Bagi dunia konservasi, Sumba merupakan salah satu lokasi terpenting bagi keanekaragaman hayati global. Hingga saat ini telah diketahui tidak kurang dari 182 jenis burung, 22 jenis mamalia, 115 jenis kupu-kupu, 7 jenis katak, dan 29 jenis reptile. Dari kesemua kekayaan tersebut, 8 jenis burung, 7 jenis kupu-kupu, 4 jenis katak dan 3 jenis reptile merupakan satwa endemik di Pulau Sumba.

Terletak di Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur, Sumba dengan luas 12,000 ha merupakan sebuah pulau yang rentan, dengan batuan gamping yang kering serta hanya memiliki hari hujan sebanyak 500 – 800 mm per tahun. Di dominasi oleh hamparan savanna, Sumba memiliki jumlah tutupan hutan primer yang sangat sedikit yaitu 6.5 % dari luasan total daratan.

Pendapatan utama masyarakat Sumba berasal dari sektor pertanian. Untuk kebutuhan hidupnya, mereka juga bergantung pada hasil-hasil hutan seperti kayu, tali, rotan, kemiri dan beberapa umbi-umbian hutan. Berdasarkan beberapa indikator kesejahteraan, Sumba merupakan salah satu daerah dengan kondisi kesejahteraan masyarakat yang rendah di Indonesia. Di sisi lain, kondisi kesehatan pun relatif buruk dengan adanya ancaman malaria endemik di seluruh pulau, kekeringan yang hebat, hama belalang, kegagalan panen, kelaparan merupakan fenomena yang kerap ditemukan di Sumba.

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Nihiwatu Resort, a small and exclusive hideaway on the eastern island of Sumba (400 kms east of Bali) is one of the most extraordinary resorts in an archipelago of the extraordinary. The fishing, surfing and diving are sensational and the unique tribal culture on Sumba with its distinctive animist rituals, is as vivid as any on earth. Nearby are Stone Age sites and local villages, waterfalls and fabulous secluded beaches to explore.

The property encompasses 438 hectares of tropical forest, rice terraces and grasslands, wrapped around the stunning 2.5 kms long Nihiwatu beach. This world-class beach is protected on both ends by cliffs and headlands ensuring total exclusivity for guests. Just kick back all day in a hammock overlooking paradise, relax by the pool, take leisurely walks on the beach and explore the reefs at low tide, indulge in a massage at the Jungle and Hilltop Spas, or stretch your limbs at a private or group yoga class under the largest traditional Sumbanese structure on the island.

Tucked amongst the trees are just seven luxury bungalows and three two-bedroom villas offering complete solitude in air-conditioned comfort along with everything you could wish for in an idyllic tropical setting. The thatched roofed bungalows and villas are all hand-built by Indonesian craftsman using local materials and all have balcony views of the ocean. At Nihiwatu your sanctuary is superbly outfitted in contemporary Indonesian style and with large glass walls and doors to maximize the views.

Nihiwatu Resort offers full board of breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Breakfast and lunch are served throughout most of the day and coffee, tea and cakes are available anywhere, at anytime.

The open-air dining pavilions have spectacular views which overlook the sea and beach and become a particularly special place in the evening. Appetizers are served at the cliff edge bar, with sweeping views of the sea, surf and the stunning sunsets. With a wide range of spirits and selection of fine wines from Europe, North and South America and Australia, it is the place for guests to share their daily adventures and excursions.

For dinner, the chef offers a choice of main courses based on the days catch, fresh home-grown vegetables and imported meats. Guests, sitting at long tables can enjoy a variety of local Asian and international cuisine, particularly seafood. Alternatively private outdoor tables are available for a more intimate setting. (Special dietary requirements can be accommodated if guests give adequate advance notice).

I f you are seeking a destination that can provide you with a unique and entirely different holiday experience; be it adventure, nature at its scenic best or just losing yourself in another world, Sumba’s Nihiwatu is the right place to be!

Please visit nihiwatu resort in http://www.nihiwatu.com