Ancient Village on a Hill with Panoramic View of Waikabubak: “Kampung Tarung,”
Panoramic View of Waikabubak: “Kampung Tarung,” Sumba Island
Hidden among the hills of Waikabubak, the capital of West Sumba, Indonesia, lies a timeless jewel—Kampung Tarung, a traditional Sumbanese village that stands as a living museum of megalithic culture, ancient customs, and breathtaking landscapes.
A Glimpse into the Past
Perched on a scenic hilltop, Kampung Tarung has stood for centuries, untouched by modernity’s fast pace. The village is home to the Marapu belief system, an ancestral spiritual tradition that continues to shape every aspect of life here. Kampung Tarung is not a reconstruction or a tourist display—it is an authentic, fully inhabited settlement where tradition thrives and time seems to stand still.
Walking into the village, you’re welcomed by rows of tall, thatched-roof houses known as uma bokulu and uma kadde. These houses are built with steeply pitched roofs that stretch skyward—symbolizing a connection between the earthly realm and the ancestral spirits above. Scattered between these homes are large megalithic tombstones, bearing silent witness to ancient funerary traditions that continue to this day.
Panoramic Views & Cultural Richness
What makes Kampung Tarung especially unique is its panoramic view of Waikabubak below. From the village hilltop, visitors can gaze across lush valleys, distant hills, and the slowly shifting light of sunrise or sunset. It’s a place where nature and culture unite, where the spiritual energy of the land blends with visual splendor.
For photographers, this view is a dream. For seekers of deeper cultural understanding, it offers insight into the sacred relationship the Sumbanese people have with their land and ancestors.
With Pristine Tour: Travel with Purpose
With the support of Pristine Tour, travelers can explore Kampung Tarung in a way that is both respectful and enriching. Tours are led by knowledgeable local guides who share the village’s history, rituals, and daily life—offering personal stories that bring the traditions to life.
Visitors may witness traditional ikat weaving, meet village elders, learn about ritual practices still observed under the Marapu religion, and understand the importance of stone megaliths, which play a central role in Sumbanese ceremonial life.
Preservation Through Tourism
Kampung Tarung has faced challenges in recent years, including a fire in 2017 that destroyed several traditional houses. However, the community has shown incredible resilience, rebuilding homes and continuing to pass down cultural values. Sustainable tourism initiatives, such as those offered by Pristine Tour, help fund preservation efforts while educating visitors on how to travel respectfully and responsibly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn by its stunning vistas, its deep spiritual roots, or its living history, Kampung Tarung is a place unlike any other. Here, on the quiet hills of Sumba, you’ll find a rare fusion of authentic culture, natural beauty, and warm community spirit.
