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We empower local youth through education
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We are an international best practice in responsible tourism
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We create environmental awareness
How we help the people of Sumba
Sumba is one of the poorest regions in Indonesia. While tourism is gradually developing, we believe responsible tourism is the only way to protect this fragile island in a way local communities can benefit. To end the circle of poverty, we encourage young adults to dream big and empower them by education, training, and work experience. Last but not least, we aim to raise environmental awareness with students, tourists, and local communities.
What can you do for Sumba?
Sumba needs you. We kindly invite you to get involved by offering many volunteering possibilities or ways to donate. However, most of all, we encourage you to visit Sumba and enjoy the beauty of this Island and its people in a responsible way.
Sponsor a student
Change a life by sponsoring a student’s education and internship or help out on a smaller scale. Your donations make a difference.
Visit Sumba
Visit Sumba and enjoy the beauty of this Island and its people in a responsible way. Book a room at Maringi, our small resort with a big heart.
Volunteer
Over the years, volunteers have been a cornerstone for Sumba Hospitality Foundation. Volunteering on Sumba or remote, it’s all possible.
“We want to end the circle of poverty by giving hope and opportunities to the youth of Sumba.”
— Inge De Lathauwer, founder
Stories that inspire
Enjoy inspiring stories of beautiful Sumba, our activities, and our charming students as our blog takes you behind the scenes of Sumba, the foundation, and our social projects Maringi and Makan Dulu.
Wai Humba Festival
The Wai Humba Festival is an annual, traditional festival of Sumba that aims to protect the environment, especially the water sources of the island. The main basis of the Wai Hulba Festival is a reflection of Hinduism. This festival is not a tourist festival but a space for the consolidation of the culture of the people…
Cross-training at Nihi Sumba
We are proud to be able to count the best of the best among our preferred partners. Most have welcomed our students for several years in a row and are employing alumni as we speak. A loyal partner from the very start has been Nihi Sumba. They employ our alumni and they have our students…
Small sustainability projects that matter
Creating partnerships for sustainability The Sumba Hospitality Foundation is all about sustainability and community service. In that spirit, our students recently joined forces with other groups and businesses near Kawona Beach. SHF students collaborated with Bakti Luhur Vocational School, the Sumba Tour Guide Association, and Sinar Tambolaka Hotel to restore this local attraction to…
A growing impact on Sumba
With our projects, we aim to touch all corners of the island to create impact from within the most distant villages. These are the areas that have been positively impacted already.
Hover you mouse over the map of Sumba to find out more about Sumba Hospitality Foundations work with the people of Sumba. We are involved in Sumbanese Society at all levels, from collaboration with local government to working directly with the communities of Sumba. Southwest Sumba is the most populous region of Sumba. In its capital Tambolaka, you’ll find Sumba Hospitality Foundation’s offices, as well as our social enterprises: Makan Dulu (restaurant) and Maringi (resort). South Sumba has always been a hidden gem for surfers. The endless stretches of beach are stunning. Here you can find Nihi, a unique 5-star resort, and an important partner of Sumba Hospitality Foundation since day one. Central Sumba has a lot to offer: the most amazing waterfalls are hidden all over this central part of Sumba. Although not densely populated, students from several villages in this region have found their way to our school. East Sumba is the largest, and probably the most traditional region of the Island. It hosts Sumba’s biggest city, Waingapu, as well as countless traditional villages, and the enchanting landscapes of Bukit Wairinding.
Our activities in Beautiful Sumba
Sumba Barat Daya
Sumba Barat
Sumba Tengah
Sumba Timur
- Sumba Hospitality Foundation
- Maringi Eco-Hotel
- Makan Dulu Restaurant
Proud partners of SHF
