A School. A Foundation. A Hotel.
When Inge De Lathauwer first set foot on Sumba in 2013, she was overwhelmed by the natural beauty and authenticity of the island, yet deeply affected by bearing witness to the poor living conditions of the local people. Due to its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, Sumba was poised for a surge in tourism development, with the potential to create an influx of indispensable job opportunities. While an exciting prospect, many Sumbanese youth did not have access to the relevant education and training required to occupy such positions. Thus, the initial seed was planted for Inge’s hospitality school and foundation, which has since flourished into a beautiful reality.
The Sumba Hotel School opened on July 1st, 2016 and, in the years following, has experienced extraordinary growth and transformation. What once was an arid landscape is now abundant with life; the farm and gardens are blossoming with fruit, vegetables, and medicinal herbs, making delicious ingredients for the meals served within the bar and restaurant. Additionally, the implementation of a solar panel farm and water treatment system allows the school to be self-sufficient. Thus, presenting the campus as a model of conservation and green energy throughout the island.
7+
YEARS OF EXISTENCE
410+
SCHOOL ALUMNI
50+
FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES
72
STUDENTS SELECTED YEARLY
10,200+
HOURS OF TEACHER FACILITATED TRAINING
95%
POS-GRADUATION EMPLOYMENT RATE
Overview
Since its opening in 2016, the Sumba Hospitality Foundation (SHF) has yearly offered 72 Sumbanese youth from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds vocational hospitality training.
The program includes full-board accommodation, medical care, 2-week cross-training at NIHI Sumba, internships and all associated transportation and living costs.
In addition to high-quality hospitality and English classes from industry experts, students receive practical training in one of the Foundation’s social projects: Maringi, a small resort with 5-star service, and Makan Dulu, a unique restaurant specializing in Indonesian cuisine.
With NIHI
We are delighted that NIHI Sumba has welcomed our students as employees from the very beginning and you well surely encounter many alumni during your stay here.
Responsible tourism has been at the heart of the Foundation from the very beginning.
Our buildings were designed with sustainability in mind, constructed mainly from bamboo, powered by our 288 solar panels and 80% of our waste water reused for irrigation purposes. What was once a dry landscape with only one tree is now rich with life.
The 3-hectare permaculture garden thrives with fruit, vegetables and medicinal herbs, which the students turn into delicious meals served in the bar and restaurant.
Sustainability is also at the heart of our vocational training program, which trains the next generation to become responsible representatives of tourism.
We are more than happy to show you around. Located just 20 minutes from Tambolaka Airport, the Foundation is the perfect place to end your visit to Sumba in a meaningful way.
Our students will give you an interactive tour of the campus, after which you can enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by them at Maringi restaurant.
Cutting it short with time? Try Indonesian food with a Sumbanese twist at our training restaurant Makan Dulu, just a 5-minute drive from the airport.
We are sure that their heart-warming welcome will make a lasting impact on you.
At SHF, dreams come true and your donations make that possible.
You can sponsor a student throughout their life- changing journey by donating $5000. This covers all the expenses for school supplies, medical care, full-board accommodation and a 6-month internship.
The impact of a single donation lasts a lifetime.
Want to be part of our students’ journey?
Your contribution matters
Nihigram
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.
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.
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This is how your day starts at NIHI.
This is not AI. This is NIHI.
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On the island of Sumba, horses are part of everyday life. Woven through generations in tradition, ceremony, and culture. Symbols of freedom, strength, and spirit.
Each day across the island of Sumba, locals bring their horses to the shoreline, where they wade into the sea to bathe and swim in the saltwater. A ritual as old as the island itself.
Where horses race along the shoreline and every moment feels untouched. The sight of @nihi’s herd galloping down the white sand of Nihiwatu Beach is unforgettable. Framed by the Indian Ocean and swaying palm trees, this is a type of magic you can only find and feel on the Edge of Wildness.
Happy Easter from all of us at NIHI. 🐰
Easter festivities spanned the entire weekend, with moments of celebration for guests of all ages. Children gathered for egg painting, arts and crafts, face painting, and set off with baskets in hand for the Easter egg hunt.
A special performance by the choir from English Goes to Kampung filled the afternoon with music, while families came together to enjoy festive Easter dining.
A joyful weekend of colour, creativity, and celebration. Happy Easter from the Edge of Wildness.
No trending audio required. Mandaka Sumba House 2 at @nihi is a quiet villa of tranquility that makes you feel like you’ve found your dream home away from home. This two-bedroom retreat immerses you in the magic of Sumba through soft natural light, a private waterfall pool, views that make you pause, and the ever-present possibility of the unexpected.
Explore the island’s terrain at speed or at leisure. The choice is yours as you pedal on 4 premium e-bikes that you can take with your friends and family through paradise.
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Cycle from @nihi and wind your way along sun-dappled trails. Scenic routes that range from 5km to as long as 30km, each one designed to immerse you into the beauty of the island. Explore the island’s landscapes and sample the local culture as you sail past traditional villages. By the end of your exhilarating ride, you’ll be rewarded at the end with lunch, refreshing coconuts and breathtaking picturesque views of the island.
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You can also begin your Spa Safari adventure on two wheels. Cycle from the resort to NIHI Spa, a place that is only describable as paradise. Tucked away in a different part of the island, this scenic journey adds an extra layer of immersion to your therapeutic experience.
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Whether you’re after a gentle ride or a safari-style adventure, your biking journey takes you on a fun and memorable exploration of the Edge of Wildness.
Perched high above @nihi, overlooking Nihiwatu, Hillrise Villa opens out to sweeping panoramic views of beach, ocean, and horizon. A one-bedroom private retreat designed for complete escape. Spend your days in a pool at the edge of it all and your evenings catching uninterrupted sunsets.
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