Nihi Sumba Bali Resort Is A Horse Sanctuary 3 Hours From Singapore By Plane
Just 1 hour away from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s winding streets of live bars & crowded surfing beaches, lies a secret isle that’s a sanctuary for wild horses.
Nihi Sumba Resort stays true to Balinese culture by inviting their guests to swim with native Sandalwood horses every morning in their idyllic beach-side compound.
Here’s why the mythical experience will definitely be a dream we’ll be chasing — if we can afford it some day.
Sandalwood horses roam freely on 2.5km beach
A magnificent herd of 17 nimble horses make up the stable, each one individually named and allowed to “gallop freely” on the vast and pristine 2.5km beach called Nihiwatu, reports Equestrio.
Thanks to the little island’s more famous neighbours, the beach remains mostly untouched. That’s where a special activity just for guests comes in.
A mythical swim with horses at dawn
Checking into the resort means you’ll be offered an opportunity to “join the herd” and swim among the horses.
The muscular fillies frolic freely in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean every morning, before heading back home to munch on oats & hay.
The experience is known as ‘Horse Whispering’, and stablemen are described to share an incredible bond with each animal.
Stunning resort has private huts & treehouses with luxurious beds
Besides the clear cerulean waters and vast, untouched shores, guests can look forward to a hospitable reception at the resort.
Traditional Balinese huts with thatched straw roofs, surrounded by lush greenery and flower foliage line the footpaths to your rooms.
Inside, luxurious 4-poster beds with hanging drapes beckon, as you fall into a deep night’s slumber.
Sunset bonfires, infinity pools & aromatic massages
Dining options by the picturesque beach, allow guests to enjoy the warm glow of a bonfire against sunset views, while tucking into a sumptuous dinner.
An infinity pool at the resort is also a great place to chillax with a mocktail, after a morning workout with the energetic horses.
Lounge areas with comfy couches allow guests to bask in the rustic atmosphere that invokes a deep appreciation of nature.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to their spa before you leave, to iron out the kinks in your muscles with a soothing & aromatic oil massage.
Proceeds help village children & Malaria efforts
Guests concerned about sustainability efforts should rest assured that the Nihi Sumba Resort has given back greatly to the community.
Tourists are encouraged to take a rare glimpse into the lives of the villagers, in tours to clinics, schools & villages set up by the Sumba Foundation.
Resort proceeds have ensured that children are given early access to education, clean water and eradicating Malaria, over the years.
Head over via plane, just an hour away from Bali
Guests will need to a take a 1-hour plane ride from Ngurah Rai International Airport, and a taxi ride to reach the resort.
Here are the directions on Google Map, which predicts a 1.5 hour drive from the airport to the private resort.
Nihi Sumba Resort
Address: Nihi Sumba, Hoba Wawi, Wanokaka, Kabupaten Sumba Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim., Indonesia
Contact Number: +62 811 3978 550
Website: Nihi Sumba Facebook, Instagram, Email Reservations
Do note that resort rates are dependent on seasonality, but start from a pretty steep rate of S$1,151 (US$845) per night for a 1-room private villa.
All water activities with horses, 3 meals, Wi-Fi and other amenities are included, but a stay of a minimum of 3 nights is required.
From Dec 2019 to Mar 2020, however, you’ll be able to enjoy off-peak rates. For more details and a vast array of room options, check out their website here.
Once-in-a-lifetime dream to chase
Since the magical feeling of running alongside horses as the sun rises can’t be experienced anywhere else in the world, this truly seems like a once-in-a-life time experience to aspire towards.
That’s why Nihi Sumba will remain a wonderful place to keep in view, for that spectacular proposal or wedding you’ve always been chasing.
Featured image adapted from Nihi Sumba.
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