Bobocabin Umarato Sumba

The cabins feel fancy even though they’re a budget-friendly option compared with the villas. Everything worked, and the features felt advanced: you can blur the window and set rainforest sounds. You can also get a real key. Waking up to the ocean and butterflies was lovely, and we preferred relaxing on the terrace in the evenings to going to the restaurant. The location works well for getting to surfing and tourist spots by scooter, and the airport road is decent compared with other places. There’s plenty to do nearby, but you’ll need to ask locals, or mostly just surf. Grocery shops, more cafes, souvenir stores, and an ATM are a 30-minute drive away. If you’re on a budget, remember to buy instant coffee and any alcohol at Bali airport, since there are no alcohol stores on the island. Check-in is done through the app, though there’s always a receptionist and a guard on the property. Airport transfer was arranged, and the staff were responsive on WhatsApp. I don’t get complaints that kids have nothing to do here, since parents can choose to pay for a villa with a pool. Daily housekeeping would help. The small space fills up with rubbish fast, and there’s no toilet brush to clean the toilet. We had a mixed experience at the restaurant and didn’t return: skip the shrimp, but the noodles are great.

Bobocabins are clean and feel safe, and at this price they’re good value for a short visit. The cabins are cute, though you can see in the photos that they’re a bit worn. I’d keep it to 2-3 nights, since there isn’t much to do nearby. Our first assignment was Cabin 4, but it had a serious ant problem. We asked to move and Cabin 3 was fine. Housekeeping only comes if you request it. During our five nights, we had to ask for cleaning, more toilet paper, and fresh towels as the bins filled up. The main drawback is the location. The restaurant next door was disappointing: you need reservations, the food is expensive, and we didn’t feel very welcome. For meals, the options were a 30-minute drive to Waikabubak or going each day to the beach near Coconut Bar. We ended up buying breakfast and snacks, driving out for lunch, and packing dinner to bring back to the cabin. It got inconvenient. There’s very little to see or do in the immediate area, so travelers who haven’t researched it may be disappointed.

Such a lovely spot in Sumba. The cabin has a breathtaking view, and everyone was so nice. We’d recommend renting a bike so you can explore the island from here. Definitely recommend!

The room was comfortable and clean, with a stunning view, and the stay was really good value. We had a small shower problem, but the staff were helpful and got it sorted quickly. For dinner at the nearby restaurant, make a reservation through the Bobocabin front desk.