Sumba

When set foot in the old settlements on the island of Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara province just shadows of modern life seemed to vanish. The reality in front of eyes showing the remaining life of the prehistoric period, the megalith era. Sumba provide a unique panorama of contrasts. in one hand, offer the modern world is inevitable and had to deal with the legacy of past traditions are very strong.
Sumba was not just the plains, the familiar with a horse whinny Sandel. Also, rather than simply captivating eyes when men show proficiency on horseback, with the body sitting upright on horseback convoy cattle.


The island is known as the Island this Sandelwood save situation contrasts that appear in Waikabubak, the capital of West Sumba district. At first glance, the city is no different from other urban districts in NTT. Some roads are slippery coated hotmix, who writhed under the hills. However, if the feet turn directions to up the hill, there will be found with a row of traditional home life that seemed unattainable changing times.

The island of Sumba in this city, there are a number of old villages that can be enjoyed authenticity, such as Tarung village, Tambelar village, Elu village, Bodo Ede village, and Paletelolu village. Tarung village, for example, is an old village which is located right in the heart of the city. Same with the other, the village is lined with thatch-roofed tower houses, traditional homes typical of Sumba.

Sumba Traditional house consists of three parts. The most basic floor of a barn animals (horses). Then, the second floor is a family place, a bed and a fireplace is located right in the middle. Meanwhile, the tower is a warehouse or store food supplies.

Shades of the past more traditional house was perfect when combined with a grave stone, reminiscent of the life of the great megalithic stone-age-one round of prehistoric times. No doubt, Sumba is a paradise for researchers Megalit.

In every corner of the city and the village is so easy you find a large stone menhir-like pole or pillar, which upheld on the ground, as a warning sign and a symbol of ancestral spirits. Likewise dolmen-prehistoric monument in the form of a flat-backed stone table stone pillar, in various sizes are very easy to find in every village.

Sumba Island Various ornaments of the past is not independent, but closely related to the lives of most people who embrace traditional religion of Sumba Marapu. Marapu is the original religion of Sumba before it touched the influence of Christianity. Now, community Marapu increasingly desperate as there was no guarantee from the state of the existence of beliefs outside of the five official state religion.

Although without recognition from the state, communities still exist in the running Marapu religious ceremonies, including ceremonies of birth, marriage, death, and thanksgiving. In fact, communities in the City of Waikabubak Marapu know of wula podu (holy month) for a month around October and November every year.

the marriage ceremony is charming. However, it requires a tourist fortune to witness the marriage ceremony, especially when there is talk of belis (dowry). Because, belis in a way that cattle can reach dozens of horses, buffaloes and cows to be submitted to the family of women.

In addition to the ceremony wula podu, Marapu community in West Sumba Pasola also have traditional ceremonies, which are very attractive. Same with wula podu, Pasola performances based on the calculation of the traditional elders. This became an obstacle for travelers to plan trips.


Pasola is a war involving two large groups of horsemen and attacked each other with wooden spear guns. Pasola held once a year, between February and March in four regions in West Sumba, namely in Wanokaka, Lamboya, Gaura and sub-district of Kodi.

Unless Sumba Island wula podu and Pasola, funerals also keep the charm of its own culture. A person who died, will not necessarily be buried. But, it could be left between three to one week at home before burial. Every day, a family funeral that the funeral should be entertaining guests with food and drinks.

Sumba Island actually not only offer cultural tours. Its natural charm was no less enthralling. After a weary watch cultural objects, travelers can refresh themselves by watching the waterfall in Weikelo Rice, about 9 km from Waikabubak. Waterfalls are never used as a power source that offers a panoramic view of the natural water sources of the cave is quite large.

sourch: liburan.info