The Pasola Festival is an original war ritual giving thanks to the ancestral spirits in the region of West Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. It’s a riotous tournament held between two teams of spear-wielding, ikat-clad horsemen. Combining this event with a stay at Nihiwatu allows for the ultimate immersion in Sumbanese life. Your clients will need to travel via Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. There is one flight per day with Garuda Indonesia departing at 13:10, thus an overnight stay in Bali is often required for international travellers. The journey starts with the one and half hour journey from Tambolaka airport, leaving the bustling streets of Bali behind for a more Africa-meets-Asia experience. Magnificent views of the vast Wanokaka River Delta populated by local tribesmen grassing the rice fields greets travellers as they approach Nihiwatu. The resort itself delivers is an intimate island retreat where ancient tribal culture uniquely forms the backdrop to a truly unique experience.
The Pasola Festival takes place in Lamboya from 8 – 23 February and in Wanukaka during the first two weeks of March.
