Backyard Travel, the online boutique travel agency specializing in unique and insider tours to Asia has today released news of a fascinating new tour that explores the little know Indonesian island of Sumba, giving travellers the chance to discover the extraordinary traditions of one of the last surviving megalithic cultures on the planet.

Situated in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, Sumba has a wonderful 'off the well-trodden path' appeal, with a stunning backdrop of underlatuting hills and sublime beaches.

On this captivating four-day, three-night tour travellers will learn about the unique customs of the local Marapu religion, distinctive for astonishingly elaborate ceremonies and the building of huge megalithic tombs.

Travellers will be shown the most impressive stone tombs on the island, observe the distinctive tomb carving process and enjoy guided walks through local tribal villages. These villages are distinctive for their houses built on stilts, cosntructed solely from bamboo and thatch. Travellers will be given the opportunity to interact with the different local tribes that inhabit these traditional dwellings, before visiting a local foundation to learn how they are aiding a tribe try and balance their ancient traditions with the demands of modern culture.

The local Sumbanese also produce some of the highest quality Ikat in all of Indonesia, and on this fully guided tour travellers can observe this process of using dyes to colour materials at a local market, with opportunity given to purchase some of the beautiful fabrics and clothing on display.

 “This absorbing four-day tour would be ideal for anyone craving the touch of the unknown on one Indonesia's lesser-visited islands”, said Backyard Travel's General Manager Maeve Nolan. “And with regular flights from Bali, taking just an hour, the tour can easily be included as part of a travellers' Indonesian adventure”.

About Backyard Travel

Bangkok based Backyard Travel is an online travel company specializing in tailor-made tours to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan and China.

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