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Sumba island has a great and unique position respect to the Sunda Banda
archipelagoes, it is one of the biggest island on the East Nusa Tenggara
region beside Flores and Timor. It represents an isolated sliver of probable
continental crust to the south of active volcanic islands (Sumbawa, Flores )
within the forearc basin (Fig.1). It is situated to the north of passage from
the Java Trench (subduction front) to the Timor Through (collision front). It
does not show still the effects of strong compression in contrast to islands
of the outer arc system (Savu, Roti, Timor), while the magmatic units make up
a substantial part of the Late Cretaceous to Paleogene stratigraphy.
Sumba island covers an area of 11,150 square km which is now populated by
about 350,000 people. Generally the climate similar to other part of Indonesia
where a dry season (May to November), and a rainy season (December to April).
The island of Sumba is well known of its sandlewood, horses, impressive
megalithic tombs, typical hand woven textile ("ikat"), and still untouched
beautiful beaches. There are two entering point in to Sumba island from
anywhere in the Lesser Waingapu & Waikabubak (Tambolaka). These are the people
could enter Sumba for either by flight or boat.
Sumba has a unique culture and their social life. Sumbanese are
traditionally divided into three level of social life : (Raja/King) - Maramba,
Customary Official - Kabihu, and Slaves - Ata. Sumbanese are living from
farming, cattle breeding, rice-field farming and trading. Ones owns cattle
will contribute to their social status such as if they had more cattle giving
them a higher social status.
Most Sumbanese are Christian (Catholic and Protestant), however, and part
of them are still strongly keep their native and original religion called
Marapu. Most cultural objects are related to the Marapu religion such as the
shape of traditional houses, ceremonies, or kings' graves and tombs. |
-Mr. David's is an onshore resort on the south coast.
-Manggudu Island resort lays at a small uninhabited island of off the
southernmost tip of Sumba.
Both resorts are similar in their facilities and way of service.
The island of Manggudu is a small beautiful tropical island which sits near
the edge of deep water trenches.
There you can enjoy the nature in many ways. A white sandy beach circles the
island, which you can walk around in a short time and with a little luck see
turtle hatchlings scurry out to sea. Turtle tracks are often found, as sea
turtles come here to lay eggs.
In the centre of the island is a small dense forest, home to numerous species
of birds. Sea eagles and other birds work the large schools of fish. The
marine life is easily experienced by snorkelling along the coral reefs or
fishing in deeper water.
Facilities at resorts: * Bungalow accommodation for 12 guests at Mr.
David's resort and 8 at Manggudu Island
* Western kitchen serving a wide variety of dishes
* Small library and bar
* Satellite- TV (Mr. David's) |
