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Crafts & Textiles

East Sumba Ikat: From Thread to Hinggi

Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara

Photo: 06Ivonne · CC BY-SA 4.0

Duration
4 days
Group size
Max. 8 people
Category
Crafts & Textiles
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for almost everyone; plenty of stops and light walking.
Language
Indonesian, English

About this journey

Follow the long process of Sumba ikat, from binding and dyeing the threads to weaving a hinggi cloth.

Sumba ikat is made through a long process: threads are bound to a pattern, dyed again and again, then woven, so a single cloth can take months. In East Sumba, the men's hinggi cloth is known for its rich motifs. Over four days you will visit weavers around Waingapu, see threads drying after dyeing and try binding a simple pattern. We also visit the customary village of Rende with its traditional houses and stone tombs.

Hosted by the local community in Sumba

What you'll experience

  • The ikat process from thread to cloth
  • Threads drying after dyeing
  • East Sumba's hinggi cloth
  • The customary village of Rende

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Waingapu

    Airport pickup, afternoon introduction to East Sumba weaving.

  2. Day 2

    Binding and dyeing

    A day with weavers: binding patterns and watching the dyeing.

  3. Day 3

    Rende village

    Drive to Rende, traditional houses and stone tombs, return to Waingapu.

  4. Day 4

    Weaving and departure

    Morning weaving session, afternoon airport transfer.

What's included

  • 3 nights in Waingapu
  • Transport in East Sumba
  • All meals
  • Local guide
  • Contribution to the weavers

Not included

  • Flights or travel to the meeting point
  • Travel insurance
  • Crafts you buy in the village
  • Tips for guides and hosts (optional)

Before you go

Practical notes so your trip is comfortable and your hosts feel respected.

What to bring

  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
  • Small-denomination cash for crafts or donations
  • Personal medication

Local etiquette

  • If you are offered betel (sirih pinang), accept it graciously as a sign of welcome; you may politely decline to chew it.
  • Ask before touching textiles, looms or work in progress.
  • Stone tombs are bound up with Marapu belief: never climb or sit on them.
  • Ask before photographing people, homes or ceremonies.

Getting there

Fly into Lede Kalumbang Airport (Tambolaka) for West Sumba or Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport (Waingapu) for East Sumba, usually via Denpasar or Kupang. The two are about 4–5 hours apart by road.

Meeting point

Bandara Umbu Mehang Kunda, Waingapu

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