Tucked away in East Nusa Tenggara, Sumba feels remote — but getting here is easier than it looks on the map. The island has two main airports, regular domestic flights, and even ferry connections if you’re feeling adventurous. Here’s how to plan your journey.
Flying to Sumba (The Easiest Way)
For most travelers, the easiest and fastest way to reach Sumba is by air. The island has two airports, each serving different sides of Sumba:
- Waingapu (Umbu Mehang Kunda, WGP) — the main hub for East Sumba, close to the island’s largest town. This is the best entry point if you plan to explore Waingapu, the savannah landscapes, and iconic spots like Walakiri Beach or Wairinding Hill.
- Tambolaka (TMC) — located in West Sumba, just north of Tambolaka/Waitabula. This airport is more convenient if your itinerary focuses on beaches, surf spots, and the cultural heartlands around Waikabubak.
At the moment, both airports handle domestic flights only, so you’ll need to connect through Bali, Lombok, Kupang, or another Indonesian city before arriving. There are no direct international connections to Sumba.
Each airport has its own advantages, depending on where you want to start your journey. We’ve put together dedicated guides to help you choose: Waingapu Airport or Tambolaka Airport.
Main flight routes:
- Bali (Denpasar/DPS) → Waingapu or Tambolaka: the most popular route, with daily flights.
- Kupang (KOE, West Timor) → Waingapu or Tambolaka: useful if you’re coming from Flores or Timor.
- Lombok (LOP) → Waingapu or Tambolaka: newer connections that’s great for island-hopping.
- Surabaya (SUB), Labuan Bajo (LBJ) or Ende/Maumere (Flores) → Waingapu: seasonal or less frequent routes.
Flights are usually operated by Wings Air, NAM Air or Sriwijaya Air.
Backindo Tip: Feeling adventurous? You can even buy a ticket in Waingapu for a tiny 12-seater flight to the neighboring island of Sabu.
Practical Things to Know
When booking flights to Sumba, keep in mind that most budget airlines — especially Wings Air — don’t include checked baggage in the base fare, so you may need to pay extra at the counter. Plan to travel light if you can, as planes serving the island are usually small ATR turboprops with limited overhead space.
Flight schedules can shift, and delays aren’t unusual, so avoid tight international connections on the same day. It’s best to book well in advance during peak months (July–August and December), as seats fill quickly. Don’t expect much in terms of onboard service either — bringing your own water and a snack is a smart move.
And one last tip: grab a window seat if possible. The approach to Sumba is breathtaking, with sweeping savannahs, neverending highlands, winding rivers, and remote beaches unfolding beneath you.
Backindo Tip: Book your flight through platforms like Traveloka or tiket.com, as they accept international cards. Some local carriers don’t. We’ve covered all the details in our Domestic Flights Guide.
By Sea (For the Adventurous)
Flying might be the easiest way to reach Sumba, but ferries are still an option if you want a more local — and often more budget-friendly — experience. Just be prepared: journeys are long, schedules can shift, and comfort is very basic. This is travel for the adventurous.
Sumba has two main ferry ports:
- Waingapu Port (East Sumba) — the island’s primary harbor and the busiest entry point for ferries from Flores, Kupang, and Sabu. It’s located right in Waingapu town.
- Waikelo Port (West Sumba) — a smaller harbor near Tambolaka, used mainly for ferries from Sumbawa. It’s less busy than Waingapu.
Main Routes
- From Flores (Ende or Aimere → Waingapu, East Sumba)
- The most common crossing. Ferries usually take 8–10 hours, with tickets starting at IDR 80,000–150,000 per person for economy class. It goes twice a week.
- From Kupang or Sabu (West Timor → Waingapu, East Sumba)
- These routes are much longer — often 12 hours or more — and less frequent. Weather delays are common.
- From Sumbawa (Sape → Waikelo, West Sumba)
- Ferries from Sape dock in Waikelo Port, not far from Tambolaka. The trip takes about 8–9 hours, with fares around IDR 70,000–120,000.
- From Bali (Benoa → Waingapu, East Sumba)
- Passenger ship (no vehicles). The journey takes around 37 hours and includes basic meals and a simple bed in economy class. This is a regular route via Bima, with tickets starting at IDR 380,000 per person.
Tickets & How to Buy Them
Tickets are usually sold directly at the harbor ticket counters on the day of departure, so most travelers simply show up early and buy in person. Some routes can also be booked via local travel agents, or through PELNI (Indonesia’s state-owned ferry company), though don’t expect slick websites or seamless online booking.
Backindo Tip: Many foreigners struggle with payment — the easiest option is to pay at an Alfamart or Indomaret convenience store.
Another operator to be aware of is Sabuk Nusantara, which runs smaller ships connecting many of Indonesia’s outer islands, including Sumba. These ferries are more community-focused and serve remote routes that bigger vessels sometimes skip.
For schedules and updates, the easiest way to check is often through their local Instagram accounts — for example, Waikelo port posts updates at @djpl_uppwaikelo.
What the Ferries Are Like
It’s important to set expectations — these ferries are not luxury cruises. An economy ticket usually gets you a spot in a large shared seating area, often crowded, with thin mattresses spread across the floor. There are sometimes air-conditioned cabins available at a higher price, but they’re very basic and sell out quickly, so book early if you want one.
Meals are not always included in the ticket, so it’s best to check in advance and bring some food just in case. Even when meals are provided, expect simple rice with small side dishes — portions are modest.
When the ferry docks, local vendors rush on board, selling everything from rice and drinks to snacks — and sometimes even local palm liquor. It’s actually worth buying from them, especially rice, since it’s often better and more filling than the meal served on board.
You’ll also find small kiosks on the boat selling coffee, instant noodles, and snacks, though the selection is limited.
Toilets exist but are very basic — and often busy, as some passengers use them for showers. Cleanliness is one of the main issues on board, and it’s not unusual to spot a cockroach or two.
On top of that, ferries carry more than just people. Locals bring animals, produce, and sacks of goods, so the atmosphere feels more like a floating market than a passenger ship. You won’t see many other tourists, but that’s part of the charm. If you’re not in a rush, the ferry gives you a raw and memorable glimpse of island life
Things to Keep in Mind
- Schedules are irregular: Ferries don’t always run on time, and cancellations are not unusual. The timetable also depends heavily on the season, so it’s best to double-check with your accommodation or a local guide before your trip. Always build buffer days into your itinerary.
- Safety is basic: Ferries are functional but not always well-maintained.
- Expect delays: Rough seas can easily turn an 8-hour journey into 10 hours or more. Patience is essential when traveling by sea in this part of Indonesia.
Which Route Should You Choose?
If it’s your first time and you’re short on days, fly from Bali — it’s quick, reliable, and gives you the smoothest entry into Sumba.
If you’re traveling overland through Nusa Tenggara, ferries can make sense — but always check schedules in advance and add extra buffer days in case of delays.