Indonesia: The warrior spirit of the people who revere horses.

Description

Program

Day 1:
ITALY/BALI/SUMBA (-/L/D)

A rare and fascinating history unfolds on the island of Sumba, starting when the ancestors of the warrior people of the "Marapu" landed on its secluded beach centuries ago. Beliefs about their powers vary, but the Marapu spirit remains: a benevolent force on the island that protects its way of life and serves as a guardian of the heritage and stories of the Sumbanese people. The very same beach attracted Claude and Petra Graves in 1988, in search of the perfect wave. From this adventure emerged the vision to create a resort that would preserve and share the breathtaking beauty of Sumba with those who would truly appreciate it, and today Nihi Resort is one of the best resorts in the world, a model of sustainable operation in harmony with the environment and the local population, winning the World’s Best Awards in 2016 and 2017.

But there is more: throughout the archipelago, and especially in Sumba, the horse is a sacred animal, considered on par with the spirit of the ancestors, and used as sacred mounts during ancestral rituals still practiced by the local population. They are part of the dowry and are also sacrificed during funeral ceremonies to allow the deceased to "ride in the afterlife." Here, you can find yourself surrounded by the beauty of Nihiwatu Beach, the picturesque local villages, rolling hills, majestic mountains, and coastlines. You will combine the joy of horseback riding with a transformative wellness experience, galloping between calm waves, and observing the magnificence of these animals running freely across the island.

Don’t miss:

Trekking in the Mnanapeu Tananh Daru forest and Lapopu waterfall
Walakiri Beach
Weekuri Lagoon
Tribal villages of Oraijing and Ratenggaro
Pasola Festival, an ancient war ritual
Arrival at Bali International Airport (DPS), where you can use the VIP lounge while waiting for the internal flight to Sumba Airport (TMC). Possible flights:
Nam Air (IN 280) | ETD Bali 09:00, ETA Tambolaka 10:00
Citilink (QG-1654) | ETD Bali 09:45, ETA Tambolaka 11:15
Wings Air (IW 1832) | ETD Bali 10:45, ETA Tambolaka 12:15

Pick-up from the airport and transfer to the resort. Check-in at Villa Kasambi or similar (1 room).

Day 2:
SUMBA (B/L/D)
For horse lovers looking for an unforgettable journey. Horses are the soul of Sumba. Throughout the week, you will enjoy 14 hours of activities with the horses: sunset rides, trekking to Coconut Cove, trekking to Nihioka, swimming with horses in the crystal-clear waters of Nihiwatu Beach, trekking through local villages with breathtaking views of the coastline, and a Pasola demonstration, a local horseback combat (packages with fewer hours in the saddle are also available – ask for more details).

Day 3:
SUMBA (B/L/D)
Horseback activities

Day 4:
SUMBA (B/L/D)
Horseback activities

Day 5:
SUMBA (B/L/D)
Horseback activities

Day 6:
SUMBA (B/L/D)
Horseback activities

Day 7:
SUMBA (B/L/D)
Horseback activities

Day 8:
SUMBA/BALI/ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to the airport. Possible domestic flight operations from Tambolaka, Sumba (TMC) to Denpasar, Bali (DPS):
Nam Air ETD Tambolaka 16:00hrs ETA Bali 17:00hrs
Wings Air ETD Tambolaka 12:35hrs ETA Bali 13:55hrs
Citilink ETD Tambolaka 11:05hrs ETA Bali 12:30hrs

Note: The above itinerary is indicative. It may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. The minimum stay is 3 nights in low season and 5 nights in high season.

Notes:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty Level: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: From °° to °°°° (from EASY to EXPERT)
ACCOMMODATION: Luxury eco-resort
EQUIPMENT: ENGLISH SADDLE and local tack
HORSES: SUMBA HORSE, a rugged pony that has spread throughout the peninsula. Similar in appearance to the Mongolian horse, it is a fundamental part of the local culture.
PACE: Variable depending on the rider’s level. 14 hours of horse activities per week.
WHAT TO BRING: Riding clothes, helmet. Sunscreen, repellent, first aid medicine
TYPE: Equestrian stay with overnight stays in a luxury eco-resort

ACCOMMODATION:
7 nights at Nihi Resort, a stunning property that won the title of Best Hotel of the World. It offers 27 uniquely designed villas with a private pool and minibar (refilled daily). Each villa has breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Nihiwatu Beach.
Guests can enjoy a beautiful spa (for a fee), yoga and meditation sessions, water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling. For an additional fee, other activities are available such as surf lessons, boat excursions, fishing, jet-skiing, Pilates, and personal training.
Full board (non-alcoholic beverages included) and aperitifs (local beer and wine included). There is a main restaurant and a beachside restaurant.

Departure dates available year-round with a minimum of 1 person departing from Italy:
From 01/06/24 to 31/03/26

PARTICIPANTS: MIN 1 MAX 12

Price includes

Domestic flight from Bali to Sumba
Access to the VIP lounge in Bali
Transfers to/from Sumba airport and the resort
14-hour weekly equestrian package
All meals as per the program (including morning and afternoon snacks)
Aperitif from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM with local beer and wine
Minibar restocked once per day
Laundry service (up to 6 items per day per person)
7 nights’ accommodation in a one-bedroom villa
Wi-Fi
Water sports such as snorkeling and paddleboarding
Group yoga and meditation sessions
Sumba tour
Horses and equipment provided
Local guide fluent in English and knowledgeable about the area
Basic medical insurance

Price does not include

Intercontinental flights to/from Bali
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, beverages, tips, and personal extras
Alcoholic beverages
Excursions and activities offered at the resort
Anything not listed under "the package includes"
Additional insurance and cancellation coverage

Itinerary

Accommodations provided in each place