Your Wishlist

MORE EXPERIENCES →
Day 1

Drag experiences here.

Tenun Ikat Weaving

Add to wishlist

Learn How to Weave Stories
by Hand.

Tenun ikat weaving is a treasured part of Sumba’s cultural heritage. An art form that reflects the skill, patience, and creativity of the Sumbanese people.

Using ancient techniques passed down through generations, ikat textiles are created by meticulously tying and naturally dyeing threads before weaving intricate patterns by hand. These beautiful textiles are more than decoration; they are used for ceremonial occasions such as weddings and funerals, serve as everyday attire, given as meaningful gifts, and make wonderful home adornments.

Guests interested in learning this ancient craft are warmly invited to participate in an arranged session with one of our talented artisans. At NIHI Sumba, we support local artisans by providing a platform where women from nearby villages regularly visit the resort to weave so that their work can be seen and appreciated.

Close-up of a Sumbanese artisan’s hands skillfully preparing dyed threads for traditional ikat weaving at NIHI Sumba.
Sumbanese woman weaving traditional ikat fabric by hand using ancient techniques and natural dyes
A Sumbanese artisan seated at a traditional wooden loom, weaving a vibrant tenun ikat textile at NIHI Sumba, surrounded by colorful handwoven fabrics that reflect generations of cultural craftsmanship.
Two young guests learning traditional tenun ikat weaving from Sumbanese artisans at NIHI Sumba, surrounded by vibrant handwoven textiles—an immersive cultural experience celebrating heritage and community craftsmanship.

Overview

The process of making these beautiful textiles is long and labor-intensive. Completing a single piece of cloth can take months or even years.

Textiles are traditionally used for ceremonial purposes, such as weddings and funerals, but they are also worn as everyday clothing and are often used as gifts or to decorate homes. Special ikat pieces can be found throughout NIHI®.

Capacity
unlimited

Duration
1 hour

Women from nearby villages visit NIHI® throughout the week to settle in at the Pasar Sumba near the Menara and down by the NIHI Boutique on the beach, and weave traditional Sumbanese ikats, as well as bracelets, placemats, baskets, boxes, and containers made of pandanus or palm leaves.

Get in touch

For reservations or more information, please contact our

Travel Designers

E. [email protected]
W. +62 811 3821 2910

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*

More Experiences

VIEW ALL

Nihigram

Feel the quiet magic of @nihi’s herd on Nihiwatu Beach. Moving to an unhurried rhythm, they wade through the water and leave footprints in the sand before letting their spirits loose in a gallop along the shoreline. A beautiful reminder of what true freedom looks like.
.
#nihigram by @josepalbert @evelien_louise

12709218
Open post by nihi with ID 17856765069638533
Feel the quiet magic of @nihi’s herd on Nihiwatu Beach. Moving to an unhurried rhythm, they wade through the water and leave footprints in the sand before letting their spirits loose in a gallop along the shoreline. A beautiful reminder of what true freedom looks like..#nihigram by @josepalbert @evelien_louise

From chasing waves to an unforgettable set on the sand at The Boathouse, @ziggyalberts kicks off the very first Sunset Session at @nihi.

71057
Open post by nihi with ID 18111562276831355
From chasing waves to an unforgettable set on the sand at The Boathouse, @ziggyalberts kicks off the very first Sunset Session at @nihi.

Morning swims at Putri Hillrise makes the world you know feel far away. A villa set high above @nihi that offers sweeping views of the Edge of Wildness and a true sense of escape.

2421110
Open post by nihi with ID 18321166549252942
Morning swims at Putri Hillrise makes the world you know feel far away. A villa set high above @nihi that offers sweeping views of the Edge of Wildness and a true sense of escape.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED: Last chance to win a stay at NIHI Sumba!

It’s the final few days before our competition for a 3-night stay on the Edge of Wildness ends. To celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse, one lucky follower will stay where horses roam and the days feel untamed. To have the chance to experience the magic of NIHI Sumba, all you have to do is:
* Follow @nihi
* Share this post to your story
Competition closes 30th April, 2026. Full T&C available in our link in BIO.

