Waterfalls have soothing qualities that allow you to cleanse your body, mind, and soul, and even lift your mood. Not to mention, they’re a great way to cool off on a hot day! The boundless photo opportunities away from the crowds of places like Bali, also make Sumba an attractive escape for waterfall hunters.
Want more info on visiting one of our favorite Indonesian islands? Read up on everything you need to know about visiting Sumba, especially when you expect to see the best waterfalls in Sumba. All are right here!Â
Lapopu Waterfall, West Sumba
1-hour 30-minute drive from Tambolaka
Entry: IDR 150,000 for tourists and IDR 5,000 for locals
One of the best waterfalls in Sumba (maybe even Indonesia!) is at Lapopu in West Sumba, where the water cascades down in terraces from a height of 90 meters. There is a short and scenic 10-minute hike along river banks and across a bamboo bridge to reach the waterfall. Make sure you bring your swimwear, so you can plunge into the turquoise lagoon located by the waterfall, and spend some time hanging out. The access to the waterfall is quite bumpy, so traveling by car is a good idea. You can easily access Lapopu Waterfall from the town of Waikabubak which is only 40 minutes away, or from the Tambolaka area in just 90 minutes. You do not need a local guide to reach this Sumba waterfall, as it is only a short hike.
Wai Marang Waterfall, East Sumba
Entry: Free
Easily accessible from Waingapu in East Sumba, this waterfall requires you to hike down a track for 20 minutes until you reach the canyon where the waterfall is located. The canyon has a beautiful turquoise lagoon with clean spring water where you can take a refreshing dip. The hike up and down the trail is a little strenuous, but the waterfall is definitely worth the workout, as you will find a very peaceful piece of paradise on the island of Sumba, right here.
Tanggedu Waterfall, North East Sumba
I hour 15 minutes from Waingapu
Entry: IDR 25,000, IDR 10,000 to take a scooter to the waterfall and IDR 5,000 for parking there or you can pay IDR 50,000 for a ride on a motorbike to the waterfall from the carpark
The Tanggedu Waterfall is sightseeing with a side of adventure. The trek is around 20 minutes from the car park, including crossing a small bridge and some stairs. The waterfall cascades into a long and winding rock canyon with an enchanting turquoise lagoon, making this one of the must-visit waterfalls in Sumba. You will even pass by some remote villages along the way. If trekking isn’t your thing, you can grab a ride on a scooter with a local guide. The scenery and taking a dip in the pool makes the journey totally worthwhile. You may even spot some wild horses roaming the savannah along the way!
Lokomboro Waterfall, West Sumba
Entry: 1 hour from Tambolaka
Entry: Free
This jungle-clad waterfall cascades onto mossy rocks upon a turquoise lagoon, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. You will use rustic wooden stairs to descend from the car park to the site of the waterfall. If you are feeling adventurous, it’s worth braving the steps in exchange for a refreshing dip in the cool springs below the waterfall.
Hirumanu Waterfall, East Sumba
2.5 hours from Waingapu
Entry: IDR 10,000
This multi-tiered waterfall is a hidden treasure within the Sumbanese jungle. Water cascades down three tiers of rock faces and falls in a wide formation, creating a dramatic scene. Although the distance to the waterfall from the car park is only around 300 meters, it is quite steep, so this waterfall may be better suited to hikers with a moderate level of fitness.
We Soka Waterfall, West Sumba
2.5 hours from Tambolaka
We Sokka Waterfall is a small waterfall less frequented by visitors. It has a nice rock pool where you can take a peaceful and refreshing dip.
Matayangu Waterfall, West Sumba
1 hour 30 minutes from Tambolaka
Entrance: Take a guide from Lapopu for around IDR 150,000
Of all the waterfalls to visit in Sumba, Matayangu Waterfall isn’t for the faint-hearted! To reach the falls, you will hike for around 90 minutes downhill, and 2 hours uphill on the way home. The trek begins from Lapopu Waterfall, taking you on an adventure down 500 stairs. It is well worth the effort, as you will find a tall waterfall surrounded by green cliffs and jungle landscapes. This Sumba waterfall is especially beautiful after periods of rain when the power of the waterfall is even more intense and some water shoots off the rocks horizontally. Make sure you bring your swimwear so that you can cool off in the beautiful lagoon, before climbing back up the stairs!
