Your immersion into Sumba life starts with the one and half hour journey from Tambolaka airport, leaving the bustling streets of Bali behind for a more Africa-meets-Asia experience. The journey starts at sea level and climbs to the Rijewa mountain ranges at 500 metres.

The spectacular scenery from peak to sky is framed by teak and mahogany plantations and thick Sumba deciduous forests. The road stretches down to Waikabubak passing through traditional settlements, the Sewah waterfalls and offers a canvas of rich green verdure; structured rice fields to river valleys and thick dense forests eventually leading to a glimpse of the Indian Ocean.

The traditional market town of Waikabubak is situated 400 metres above sea level on a plateau and guests can often see water buffalo driven through the town on an evening drive. For the final part of the journey, you have magnificent views of the vast Wanokaka River Delta populated by local tribesmen grassing the rice fields, traditional swords in hand and wearing Ikat head scarves, winding through local villages to arrive at the magical setting of NIHI.