P

ristine beaches and giant komodo dragons are arguably the most popular things to see in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

But the country’s southernmost province has more than just stunning beaches and spectacular underwater objects.

The local administration is currently stepping up efforts to boost other kinds of experiences on Sumba Island. One of the main attractions on the island is the Lapopu waterfall, the highest in the province that has attracted both domestic and foreign tourists thanks to its unique character.

Lapopu is located in Hatikuloku village, Wanokaka district, West Sumba regency, within the Menupeu Tanah Daru and Laiwangi Wanggameti (Matalawa) National Park areas. The waterfall has stairs, forming a beautiful view as the water falls on them before finally reaching the pool below.

“This waterfall is an attraction for tourists visiting Sumba Island, including the guests of Nihiwatu resort. Visitors can swim and enjoy the serene nature and breathe fresh air,” Maman Surahman, head of the Matalawa National Park center, told The Jakarta Post recently.

The five-star Nihiwatu resort was named the world’s best hotel by New York-based travel magazine Travel+Leisure in 2016.

The national park has a number of waterfalls including three in the Menupeu Tanah Daru area, namely the Lapopu, Laputi and Matayangu waterfalls.

The park’s management will prepare a connectivity program to develop culture and ecology-based tourism in the Matalawa National Park on Sumba Island, Maman said.

Tour packages will include waterfalls, savannas and bird-watching on the island.

Bird Life Internasional has declared Sumba Island an important bird area (IBA) thanks to the uniqueness of the birds and butterflies on the island. Other attractions on the island include traditional houses and villages and a local faith known as Marapu, Maman added.

“This uniqueness has to be promoted so foreign tourists will be attracted to visit Sumba, the unique island in East Nusa Tenggara,” said Maman, adding that the tour packages would be offered in cooperation with travel agencies across Indonesia.

Hendro, a staff member from the Matalawa National Park, revealed another interesting thing about Lapopu waterfall, saying that its water came from a cave and not from a river like other waterfalls.

“Apart from the stairs, the pool of this waterfall is also good for swimming. It is only two meters deep,” Hendro said while accompanying the Post to the waterfall.

Dian Aron, a local tourist from Ende regency, said he was amazed by the unique stairs at the waterfall.

“This is very pretty and beautiful,” said the bank employee.

She was also amazed by all the singular beauty that Sumba Island had to offer including the traditional villages and the savanna.

To get to the waterfall, one can go from Waikabubak, the regency capital of West Sumba, and follow the signs along the road provided by the Matalawa National Park.

Along the road, tourists will find locals working in the fields, relaxing in their traditional houses, or herding hundreds of buffalo, cows or horses. Tourists will also be spoiled with the scenic views of the dense forests and big trees as they enter Hatikoloku village.

At the entrance post, tourists are welcome to ask about the waterfall. An officer will accompany them to the waterfall where they will cross over Lapopu River on a bamboo bridge provided by the park center.

There, visitors can enjoy the fresh air thanks to the pure condition of the forest. Visitors can also swim in the pool at the foot of the waterfall.