The Edge of Wildness is closer than you think!
.
#nihigram @alifeiimagined

140774560
Open post by nihi with ID 18461362435111093
GIVEAWAY CLOSED: Last chance to win a stay at NIHI Sumba!It’s the final few days before our competition for a 3-night stay on the Edge of Wildness ends. To celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse, one lucky follower will stay where horses roam and the days feel untamed. To have the chance to experience the magic of NIHI Sumba, all you have to do is:* Follow @nihi* Share this post to your storyCompetition closes 30th April, 2026. Full T&C available in our link in BIO.The Edge of Wildness is closer than you think!.#nihigram @alifeiimagined

Raw beauty, untamed adventure, and moments that stay with you forever. Welcome to @nihi. A place that stays with you long after you’ve left. Experience the magic in the spaces between nature and luxury. A retreat from the modern world out on the Edge of Wildness.

5609167
Open post by nihi with ID 17858157597635525
Raw beauty, untamed adventure, and moments that stay with you forever. Welcome to @nihi. A place that stays with you long after you’ve left. Experience the magic in the spaces between nature and luxury. A retreat from the modern world out on the Edge of Wildness.

Wake up to the wonder of untamed nature as first light filters through the palms and the mist rises.

@nihi is where breakfast is served slowly and enjoyed with the sight of horses to admire and the background sound of waves rolling in. Spend your days with quiet swims by the ocean or in the comfort of your own private haven. The Edge of Wildness awaits to be discovered.

7526233
Open post by nihi with ID 18119361259572880
Wake up to the wonder of untamed nature as first light filters through the palms and the mist rises.@nihi is where breakfast is served slowly and enjoyed with the sight of horses to admire and the background sound of waves rolling in. Spend your days with quiet swims by the ocean or in the comfort of your own private haven. The Edge of Wildness awaits to be discovered.

Experience Sumba’s ancient ways on Nihiwatu’s shoreline right in front of @nihi. On Mini Pasola nights by NIHI Sumba, you get an introduction to Sumba’s rich culture. Young riders from the nearby traditional villages pit their skills against one another by racing along the pristine white sand. A friendly and competitive race that guests can watch and cheer for. Proceeds go to the @sumbafoundation to help fund equipment the kids from the nearby villages may need for schooling.

148980
Open post by nihi with ID 18406073287176898
Experience Sumba’s ancient ways on Nihiwatu’s shoreline right in front of @nihi. On Mini Pasola nights by NIHI Sumba, you get an introduction to Sumba’s rich culture. Young riders from the nearby traditional villages pit their skills against one another by racing along the pristine white sand. A friendly and competitive race that guests can watch and cheer for. Proceeds go to the @sumbafoundation to help fund equipment the kids from the nearby villages may need for schooling.

As light hits the rolling waves, magic stirs to life. At @nihi, the wonder of untamed nature is all around you waiting for you to discover its charm. Welcome to the Edge of Wildness.

37525385
Open post by nihi with ID 17875239306577012
As light hits the rolling waves, magic stirs to life. At @nihi, the wonder of untamed nature is all around you waiting for you to discover its charm. Welcome to the Edge of Wildness.

Dive straight into sunset as the sky melts into the horizon. Perched above the ocean and tucked among the trees, Mamole Tree House is a place to slow down, let go, and take in the wild beauty.

2910121
Open post by nihi with ID 18093075233125364
Dive straight into sunset as the sky melts into the horizon. Perched above the ocean and tucked among the trees, Mamole Tree House is a place to slow down, let go, and take in the wild beauty.

No AI. No filters. No added sound. Just pure, raw, beautiful moments, straight off the phone.
.
This is how your day starts at NIHI.

58165683
Open post by nihi with ID 18086664959251391
No AI. No filters. No added sound. Just pure, raw, beautiful moments, straight off the phone..This is how your day starts at NIHI.

Instagram Logo Follow us on Instagram @nihi

+