Watukarere is a remote and evocative location situated on the western coast of Sumba Island, Indonesia, famous for its luxurious seclusion and wild beaches. Far from the crowds of Bali, Sumba offers an authentic travel experience, focused on pristine nature, the Masyarakat Sumba culture, and animistic traditions. Watukarere, in particular, is synonymous with boutique resorts and luxurious accommodations that blend with the landscape, offering a unique experiential and sustainable tourism opportunity worldwide.

What our Travel Designers Recommend: Beaches, Culture, and Adventure

• Nihiwatu Beach (Watukarere) – This beach, often considered one of the best in the world and mainly accessible to guests of the adjacent luxury resort, is famous for its perfect surfing waves and sunset horseback riding. It is the epitome of Sumba's wild beauty.
• Traditional Villages – Excursions to villages like Ratenggaro, with their high-roofed houses (Uma Kelada), to observe local culture and rituals up close.
• Lapopu Waterfalls – An unforgettable trek through the jungle to reach this beautiful multi-tiered waterfall, an oasis of coolness.
• Surfing and Water Sports – The coasts of Watukarere and West Sumba are a paradise for surfers, with world-class, yet uncrowded, waves.

Real Experience: Luxury and Cultural Immersion

A must-do experience in Watukarere is the visit to a local market, such as the one in Waikabubak, where you can admire Sumba's unique craftsmanship, especially the finely woven Ikat fabrics. Our local experts strongly recommend combining your luxury stay with a day dedicated to exploring the Sumba Foundation, an organization that supports local communities' education and health. Staying here is an opportunity for positive impact tourism.

Gastronomy and What to Taste

Sumbanese cuisine is based on fresh, local ingredients. We recommend tasting the Jagung Katemak (a dish based on corn, pumpkin, and beans) and the incredibly fresh grilled fish dishes, seasoned with local spices like Sambal Matah, a raw and spicy sauce. Many luxury resorts offer 'farm-to-table' culinary experiences with locally grown produce.

Institutional Links

• Official Tourism Website of Indonesia
• Sumba Foundation (Link to a prominent local initiative)

Top 3 Recommended Luxury Hotels

• NIHI Sumba – Iconic luxury property, often voted among the best resorts in the world, known for its private villas, impeccable service, and social commitment through the Sumba Foundation.
• Maringi Sumba – Another charming option offering a balance between luxury, privacy, and a deep connection with nature.
• Lelewatu Resort Sumba – Boutique resort with a spectacular location and a design that enhances traditional Sumbanese architecture.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants (Luxury Resort Cuisine)

• The Dining Room (NIHI Sumba) – Offers international and Indonesian cuisine of the highest standard with fresh ingredients.
• Lelewatu Restaurant – Presents a menu that blends local and international flavours, with an unparalleled view.
• Menara Beach Bar & Restaurant (NIHI Sumba) – Perfect for a casual lunch or a sunset cocktail.