Mbawana Beach is an iconic tourist destination in Sumba Island. Known for the Halfling Giant Stone, a large hole in the coastal rock. Unfortunately, in November 2020, the giant ring collapsed. Frequent earthquakes and large waves hit the stone, causing its collapse.
But don’t worry! Although the iconic giant stone ring has disappeared, you can still take beautiful photos on the coast and hills to capture stunning views of blue sea water, giant rocks, and green hills in Mbawana Beach.
A Brief Introduction to Sumba
Sumba Island is located in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Eastern region of Indonesia. This place mainly consists of prairies, beaches, waterfalls, and traditional villages. Unlike crowded developing cities, Sumba offers a sense of adventure and tranquility while admiring the beauty of nature.
Read Also: Sumba Island’s 7 Tropical Paradise for Your Magical Summer
Ways to Get to Sumba
You can fly from Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali to Waikabubak Airport in Tambolaka, in the southwest of Sumba Island. Alternatively, if you prefer to depart from the east, you can also choose Umbu Mehang Kumba Airport in Waingapu, East Sumba. For airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Wings Air, and Nam Air will take you to your destination.
Ways to Reach Mbawana Beach
From Tambolaka Airport, you have a choice of transportation: self-driving or chauffeured vehicles. A complete package—a car and an experienced driver acting as a guide—is more expensive. It costs about Rp 600,000–1,000,000 (45–75 USD) per day. The price depends on the car you choose, but the Avanza is cheaper than the Fortuner. If you prefer a cheaper rate and opt for self-driving bikes, you can pay Rp. 75,000–150,000 (USD 6–11) per day.
Mbawana Beach is located in the Kodi region of southwest Sumba. The distance from Tambolaka Airport is 59 km, and the travel time is approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes. Open 24/7. According to visitor reviews, you should come early in the morning or around 4-5 p.m. when the tide is not high and covers the shore.
If you don’t speak Indonesian, we recommend bringing a native Indonesian friend or a friend who understands the language. It helps you communicate easily with the locals for negotiating. It helps you translate back and forth between Indonesian and your native language.
However, if you want to travel comfortably and safely, you can hire a tour guide company such as Waturanda Trip. It is recommended to have a local Sumbanese as your tour guide. Natives need to know their environment well.
Optimal Travel Time
You can think about what kind of scenery and atmosphere you would like to see and feel during your vacation in Mbawana Beach. Do you love coming in the dry season and admiring brown meadows and hills? You can visit Mbawana Beach from April to October. Even when the weather is hot, it makes traveling to difficult destinations easier such as rocky or slippery surfaces.
However, if you prefer monsoons and greenery, from October to March is the best time. Surfers can visit Sumba after the monsoons, which last from May to September. The tide is strong enough that only professionals are allowed or encouraged to surf.
Why Add Mbawana Beach to Your List?
The half-wheel megalith disappeared, but only the stone mound remained on the shore. You can still enjoy the view over the hills. There are many tourist photos showing the beauty of the beach and cliffs from the top of the hill.
If you come at sunset, you can see the golden color of the rocks that surround the beach. Also, the beach is clean and beautiful, with white sand. You can take lots of pictures that can be uploaded to social media.
Precautions Before Going to Sea
- Getting to the beach requires a short hike from the parking lot, so you should be in good condition before visiting the place.
- Be careful, as the road to the beach is rocky and slippery.
- You may need to bring cash. Encountering locals who charge extra for tour guide services has become a concern for tourists.
Why Mbawana Beach? What does this destination offer you? The purpose of the trip is not only to create memories and experiences for you and your companions, but also to take lots of beautiful pictures. The beach are at their best at sunset. Offering a view, orange rays touch the rocks and turn golden.
If you are not traveling in a group, you can take a open trip of Waturanda Trip to Mbawana Beach. There is promo for open trip Sumba starting from IDR 2,900,000 / Pax. You will get many facilities from us which is very unfortunate if missed.
