SUMBA, INDONESIA

Travel Notes


The enchanting island of Sumba is one of the most authentic Indonesian island cultural experiences still in existence. The part-Christian, part-Animist worshipping inhabitants live mostly in traditional villages with stick and palm built houses and with subsistence farming practices.  In recent years, the island has begun attracting adventurous travelers seeking a gentler pace and wilder Indonesian experience than overrun Bali thanks to Nihi Sumba, a luxury resort twice voted as Travel & Leisure’s Best Hotel in the World. Nihi is the island’s first and, as of now,  only resort founded originally as an upscale surfer’s retreat due to the world-class waves found nearby. Now as a widely touted destination, it is working to simultaneously improve the lives and livelihoods of the island natives by training and employing them as staff as well as providing education, clean water and medical clinics through its Sumba Foundation.

Currency
Indonesia Rupiah

Time Zone
Central Indonesian Time
Language
Indonesian and local dialects

Local Cuisine
Fish and rice
Best time to visit
April - October

Dress Code
Ikat Sarung
WHERE TO STAY
Stories + Objects Global Travel Notes
WHAT TO DO

HORSEBACK RIDING

Sandalwood Stables

Nihi
Sumba, Indonesia

SPA SAFARI

Nihioka

Nihi
Sumba, Indonesia

SURFING

Occy’s Left

Nihi
Sumba, Indonesia

SUMBA FOUNDATION

Village Project Tours

Nihi
Sumba, Indonesia

Stories + Objects Global Travel Images
REQUIRED READING

BY CLAUDE GRAVES

PURCHASE
The Objects

Exclusive Edition 023 Sumbanese Ikat Fabrics


Double weave ikat is traditionally made by three cultures in the modern world - Japan, India and Indonesia. Sumbanese ikats are considered to be the most sought after of the Indonesian version of the craft. These woven fabrics are made by the women of the island in a lasting legacy passed down from mother to daughter. The ikats continue to play an important role in Sumbanese society, either in the form of worn garments, in daily or ceremonial life, or more recently as a means of commerce with the outside world.

Details

These featured double weave ikats were crafted by the women of Sumba. The first selected design depicts the fabled Sandalwood Arabian horses, found only on the island after first being introduced by Arab traders who brought them in harvesting the trees which were once found throughout the island. The second ikat's pattern features skull trees, a depiction that harkens back to the island's nearly abandoned culture of head-hunting. The chosen designs are rarely found on the island and were hand selected by S+O's founder on her trip to the island. Ten percent of the ikat sales proceeds to benefit the Sumba Foundation.  Additional designs can be sourced by inquiry at inquiries@storiesandobjects.com

The Story

A LOOMING LEGACY


Peda Wei Awang and Diala Rade are ikat weavers from the island of Sumba in Indonesia. Ikat weaving is a daily part of life where the tapestry-like fabrics, whether in simple color stripes or more elaborate symbolic designs, are worn as garments, carried as family or village crests, gifted during celebrations and more recently traded with visitors to the island. The island weavers typically produce double ikat which is considered to be the most difficult to design and most highly valued.