you want to understand the life and work of the Sumbanese this is a must.
Per Night plus meals Rp 200,000
Phone 0387 61773 and ask for Tamu Rambu Margareta (Speaks Indonesian and Sumbanese) or Rambu Marru (Speaks English)
Elsewhere in East Sumba
There's really only three other options outside of the Kepala Desa
Kampung Praiyawang in Rende
Waikabubak
Monalisa
This is the best, with the best views and the best breakfast. About 2km out of Waikabubak.
Artha
Is small compact, very friendly and with excellent advice.
Manandang
The big, central classic. Has a restaurant worth dropping into.
Aloha
The cheapest and arguably the best location. Right at the central crossroads.
The Upper End Options
Everything you need to know about these three is clear enough from there websites.
Sumba Nautil is on Marosi beach in the Wanukaka/Lamboya area.
NihiWatu is on a great wave nearby, exclusive and private. Connected to a charitable foundation and marketed by Quicksilver.
Newa Sumba Resort is up in the North near the airport.
