Andrew Robinson’s Surfing Adventure at Wainyapu, Sumba

The Journey to Sumba

The trip to Sumba was no easy feat, requiring a bit of patience and a desire for adventure. Andrew began his journey by taking a flight from Sydney to Bali, which takes around 6 hours. After a short layover in Bali, he boarded a domestic flight to Tambolaka Airport in Sumba, which took approximately 1.5 hours. Despite the multiple flights, Andrew felt excitement building with every step closer to the island, anticipating the uncrowded waves and natural beauty he had heard about.

Upon landing at Tambolaka Airport, Andrew faced another leg of the journey: a two-hour drive to Wainyapu, located near the Kodi region in southwest Sumba. The drive, though long, was scenic, with the island’s rolling hills, traditional Sumbanese houses, and grazing water buffalo keeping him engaged.

The Stay: Hotel Near Wainyapu

Andrew stayed at a small, locally run hotel in the Kodi region, about 30 minutes from the Wainyapu surf spot. While not a luxury resort, the hotel offered comfortable rooms, friendly service, and, most importantly, proximity to the surf. The rustic charm of the hotel, combined with the warm hospitality of the staff, made it a relaxing base for his surf-focused adventure. Each morning, he would grab his board and head to the beach, eager to ride the famous waves of Wainyapu.

For Andrew, the most striking aspect of Wainyapu was the lack of crowds. In contrast to the busier surf spots in Bali and Lombok, Wainyapu felt almost deserted, with only a handful of surfers in the water at any given time. This provided an unparalleled sense of freedom, allowing him to catch wave after wave without the competition typically found at more popular spots.

Andrew quickly fell in love with the challenge of Wainyapu’s waves. The reef break required a certain level of expertise—he wouldn’t recommend it to beginners, as the waves can be unforgiving, and the reef below adds an element of danger. However, for those with experience and a love of adventure, Wainyapu offers some of the best surf in Indonesia, according to Andrew.

Beyond the Waves: Exploring Sumba

While surfing was the primary focus of Andrew’s trip, he also took time to explore some of the other attractions around Wainyapu and the Kodi region. One of the highlights was visiting the traditional Sumbanese villages, where towering megalithic tombs and pointed thatched-roof houses provided a fascinating glimpse into the island’s ancient culture. Andrew was particularly impressed by the locals’ sense of community and their connection to their ancestral heritage.

Another must-see for Andrew was the stunning Weekuri Lagoon, a saltwater lagoon just an hour from his hotel. The crystal-clear turquoise waters were perfect for a relaxing swim after a morning of surfing. He also ventured to Ratenggaro Village, famous for its towering traditional houses and spectacular views of the nearby beach.

Andrew was struck by the untouched beauty of Sumba. Unlike Bali, which is bustling with tourists, Sumba felt like a well-kept secret, offering a more laid-back and authentic experience. The landscape was raw and rugged, with rolling hills, unspoiled beaches, and traditional villages dotting the horizon.
Andrew’s Verdict on Wainyapu

By the end of his trip, Andrew couldn’t stop talking about Wainyapu. For him, it was the perfect surf spot—relatively undiscovered, offering world-class waves without the hassle of crowds. The combination of challenging waves, breathtaking scenery, and the opportunity to experience the rich Sumbanese culture made it a surf trip like no other.

Andrew left Wainyapu with a sense of fulfillment, thrilled to have found a hidden gem that few surfers outside of Indonesia had yet to discover. His advice to fellow surfers? “If you’re in Sumba, you have to surf Wainyapu.” Whether you’re an adventurous surfer looking for a challenge or simply someone seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination, Wainyapu and the surrounding area should be high on your list.

For Andrew, Sumba was more than just a surf trip—it was an immersion into an island rich in natural beauty and cultural history, one that he’ll return to again and again.