Pasola and Warriors | REFERENCE - AZU202

In the past, the colonial empires of the Javanese and Balinese kingdoms had little interest in Sumba. Any attempt to conquer this land seemed hopeless considering the little profit they would gain from it. Traditions going back to immemorial times were thus preserved. Nowadays, Sumba is well-known throughout all of Indonesia due to particular characteristics that make it so unique. Spectacular rituals, megalithic tombs, remarkable architecture, and splendid ikat cloths are the hidden secrets you will discover while travelling on this island.

One of the most extraordinary events of Sumba is certainly its famous Pasola, a war game ritual involving hundreds of horsemen. These sometimes violent encounters are meant to purify the villages and calm down the angry spirits of the ancestors at the beginning of a new prosperous year. These unusual cavalcades coincide with the yearly arrival of a multihued sacred sea-worm. Along with the great priest of the event, you will witness every part of the ritual and feel a chill running up your spine, just like the villagers absorbed in the beat of the Pasola.

The precise dates of this event are known at the last moment after detailed calculation, but the Pasola always occurs around February and March.  Taking part in the Sumbanese's most important gathering is definitely an extraordinary experience.

D/1 – Denpasar – Tambulaka – Waikabubak (West Sumba)

Greeting at Tambulaka airport then transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit of Waikabubak, its traditional market and the surrounding villages: Prai Ijing, Tarung, Waitabar. Tarung is regarded as an important spiritual center by the followers of Marapu religion. It is where we find the most impressive megalithic tombs of the region. On the hill, in the middle of the bustling modern town, a group of traditional houses still stands, in spite of government’s hopes to relocate its inhabitants toward other districts.  During your visit, please feel free to ask for Pak Dani Ratu Langgu, spiritual leader of Marapu, and add your name to their list of guests in support for their struggle to protect the village from destruction.  Back to hotel in late afternoon. Night at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

D/2 – Waikabubak – Lamboya - Waikabubak

We depart early morning (around 4-5am) towards Lamboya to reach the site where the Pasola takes place. Descent to the beach to see the Rato (great priest) harvest the sacred worms ‘Nyale’ then the ritual call to the Pasola. This ceremony is dedicated to the arrival to the goddess Ina Nale “the mother of the sea-worms” and marks the beginning of the rice transplanting season, a new cycle of fertility. Two groups of horsemen armed with spears (not as sharp as during the ancient tribal wars) will oppose each other in the most exciting ritual of Sumba.

Lunch on the site of the Pasola. Back to hotel in the afternoon.

1hr 30min of transfer

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

D/3 – Waikabukak – Region of Kodi - Waikabubak

After breakfast, we head toward the region of Kodi, located on the western part of Sumba. Reputed as a stronghold of Marapu culture, Kodi and its surroundings offer a remarkable landscape of traditional houses with amazingly high roofs. We stop in many villages: Tosi, Parona Baroro where are found the highest roofs of the island, Rotenggaro with unusual stone graves scattered in its surroundings, then the village of Ranggabaki. Picnic, probably on a beach. In the afternoon, we stop in Waitabula and Waijewa to admire the coffee plantations on the way back to our hotel.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

D/4 – Waikabubak – Tambulaka - Denpasar

Transfer to Tambulaka airport after eating breakfast.

Meal : Breakfast

                                                                        End of our services

Included

• English speaking tour guide
• Land transfers
• Accomodations
• Meals as mentioned in daily itinerary
• Entrance fees to sites

*It is possible to request a French speaking guide from Azimuth with additional costs.

Not-Included

• International and domestic flights
• Airport taxes and visas
• Drinks, personal expenses and tips
• Travel insurance & assistance
• Everything that is not mentioned in “included”

Cost of domestic flight – as a rough guide(per passenger)

-      Flight Denpasar/Tombulaka = US $250

Personal items to bring

-              Running shoes

-              Water bottle

-              Hat and light clothes

-              Raincoat (during the rainy season)

-              Day pack & camera

-              Mosquito repellant (lotion/cream)

-              Sun block, sun glasses &  your good mood

Additional Information

The schedules are given as rough guide only. The itineraries are subject to change due to volcanoes or weather conditions.

Level - Easy

Hiking mainly on well-beaten tracks and moderate inclination. Those who usually enjoy walking will be delighted while the new comers will discover its physical and mental benefits in a strikingly beautiful environment.

Carry-on luggage

Bring only what you need for the day. Your luggage will be transferred by vehicle.

More information…

• Please visit our website for more information about fauna, flora and the Indonesian culture.
• Our terms & conditions at : http://www.azimuth-travel.com/en/terms-conditions-pm-9.html