Meet Our Team of Sumba Experts
The soul of Sumba Island Tour is our people. We are a collective of passionate professionals, cultural insiders, and luxury travel experts dedicated to crafting unforgettable journeys into the heart of Sumba. Our team’s deep-rooted local knowledge and international service standards ensure your experience is seamless, authentic, and truly exceptional. Every member is a vital link in a chain of expertise, from the first inquiry to your final farewell from the ‘Land of the Ancestors’.
Budi Santoso
Founder & Managing Director
Credentials: B.A. in Hospitality Management, Cornell University; Member of ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies)
As part of the Juara Holding Group, Budi brings over 25 years of experience in Indonesian luxury hospitality to the helm. His vision for Sumba Island Tour was forged from a deep respect for East Nusa Tenggara’s unique cultures. Budi is not just a manager; he is the chief architect of our company’s philosophy, ensuring that every tour balances world-class luxury with profound cultural respect. He maintains high-level relationships with partners like Nihi Sumba and the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism (Kemenparekraf) to ensure our operations meet the highest standards.
Maria Rambu
Head of Sumba Operations
Credentials: Certified Senior Tour Guide, Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia (HPI); Native of Kodi, West Sumba
Maria is the heart of our on-island operations. Born and raised in a traditional village near Ratenggaro, she speaks multiple local dialects and possesses an unparalleled understanding of Marapu customs and the intricate social calendar, including the timing of the Pasola rituals. Her connections with village elders (Rato) are built on generations of trust, allowing our guests respectful access to sacred sites and ceremonies. Maria personally vets every local guide and driver, ensuring they meet our stringent standards for safety and cultural knowledge.
Umar Wulang
Lead Cultural & Historical Guide
Credentials: Degree in Anthropology, Universitas Udayana; Specialist in Austronesian Megalithic Cultures
Umar is our resident scholar. His academic background, combined with his Sumbanese heritage, allows him to bridge the gap between ancient history and living tradition. He can explain the symbolic meaning of motifs on a 200-year-old stone grave at Wainyapu as easily as he can detail the complex social rules of a Pasola ceremony. Umar leads our guide training program and collaborates with our content team to ensure the accuracy of the information we publish, as outlined in our Editorial Standards. He is passionate about preserving Marapu oral histories and sharing them with curious travelers.
Dewi Lestari
Head of Client Relations & Bespoke Itineraries
Credentials: IATA Certified Travel Professional; 15+ years experience with global luxury travel consortiums
Based in our Bali office, Dewi is the primary point of contact for our discerning international clientele. Her expertise lies in translating a client’s desires into a flawlessly executed itinerary. She understands the nuances of luxury travel, from arranging private jet landings at Tambolaka Airport (TMC) to securing exclusive-use bookings at top villas. Dewi’s meticulous planning and proactive communication ensure that every detail is perfect, allowing our guests to immerse themselves in their Sumba experience without a single worry.
Ayu Kirana
Sustainability & Community Partnership Coordinator
Credentials: M.Sc. in Sustainable Tourism, Gadjah Mada University; Field experience with The Sumba Foundation
Ayu is the guardian of our conscience. She is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring all our sustainability initiatives. This includes managing our carbon offset program, ensuring our partner hotels adhere to strict environmental standards, and directing our community support projects. Ayu works closely with Maria Rambu to identify and support local ikat weaving cooperatives and ensures a portion of our revenue is channeled effectively to partners like The Sumba Foundation. Her work is central to our mission of creating a positive impact. Explore our initiatives on our Sustainability page.
Together, our team works in concert to deliver more than just a vacation. We deliver a deep, meaningful, and unforgettable Sumba Island tour. We invite you to connect with us and feel the difference that true expertise makes.
