Why Sumba Is Indonesia’s Last Untouched Island (and How to Be Part of It Legally)
Inside Sumba: The Last Untouched Island in Indonesia (and How to Be Part of It Legally, Ethically, and Sustainably)
For decades, Bali has stood as Indonesia's global calling card, a place of temples, rice fields, beach clubs, and booming tourism. But as Bali continues to buckle under the weight of overdevelopment, traffic, and zoning chaos, a new island is quietly rising in the east. Its name is Sumba.
With raw cliffs, turquoise surf, waterfall-fed jungles, and one of the richest indigenous cultures in Southeast Asia, Sumba offers something few destinations can: space, clarity, and the chance to build something meaningful from the ground up. But unlike speculative land grabs or unpermitted villas in Bali, Sumba invites a different kind of developer — one who is conscious, intentional, and ready to do things right.
This is your complete guide to discovering Sumba, understanding its potential, and learning how to be part of it in a way that is legally sound, culturally sensitive, and future-aligned.
The Magic of Sumba
Located just one hour by plane east of Bali, Sumba feels like stepping back in time. Traditional villages still dot the hills, wild horses graze along limestone cliffs, and locals speak a rich variety of Austronesian dialects. Unlike other Indonesian islands, Sumba is dry, rugged, and dramatic more savannah than jungle, more ancient than tropical cliché.
Its natural beauty is staggering. From the cascading Lapopu and Tanggedu waterfalls to the white sands of Mandorak and Watu Maladong beaches, Sumba's coastline rivals the Caribbean. The surf breaks are world-class and often empty. Inland, you will find ancient stone tombs, towering thatched houses, and ceremonial rituals that trace back thousands of years.
In 2023, Sumba's global profile was boosted once again when Nihi Sumba, a luxury eco-resort on the island’s southwest coast, was named Best Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure for the third time. That recognition placed Sumba on the international map, but the island itself remains largely untouched.
Why Sumba Remains Untouched
Despite its growing allure, Sumba has never been overrun by tourists. There are a few reasons for this:
Geography: Sumba is large, nearly twice the size of Bali, but with only a fraction of the population. This gives it a sense of scale and openness that’s rare in Southeast Asia.
Infrastructure: While growing steadily, Sumba still lacks the high-speed connectivity and roads found in Bali. This keeps development slow and organic.
Local Resistance to Overdevelopment: Sumba’s tribal culture is protective of the land. Many areas are held by clans, and traditional law still plays a role in village decision-making.
These factors have acted as a kind of natural filter, preventing the kind of unchecked sprawl that has consumed other tropical destinations. For the conscious investor or retreat builder, this is not a limitation, it is an opportunity.
The Bali Backlash: A Cautionary Tale
For years, Bali was a playground for digital nomads, developers, and Instagram influencers. But in recent times, the downsides have become impossible to ignore: illegal builds, traffic congestion, trash burning, flooding, and a growing sense that the soul of the island is being sold off, piece by piece.
In 2024, the Balinese government demolished over 40 illegal villas in the popular Bingin area due to zoning violations. These were multimillion-dollar properties built in green zones, agricultural zones, or without permits. Many sold to foreigners who believed they were acting legally.
If you are considering land in Indonesia, it is critical to learn from Bali’s mistakes. Always check zoning, always build legally, and never rely on nominee structures. For a full breakdown of how to own and build land legally in Indonesia, read our in-depth guide: How Foreigners Can Legally Own Land and Build in Indonesia.
How to Be Part of Sumba Responsibly
Sumba is not for mass tourism. It is for people looking to build with care, to leave a legacy, or to create something regenerative. If you want to invest or live here, there are a few non-negotiables:
Use a PMA (foreign-owned company) to buy land legally
Only buy land zoned for tourism or residential use
Work with local professionals to obtain the correct permits
Respect the land and the culture
The correct ownership structure for foreigners is via a PMA (Penanaman Modal Asing). This setup allows you to hold land under an HGB (Hak Guna Bangunan) title, build legally, and operate rentals or hospitality businesses. Learn more in this resource: How to Start a Small Retreat or Airbnb on Sumba Sunset Cliff.
What Makes Sumba Different From Other Investment Hotspots
Unlike many other parts of Indonesia, Sumba is not yet speculative. Land is still priced according to its use and location, not hype. Here, $70,000 can get you a 2,500 sqm oceanfront plot fully legal, fully titled, and in a government-designated tourism zone.
Sumba is also one of the only areas where zoning is still clear and enforceable. Projects like Sumba Sunset Cliff have been designed with long-term sustainability in mind:
No leaseholds or nominee deals
Only HGB (buildable and transferable)
Minimum development standards
Community-led values and design principles
If you want to avoid scams or unclear land, read our guide: How to Avoid Land Scams in Indonesia.
Famous Sumba Spots to Visit and Learn From
Nihi Sumba – Often called the most luxurious eco-resort in the world, it’s a model for community involvement and ethical tourism.
Weekuri Lagoon – A saltwater lagoon surrounded by white rock, perfect for swimming.
Ratenggaro Village – Home to Sumba’s iconic megalithic tombs and thatched roof houses.
Lapopu and Tanggedu Waterfalls – Powerful natural landmarks accessible by trek.
Pero and Marosi Beach – West coast surf beaches with glowing sunsets and few people.
Mambang Cliffs – Rising sheer from the ocean, these cliffs are near the Sumba Sunset Cliff development and form part of the dramatic coastline.
These are not overrun tourist attractions. They are sacred, wild, and photogenic places that form the emotional heart of Sumba’s appeal.
The Future of Sumba
There are whispers of an international airport coming to West Sumba, though for now the island remains reachable only via flights from Bali or Kupang. Roads are improving, interest is growing, and those who enter early, with the right approach, are well-positioned to benefit from both appreciation and the satisfaction of building something real.
But Sumba is not for everyone. There are no beach clubs or malls here. Life runs on a different rhythm. This is not a place to build fast and flip. It is a place to build slow and stay.
Read More on the Blog
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Final Thoughts
Sumba is not the next Bali, and that is exactly the point. It offers something more grounded, more honest, and more connected to nature and heritage. For those with vision and patience, it is an open canvas for legacy projects, eco-retreats, regenerative homesteads, and intentional living.
But to be part of Sumba means doing it right. Legally. Respectfully. Sustainably.
If that is your path, we are here to guide you.
Learn more at www.sumbasunsetcliff.com.