Waikanabu Waterfall, East Sumba
3 hours 30 mins from Waingapu to Waikanabu Village
It doesn’t get more wild or off-the-beaten-track than Waikanabu Waterfall, which is located in the Matalawa National Park. Starting at Mandora Village or Waikanabu Village, you will trek for around 6 hours with a local guide. All your weariness will fade away, once you spot the waterfall that cascades over many rocks in a wide formation from several different streams.
La Tuku Waterfall, East Sumba
2.5 hours from Waingapu
Cost: Free
This Sumba waterfall is a hidden gem, with fewer visitors than many of the other waterfalls on the island. At La Tuku, water falls from a height of about 100 metres, creating a heavenly scene.
La’iwi Waterfall, East Sumba
3 hours 10 minutes from Tambolaka
Cascading from a height of around 30 meters over mossy rocks surrounded by thick jungle, La’iwi Waterfall is one of East Sumba’s largest waterfalls. There is a concrete staircase of around 200 metres to reach the waterfall, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
Loko Winne Mata Kaito, South West Sumba
1 hour drive from Tambolaka
Loko Winne Mata Kaito is a Sumba waterfall that is accessible by a steep wood staircase, which means you will need an adventurous spirit to make it to the bottom and back up again! When you reach it, however, you will be rewarded with a beautiful and serene waterfall and lagoon, perfect for taking a dip before you brave the stairs back up to the car park.
Kalamba Waterfall, East Sumba
1 hour 20 minute drive from Waingapu
A scenic hike awaits you, when you venture to Kalamba Waterfall in East Sumba. You will encounter rolling hills along the way and maybe even some friendly water buffalo strolling along the river bank. The Kalamba Waterfall cascades into a small canyon, and there are some swimming spots further downstream for a soul-cleansing dip.
Bangga Watu, East Sumba
1 hour 45 minute drive from Waingapu
To access the Bangga Watu waterfall in East Sumba, there is a small hiking trail through a peaceful forest that leads you to the site of the waterfall. The large waterfall cascades down a rock face and into a stream.
Laputi Waterfall, Central-South Sumba
5 hours from Waingapu and Tambolaka
This waterfall is a tropical temptation, tucked away in a lush rainforest within the MaTaLaWa National Park. The drive from both Waingapu and Tambolaka areas is quite long, but depending on which part of the island you are staying, it is a fine spot for a refreshing dip right by a dreamy waterfall. The trek to the waterfall through the scenic National Park is only a moderate level.
Danau Laputi, East Sumba
5 hours from Waingapu and Tambolaka
A dreamy waterfall that cascades down mossy rocks, this Sumba waterfall is a heavenly sight. White eels called Laputi reside in the lagoon, but don’t worry – the residents of the lagoon are friendly. You can see them through the crystal clear water, however, legend says you must not eat the sacred eels or you will die! There is also a micro-hydro water power plant there. Located in the MaTaLaWa National Park area, you can combine a visit to Laputi Waterfalls also.
Wee Kacura Waterfall, West Sumba
50 minutes from Tambolaka
This waterfall should be at the top of your list of must-visit waterfalls on the island of Sumba. Not only are there beautiful, terraced waterfalls, but you will also find expansive rice field views all around. The water from the falls is used for rice field irrigation. Kacura Waterfall is very close to the town of Waikabubak.
Bendungan Waikelo Sawah Waterfall, West Sumba
50 minutes from Tambolaka
Bendungan Waikelo Sawah Waterfall impresses with rice field views stretching out in every direction. You can reach the waterfall after a 15-minute hike. There is a weir below a cave mouth, creating a calm spot that locals use for bathing, washing clothes and even washing water buffalo.
Harunda Waterfall, Central Sumba
2 hours from Waingapu
Easily accessible by road, this Sumba waterfall cascades into a rock pool in a tranquil spot. You will be mesmerized by the surrounding hills and clear water of the Harunda Waterfall, and you can easily climb the hill to the top of the falls for an aerial view.
Kolam Jodoh Lewa Tidahu, East Sumba
2 hour drive from Waingapu
A bright turquoise lagoon with stalactites and cave formations in the surroundings makes this waterfall a hidden gem tucked away in the Sumba forest. You’ll reach the waterfall within 10 minutes from the car park, where you can take a refreshing dip in the small and calm lagoon to cool down on a hot Sumba day.
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That concludes our comprehensive list of the best waterfalls to visit in Sumba. The island is still mostly untouched, so there are still plenty more hidden waterfalls and scenic spots to discover. Make sure you start planning your trip to Sumba now to beat the crowds, as this island is sure to take off as one of Indonesia’s top tourist destinations. Browse our website to read our other blogs about the amazing East Nusa Tenggara.
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