Last Updated on July 5, 2024 by Tina
When planning a trip to Sumba Island, Indonesia, one of the most critical decisions is choosing where to stay in Sumba. Sumba is known for its pristine beaches, traditional villages, and lush landscapes. Among the many options, Oro Beach Houses stands out as a prime choice for travelers. This charming accommodation offers a unique blend of rustic charm, modern amenities, and an intimate connection with nature. Here’s a detailed review of what you can expect when you stay at Oro Beach Houses.
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Oro Beach Houses Location
Oro Beach Houses is located on the western coast of Sumba Island, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The property is located in Oro Beach, less than a 20-minute drive from Tambolaka Airport.
It is nestled amidst lush greenery, providing a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But the pristine beach is just steps away, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and adventure.
Shops, restaurants, and banks are not within walking distance from the property, but if you have a car or a motorbike, it will only take you 15-20 minutes.
Accommodations
The beach houses at Oro are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The rooms are spacious and airy. The houses come equipped with comfortable beds with mosquito nets, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas where you can enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail while listening to the soothing sounds of the waves. The minimalist decor creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
As this is a beach house, expect insects in your room and bathroom, especially in the evening (it was not a problem with me though because there’s a mosquito net but worth mentioning as it may be an issue for others).
The rooms are not airconditioned and no hot water is in the shower. You don’t need an aircon because the room is cool and there is a fan if the cold breeze is not enough for you. There is no wifi in the room and mobile data is also not that good. But the restaurant/reception has wifi and surprisingly the internet speed was good. It was even better than the internet speed in some villas in Bali.
The Beach
One of the things I love about Oro Beach Houses is that it is just a few steps away from the beach. It is a white sandy beach and is very clean. It is a good place to relax and watch the sunset. The best thing about the beach is most of the time you have it to yourself.
Oro Beach Houses Price
Staying at Oro Beach Houses is reasonably priced, considering the premium beachfront location and quality of service. You may find it more expensive than the accommodations in Bali, but overall things are more expensive in Sumba. The price is around US$ 45 per night, depending on the season and the type of accommodation chosen. This price includes a free breakfast, making it a great value for money. You can book a beach house in this link.
Free Breakfast
One of the highlights of staying at Oro Beach Houses is the complimentary breakfast. Served daily in the open-air restaurant, the breakfast menu consists of sliced fruits and either banana pancakes or omelet. For the drinks, you can choose between coffee or tea. I’ve never tried their coffee as I’m not a coffee drinker but their ginger tea was really good.
Facilities and Services
Oro Beach Houses offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Guests can take advantage of the following:
- Restaurant: The on-site restaurant serves a variety of delicious dishes, made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They don’t have a menu, they just ask you what you would like, if it’s fish or chicken, and if you like it grilled or fried. It always comes with vegetables. You have the option to have it with fried potatoes or rice. I always had my dinner there and everything I ate was really good. Each meal costs 85,000 IDR (around US$ 5) which may be a bit pricey compared to the warungs in the city center. But that’s the same price or maybe even cheaper than the food in fancy restaurants in Bali.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi available at the reception/restaurant.
- Activities: The staff at Oro Beach Houses can arrange guided tours to nearby attractions. If you are traveling alone, I highly recommend arranging your tour with them rather than just looking for a guide on the Internet, for safety reasons. The driver/guide that they contacted for me was really good and I highly recommend him. His name is Jon and you can contact him on his WhatsApp number: +62 813 3747 9988.
- Airport pick-up: You can arrange airport pick-up or drop-off with them for 150,000 IDR (around US$ 9).
Service
The hospitality at Oro Beach Houses is exceptional. The friendly and attentive staff go above and beyond to make sure guests have a memorable stay. Whether you need assistance with planning activities, transportation, or special requests, the team is always ready to help with a smile, even if they have difficulty speaking in English.
I visited Sumba on a birthday trip and stayed in Oro Beach Houses the whole trip. It was a solo trip. One of the staff Arjuna saw my birthday on my passport when I checked in and told me “Your birthday is on Sunday”. I didn’t think he would remember it. On my birthday, while I was waiting for my breakfast, I was surprised when they brought a heart-shaped pancake with candles while singing Happy Birthday. I didn’t see any cake shops in town and I love the effort that they made with the pancake. They made my birthday truly unforgettable.
Oro Beach Houses Policies and Conditions
- They only accept cash payments.
- Check-in time is from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm and check-out time is until 12 noon.
- Children of any age are welcome.
- Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary depending on where you booked. Check the conditions before booking a room.
Conclusion
For those wondering where to stay in Sumba, Oro Beach Houses offers an ideal blend of comfort and authentic Sumbanese culture. Its stunning location, reasonable prices, excellent accommodations, delicious free breakfast, and outstanding staff make it a top choice for travelers. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the island, or immerse yourself in the local culture, Oro Beach Houses provides the perfect home base for your Sumbanese adventure.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Sumba and searching for the perfect place to stay, look no further than Oro Beach Houses. Book your stay today and experience the best that this beautiful island has to offer.
