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It’s a small eco-hotel with a big heart, where you’ll stay in the heart of the Sumba Hospitality Foundation’s campus and be served by its enthusiastic students. They are learning the ropes of the hospitality industry while creating a better future for themselves and their island. By staying here, you’ll not only enjoy the beauty and culture of Sumba, but also support a worthy cause.
Unique or special aspects
- You’ll stay in one of the nine sustainable pavilions made of bamboo, each with its own charm and privacy. Some are tucked away in the jungle, others overlook the pool or the permaculture farm.
- You’ll experience campus life first-hand, from joining the students in their classes and activities, to dining at their restaurant and spa, to exploring their solar-powered facilities and organic garden.
- You’ll have access to a range of experiences that showcase the best of Sumba, from cycling to the beach and snorkeling in the sea, to visiting local villages and witnessing traditional ceremonies.
Setting
Maringi Sumba is located in Waikelo, a rural area in the southwest of Sumba, about 20 minutes drive from Tambolaka airport. The resort is surrounded by lush greenery and hills, with views of the Indian Ocean. It’s a peaceful and secluded spot, yet close to some of the island’s attractions, such as Ratenggaro village, Weekuri lagoon and Mandorak beach.
Style
Maringi Sumba combines traditional Sumbanese architecture with modern design and comfort. The pavilions are built with locally sourced bamboo and decorated with hand-woven fabrics and artworks. The interiors are spacious and airy, with open-air bathrooms, natural beauty products, fans and air-conditioning. The communal areas are cozy and inviting, with bamboo furniture, cushions and books.
Sustainability
Maringi Sumba is a model of sustainability and social responsibility. The resort is powered by solar panels and uses rainwater harvesting and composting toilets. The food is organic and mostly grown on-site or sourced from nearby farmers. The waste is recycled or reused as much as possible. The resort also supports local artisans, craftsmen and suppliers.
Maringi Sumba is part of the Sumba Hospitality Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides free education and training to underprivileged youth from Sumba. The foundation aims to empower them with skills and opportunities to improve their lives and their communities. The foundation also promotes responsible tourism that preserves the environment and culture of Sumba. By staying at Maringi Sumba, you’ll contribute to this mission and make a positive impact on the island.
Community Impact and Empowerment
Maringi Sumba is more than just a resort. It’s a social enterprise that aims to empower the local community through education and employment. It’s part of the Sumba Hospitality Foundation, which offers free vocational training in hospitality and tourism to underprivileged youth from Sumba. The foundation also provides scholarships, mentoring, life skills and English classes to its students.
By staying at Maringi Sumba, you’ll directly support the foundation’s mission and vision. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with the students and learn about their stories, dreams and challenges. You’ll also witness their culture and traditions first-hand, such as their weaving, dancing and ceremonies.
Rooms
Maringi Sumba offers two types of pavilions: Bamboo or Pool. Both are comfortable and elegant, but have different features and locations.
Bamboo pavilions: These are five beautiful cottages that are located in the heart of the campus, but still offer privacy and seclusion. They have queen-sized beds, en-suite open-air bathrooms, mosquito nets, fans and air-conditioning. They also have private terraces where you can relax and enjoy the nature sounds.
Pool pavilions: These are four luxurious villas that are built around a magnificent bamboo structure alongside the pool. They have king-sized beds or twin beds, en-suite open-air bathrooms, mosquito nets, fans and air-conditioning. They also have access to a communal kitchen and living room where you can mingle with other guests.
Things to do
Spa and wellness: You can pamper yourself with a massage, a facial, a manicure or a pedicure at the Maringi Spa, where the students use natural and eco-friendly products. You can also join a yoga session at the yoga pavilion, where you can practice your poses and meditation in a serene setting.
Cycling to the beach: You can borrow a mountain bike from the resort and cycle to the nearby beach, where you can enjoy the sun, sand and sea. You can also snorkel in the coral reefs and see the colorful fish and turtles.
Sea campus tour: You can take a tour of the sea campus, where you can learn about the marine conservation projects that the foundation is involved in. You can also see the coral nursery, the mangrove restoration and the turtle hatchery.
Culture: You can visit some of the local villages and learn about their traditions, customs and beliefs. You can also witness some of their ceremonies, such as the Pasola festival, where the warriors ride horses and throw spears at each other.
Wider region
Sumba is one of Indonesia’s last remaining unspoiled islands. It has stunning coastlines, amazing waterfalls and lagoons, and breath-taking scenery with wild horses. It also has a rich and hospitable culture, protected by its local tribes. You’ll find many things to see and do in this diverse and fascinating island.
Ratenggaro village: This is one of the most authentic villages in Sumba, where you can see the traditional houses with towering roofs, the megalithic tombs of the ancestors, and the daily life of the villagers.
Weekuri lagoon: This is a natural saltwater lake that is separated from the ocean by a narrow strip of land. It has crystal clear water that changes color depending on the sunlight. It’s a great place to swim, snorkel or kayak.
Mandorak beach: This is a beautiful white-sand beach that is surrounded by cliffs and rock formations. It has turquoise water that is ideal for surfing or swimming. It’s also a popular spot for watching the sunset.
Lapopu waterfall: This is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Sumba, where you can see a cascade of water falling from a height of about 90 meters into a pool below. It’s a refreshing and scenic place to visit.
Getting there
Maringi Sumba is easily accessible by air or by road. The nearest airport is Tambolaka, which is about 20 minutes drive from the resort. There are several daily flights from Bali, Kupang and Ende. The resort offers a paid airport shuttle service that you can book in advance. Alternatively, you can rent a car or a motorbike and drive yourself to the resort. The roads are mostly paved and well-marked.
- Limits plastic use
- Actively reduces consumption
- Recycling
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Employs local people
- Promotes local businesses
- Funds projects
- Local or organic food
- Education
- Community based
- Empowerment
- Culture
- Beach or coast
- Gym
- Spa
- Pool
- Private pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Wifi
- Up to 2
- Family
- Villa
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Watersports
- Cultural visit
- Yoga
