This time I had the chance to handle a direct inquiry of 3 esteemed Hongkong photographers intended to travel around Indonesia for 15 days. It was indeed a great opportunity to explore my knowledge on Indonesia tourism mixed with traveling photography because of such long days of trip. Since I have not been to "Sumba island", a newly popular destination in Indonesia for both leisure tourist and photographers, without second chance I proposed the island.
And I was lucky enough when the clients agreed to go there for photo shooting ....
After checking here and there, set priority scales of the objects to shoot, and gather around the whole length of stays of the trip, I came up with the idea shortest but covered main attractions of Sumba destination -- 3 days 2 nights. 
The only access to Sumba island is via Bali. It took 1 hours domestic flight.
There are 2 airports in Sumba : Waingapu (the capital) and Tambolaka (north of island). The popular one is Tambolaka. There are 2 airlines with 4 arrivals and departures.
SUMBA
Sumba island destination has been started since 2015 -- a bit longer earlier before the outbreak of Covid (early 2020). But then it was halted during the pandemic. Now it is coming back again respectfully after the end of it.
The popularity, specially in photography, soon rockted after some photographers discovered beautiful angles of mangrove trees located nearby its capital Waingapu. Some photos were pop-up eye catching and even won in both domestic and international photo competition. Sumba is like rain down on tourists.
But Sumba is not only the trees, there are some interesting object to explore and shoot.
Below some details information and pictures results I took during the trip.
WAIKELO Dam (of rice fields)
This object is located between Tambolaka airport to Waingapu town as the capital of the island. Only 1.5 drive from the airport. it is worth to stop-by for a break and shooting around.
Located in the middle of vast rice fields, it is indeed beautiful spot; particularly for Sumba island known as a harsh and dry area. The water comes from a big spring somewhere in the north, flowing to the south, running around the edge of vast rice fields, and feed them well with eater supply.
The best time to feature this site is actually during sunset time, as it faces to the east and making the sunset sky as a beautiful background. But best of all if the dam is shoot by using drone.
WAIRINDING Hill
Just like many other general outlook of Sumba, it is dominated by harsh hill of limestone' so it is Wairinding hill. It is the reference of local people who found this hill as a lovely spot to hang around and enjoy sunset time.
Plus the fact that this hill is a perfect spot to take a break after long drive from both Tambolaka airport and Waikelo dam object to the nearby Waingapu town, as the capital of the island.
This spot also a good place to show around the beauty of Sumba horses. Some people make a fortune by renting horses for photo session. At the entrance ticket, they also provide with some local traditional costume to enhance the moment of selfi or photo session.
WALAKIRI Beach
No doubt that Walakiri beach is the highlight of Sumba destination. Beside its long stunning white shandy beach, other part of it (southern one) is dominated by mangrove trees. Thanks to calm of the waves along the shorelines and its sloping characteristic; making the beach much relaxing to enjoy with.
One of the significant factors that make Walakiri Beach famous is a
movie entitled “Pendekar Tongkat Mas”. The movie used that beach as one
of its backgrounds, after all. The next allure is none other than its
beauty. It is because the beach has amazing features as mentioned above.
One thing must keep in mind that check out the water tide when shooting around here. It would be nice when in middle low tide. Means not to low but also not too high. The trees will provide a lovely nature setting with the reflection. You can come down here for both sunrise and sunset. Both will give you a beautiful landscape with lovely sky as the background.
Meanwhile the trees are also bending down as if dancing to follow the rhythim of the coloful background sky.
SUNRISE Sssion
SUNSET Session
TRADITIONAL VILLAGE
There are several popular traditional villages housing attractive houses different than many parts of Indonesia. The most iconic outlook of the houses is the high standing roof seen from outside. It is sharp contrast with the low angle main part of the house. The roof is made of thatch.
The village has many traditional houses owned by its members. They are set out in a kind of stepped terraced where normally the highest part is most respected and has biggest house for the leader. In front of this house, there is a wide space with stone seats for social gathering and activities.
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( Klik n enlarge it for full view )
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Surabaya, 26 Oct 2022
Irsam Photography
(Photo Trip Organizer)
Telp/WA : +6281357814774
IG : irsamphotography
FB : Irsam Soetarto
WC : irsam24
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