Continue exploring Sumba Island Tour:
Our Sumba Island Tour Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance
Unveiling Sumba’s untamed luxury
Imagine the whisper of ancient spirits carried on the wind, the vibrant hues of hand-woven ikat textiles, and the breathtaking sight of wild horses galloping across Sumba’s untouched savannas. This is Sumba, an island sanctuary in eastern Indonesia that remains a true frontier for the discerning traveler. Far removed from the well-trodden paths, Sumba offers an unparalleled blend of raw natural beauty, profound cultural heritage, and exquisite tranquility. It’s a destination where luxury is defined not by ostentation, but by authentic connection, unparalleled privacy, and the privilege of experiencing a world preserved by time.
Our bespoke Sumba Island Tour experiences are meticulously designed to unlock this unique allure, transforming a simple visit into a profound journey. We specialize in curating access to Sumba’s most captivating aspects, from its dramatic coastal cliffs and pristine beaches to its verdant valleys and ancient villages. With a deep understanding of the island’s rhythms and secrets, we ensure every moment resonates with the spirit of luxury exploration, providing comfort and sophistication without compromising the island’s authentic charm.
The art of the bespoke Sumba journey
A Sumba Island Tour with us is never a pre-packaged itinerary; it is a collaborative masterpiece, tailored to your individual desires and curiosities. Whether your passion lies in exploring megalithic tombs that predate written history, witnessing the intricate process of ikat weaving passed down through generations, or simply unwinding on a secluded beach, our team crafts every detail. We arrange private guided excursions to hidden waterfalls, exclusive access to traditional Marapu ceremonies, and opportunities for horseback riding alongside local Sumbanese cowboys, ensuring an intimate and personalized adventure.
Our commitment extends to providing seamless travel logistics. Sumba, roughly 11,000 square kilometers, is easily accessible, with direct flights from Bali typically taking just over an hour. Upon arrival, our dedicated team orchestrates every transfer, accommodation, and activity with precision, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the experience. We partner with Sumba’s most exclusive eco-luxury resorts and private villas, ensuring your stay is as restorative as it is enriching, blending world-class amenities with sustainable practices that honor the island’s pristine environment.
The true essence of a luxury Sumba Island Tour lies in the depth of cultural immersion we facilitate. We believe in fostering respectful interactions with local communities, ensuring that your journey contributes positively to the island’s future. Our expert local guides, fluent in both English and local dialects, serve as cultural bridges, offering insights into the Marapu belief system and the nuances of Sumbanese life. This authentic engagement transforms sightseeing into genuine understanding, enriching your perspective far beyond typical tourism.
A commitment to authentic immersion and sustainable luxury
Our vision for Sumba goes beyond crafting exceptional holidays; it encompasses a profound respect for the island’s heritage and its people. Every Sumba Island Tour we create is imbued with principles of responsible tourism, ensuring that your luxury experience supports local artisans, preserves cultural traditions, and protects Sumba’s fragile ecosystems. We advocate for direct engagement with local communities, allowing travelers to witness firsthand the incredible craftsmanship of Sumbanese ikat weavers or the vibrant energy of local markets, knowing their presence contributes to sustainable livelihoods.
We provide privileged access to some of Sumba’s most iconic cultural spectacles, such as the annual Pasola festival, a breathtaking ritualistic war game that showcases the island’s warrior spirit and deep spiritual roots. While the exact dates vary, this ancient equestrian event typically occurs in February or March, drawing participants and spectators from across the island to witness a spectacle of courage and tradition. Our team ensures respectful viewing opportunities, allowing you to experience these profound moments with sensitivity and insight.
Our deep local connections mean we can open doors to experiences unavailable to others. Imagine a private audience with a village elder, learning about ancestral wisdom, or participating in a traditional cooking class using ingredients sourced directly from Sumba’s fertile lands. This level of authentic engagement, combined with unparalleled comfort and personalized service, defines the luxury Sumba Island Tour experience we proudly offer. We are not just travel planners; we are custodians of extraordinary moments, dedicated to sharing the magic of Sumba with the world.