We got up 1am to catch a 4am flight. Everyone was sleep deprived but excited for the adventure. Sumba, an island just 45 min flight away from Bali, is not well known by foreigner or even locals. It’s pure nature and pristine.
We arrived sumba around 8:30am after a short stopover at Bali. Our guide Moses picked us up and we went to visit the Waikuri Lagoon. It’s so beautiful and no other tourist when we arrived.
It was too sunny to dip to the water, so we just walk around and explored a bit. There was a big wave few weeks ago that destroyed part of the bridge walking pathway so we had to improvise a bit
Then we went to Pantai Mandorak beach near the lagoon. Again only locals in this beautiful beach. The sand is semi pink
We explored around for a while before set into lunch. The lunch box was not very appetizing nor vegan friendly. We gave most of our lunch boxes to the dogs begging for food
Unlike Java, which is 80% Muslim , thus no street dogs, sumba is 90% catholic so plenty of street dogs. The dog as so happy to eat the chicken and rice.
We desperately needed a nap so headed to the hotel. It is a 4 start hotel with very few guests and kind staff. According to Moses, it’s the only building with elevators in the island.
Husband and I took a nap while girls played in their room and then went to the pool. When I woke up I went to the pool and spent few hours reading, enjoying the surroundings that felt extra luxurious considering the scenery near by, which is very basic if not poor.
Finally daddy woke up and we went for an early dinner. We had low expectations but it turned out quite good, especially because they had a good vegetable dish that I enjoyed, asking for a second plate. Girls also enjoyed their spaghetti with bolognese sauce.
I consider it as a good start. Nature, slow mode, hours for reading, vegetables, and serene surroundings.
Oh… I got a mini panic when they told me the gym was closed for maintenance. Given I can’t run outside on the road, street dogs everywhere, I was panicking where to run tomorrow. Fortunately I talked to the staff again and asked permission to use the treadmill tomorrow, which they agreed. What a relief. 😅
Our New Journey 
Looks like a great start! I hadn’t realized your two weeks in the U.S. and now two weeks of vacation were so close together. I bet by the time you’re done traveling you will be really excited to just be home for a while and in normal routines! But first, enjoy your family vacation! 🤩
LikeLike
Wow this place looks gorgeous! I need an explanation for why a Muslim dominant area doesn’t have street dogs but a Catholic one does! It is odd that 90% of that area is Catholic. There must have been missionaries there or something? That water looks gorgeous! Have the best time!!
LikeLike