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As one of Indonesia’s increasingly well-known destinations, Sumba offers much to visitors, with Weekuri Lake being one of the most enticing places to go.

Part of the lake’s appeal lies in the difficulty of finding the lake. Sumba is not an easy island to travel. Tourism infrastructure is minimal, as is the use of English. Many trips will require not only Bahasa skills but also a keen ear for negotiation to find transport.

In short, the journey to this obscure corner of west Sumba requires a bit of savvy. Rented motorbikes may suddenly become unavailable, and ojek drivers may well get lost in the backroads of Kodi. As well they might: some places have three names and appear on no maps. Only the hardiest travellers will find the lake if they decide to go there on their own steam.

Body of water

And yet those who do make it find a saltwater lagoon that takes the breath away. Thanks to its oceanfront setting, the lake benefits from a constant flow of water while an attendant barrier of rocks and cliffs staves off the barrage of waves.

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Read More: Men of the Jungle: An Encounter with Orangutans in Bukit Lawang.

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Weekuri represents the perfect place to wallow and soak up the restful atmosphere. The rural location means there’s no noise pollution. In fact, the only sounds to speak of emanate from the surrounding jungle. Visitors also report seeing monkeys, turtles, and dolphins around the lake, which adds to the natural beauty of the scene. Nearby Mandorak Beach offers a stirring setting to enjoy an iridescent sunset.

It is not the easiest place to find in Indonesia, but for those who enjoy heading off-piste, Weekuri Lake takes some beating.

(Editor’s note: Indonesia is home to some jaw-dropping waterside views. Pulau Saparua, in Maluku, is one of our favourites.)