Sumba Island is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in Indonesia, but many of its finest stretches of sand are completely inaccessible by road. No car, no motorbike, no boat can reach these hidden coastal gems — the only way in is on horseback, following ancient trails that Sumbanese riders have used for generations. Here are the seven most extraordinary beaches you can only discover from the saddle.

1. Pantai Marosi — The Secret Cove

Tucked behind limestone cliffs on West Sumba’s southern coast, Pantai Marosi is a crescent-shaped beach of fine white sand that faces directly into the Indian Ocean. The only access is via a narrow cliff trail that descends through scrubland to the sand. The ride down is exhilarating — your Sandalwood pony picks its way down switchbacks with the confidence of an animal that has made this descent hundreds of times. At the bottom, you are rewarded with a private beach where the only footprints are your horse’s hoofprints and your own.

2. The Unnamed Beach at Ratenggaro

South of the ancient village of Ratenggaro, past the famous megalithic tombs that overlook the sea, lies a beach so remote it has never been given an official name. The coastline here is raw and powerful — dark volcanic sand meets crashing waves backed by towering cliffs draped in tropical vegetation. Riding here feels like discovering a coastline that time forgot. Our guides call it simply “the beach beyond the tombs” and it remains one of our most requested riding destinations.

3. Weekuri Secret Beach

While the famous Weekuri Lagoon draws visitors via a dirt road, few know about the hidden beach accessible only by horse trail that connects the lagoon to the open ocean. This narrow strip of sand sits between towering limestone walls and the sea, creating a natural amphitheater of sound and light that is both dramatic and intimate. The ride through dense coastal forest to reach this spot adds to the sense of discovery.

4. Nihiwatu South End

Nihiwatu Beach is known to surfers worldwide, but the southern end of this legendary coastline is cut off from the main beach by a rocky headland. The horse trail around this headland follows the cliff edge before descending to a pristine stretch of sand that receives zero foot traffic. This is where we conduct our most exclusive horse swimming sessions — just you, your horse, and the ocean.

5. Tarimbang Hidden Bay

The coast near Tarimbang features a series of small bays separated by rocky outcrops. While the main Tarimbang beach is accessible by road, the smaller bays to the north can only be reached on horseback. These intimate coves feature turquoise water, coral reefs visible from the shore, and sand so fine it squeaks underfoot. The ride between bays involves navigating tidal rock pools and crossing shallow river mouths — a genuine adventure.

6. Wanokaka Coast

The Wanokaka district on Sumba’s west coast features miles of unbroken beach accessible only via horse trails that wind through coconut plantations and fishing villages. The sand here varies from golden to charcoal depending on the volcanic composition, and the beaches are backed by dramatic cliff formations that glow orange in the sunset light. This is our preferred route for multi-day coastal rides.

7. Lamboya Sunrise Beach

The eastern-facing beach at Lamboya catches the first light of dawn in a display that makes early rising worthwhile. Accessible via a pre-dawn ride through dewy grasslands, this beach is our favorite location for sunrise rides during the dry season. The combination of warm morning light, empty sand, and the rhythmic sound of hooves on wet beach creates a meditative experience that guests consistently rank as their trip highlight.

Experience These Beaches on Horseback

These hidden beaches are included in various combinations across our 4-day, 5-day, and 7-day riding packages. The specific beaches visited depend on season, tide conditions, and your riding ability. For guests who specifically want to reach all seven beaches, our 10-day Ultimate Expedition covers the complete coastal route.