Known as the forgotten island, it’s more than likely you’ve never heard of Sumba until now. Closer to Australia than Bali and also bigger in size, Sumba is a Globetrotting destination that has our hearts racing with excitement! It’s got an ancient, wild and colourful culture in which horses play a vital role. Whether it’s the friendly locals, the spirited horses or the spectacular landscapes, we have NO doubt that this island will weave its magic around your heart.
Mounted on native Sandalwood horses, you will have the unique privilege of traversing the varied landscapes of West Sumba the way the local horsemen do. You’ll become spellbound by their mystical horse culture, ancient beliefs and timeless traditions.
Throughout the ride, you’ll feel as if you’re stepping into a forgotten world. You’ll creep through palm tree groves, experience wild and free canters along pristine coastlines, sit cross-legged with locals in their homes chewing betel nut while learning about their daily existence, swim bareback in shimmering turquoise oceans, interrupt herds of water buffalo as they wallow in the rice fields, and trot through lush, fragrant rainforests.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! When you’re out of the saddle you’ll fall head over heels in love with the luxurious tropical surrounds of your five star resort, Nihi Sumba. This is where you can soak in your own private pool, have cocktails at the bar, and opt for a massage, an early morning yoga session or a canoe adventure down the Wanakaka River. It’s certainly worth considering spending some extra days at Nihi Sumba after your riding itinerary, since you’ve travelled this far.
As globetrotters, we’re constantly searching for new destinations where the horse culture is rich, varied, wild and completely removed from our everyday existence. With the horse being spiritually connected to Sumba’s culture and history, we can’t wait to share this special island with you!
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:Sandalwood ponies and Sandalwood-Thoroughbred crossbreeds.
- Pace:Variable depending on the terrain, with opportunities to trot and canter.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 75kg / 165lbs for the full program. If wanting just beach or swimming rides, can take a maximum 85kg / 187lbs.
- Type of tack:English all-purpose saddles. Bitless rope bridles.
- Seasons:Available year-round, with GREEN & HIGH season rates outlined in the departure table below.
- Group size:This ride is perfect for couples or small groups.
- Time in Saddle:On average, 1 to 2.5 hours each day.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for beginner, intermediate to advanced riders. Beginners will have daily lessons on the beach to allow them to go on the trails. There are plenty of activities for non-riding partners to keep them occupied while you ride! Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Accommodation:Luxury 5 star, air-conditioned villa accommodation with your own private pool. Your villa includes butler service, private in-villa dining, and a daily laundry service.
- Ride Length:5 days, 4 nights but can be customised if required.
- Inclusions:
The price includes a tax and service charge of 21%, riding activities as outlined in the itinerary, 3 daily meals, non-alcoholic beverages, wifi internet, minibar (1 full re-stock per day), tour of the Sumba Foundation, activities by sea (stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling), group yoga and meditation classes, and round trip airport transfers in shared car.
- Exclusions:
The price excludes alcoholic beverages, international and regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory) and additional activities outside the itinerary (contact us for a list of included activities for non-riders).
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
*PLEASE NOTE: These ride prices are to be used as a guide only and subject to change due to resort availability. Non-rider rates are also available, please contact us for further information.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes a tax and service charge of 21%, riding activities as outlined in the itinerary, 3 daily meals, non-alcoholic beverages, wifi internet, minibar (1 full re-stock per day), tour of the Sumba Foundation, activities by sea (stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling), group yoga and meditation classes, and round trip airport transfers in shared car.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price excludes alcoholic beverages, international and regional flights, travel insurance (compulsory) and additional activities outside the itinerary (contact us for a list of included activities for non-riders).
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
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Day Before
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Transfer Information
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Horse History
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Nihi Sumba
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Non-Riders & Off The Horse Activities
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Sumba Ride
Jenna Dombroski
‘Sumba is the perfect balance of wild and luxury. No words can describe how beautiful this place is – the vibe is amazing. The culture, the horses and the people are authentic, beautiful and special. The accommodation was incredible – the resort and our villa were spectacular and the food was sooo delicious.
Our guides were amazing. Petrus was was great to chat with and happy to adjust the rides to suit us (we added extra rides, doing two per day, and we also rode earlier to avoid the afternoon heat). Each ride was amazing and we had the freedom to walk, trot, canter and gallop when we wanted. Riding to Nihi Oka was great, with the opportunity to visit local craftspeople along the way, and Nihi Oka itself was crazy beautiful; the private infinity pool and breakfast overlooking the ocean with dolphins swimming past was a wonderful experience.
Manase was our ‘captain’ and he was wonderful! Nothing was too much trouble. He booked all our extra activities and arranged our days so we could fit everything in. All the staff at the resort and stables were very kind, loved sharing stories of their culture and families, and were generally interested in getting to know us – you really do feel like family by the time you leave.’
Jenny Bright
‘We thoroughly enjoyed our spur of the moment adventure and I’m still dreaming of this magical place. If you think that Sumba is just another Bali, it’s not. It’s so much more and so much better. There are so few resorts that it’s mostly just yourselves and kilometres of empty beach – exactly how we like it.
Nihi Sumba totally deserves its hard won Best Resort in the World award. I have stayed at some incredible places and Nihiwatu is up there as one of the best.
On day two we rode through the rainforest and rice paddies to Rice Island, a fantastic rocky outcrop in the middle of acres of rice fields where breakfast was served in a treehouse overlooking the paddies. We drank fresh coconut water and met some of the other hotel guests travelling to see the Pasola festival, an ancient blood ritual timed at the rising of the full moon and the arrival of sea worms to the shores of the island. The festival was incredible. You simply have to be there to understand. There were thousands of spectators and hundreds of participants. You know when you see National Geographic photographers camped out on the sidelines that you’re witnessing something special!
The next day we rode to the local village and tried betel nut, bought some local trinkets and took photos of all the gorgeous children. It’s such a simple way of life but it can be very difficult, and I was so happy to hear that Nihi Sumba give much back to the community through outreach programs, medical assistance and employment opportunities.
If you ever have the opportunity to join the Sumba ride, don’t think, just do it.’
STORIES FROM THE SADDLE
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Meet Our Guide: Carol Sharpe
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Globetrotting Guest Horse: Covo
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Feedback on The Sumba Ride
Jenny Bright is one of a handful of globetrotters who have been lucky enough to visit the island ...
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