Gallu Bakul

Sumba


At Gallu Bakul, 2.5km down the road from the modernising village of Kabonduk, is Sumba’s heaviest tomb, weighing in at 70 tonnes. At its eastern end is a separate upright slab with carvings of the buried raja and queen, buffalo and cockerel motifs. The raja’s son lives right by the tomb and can tell its story. He’ll also ask you to sign in and make a donation (20,000Rp to 50,000Rp).

It is said that 6000 workers took three years to chisel the Umbu Sawola tomb out of a hillside and drag it 3km to town. The tomb is a single piece of carved stone, about 6m long, 3.5m wide and nearly 1m thick.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sumba attractions

1. Kampung Pasunga

2.35 MILES

Right beside the main road to Waingapu, 22km east of Waikabubak, Kampung Pasunga boasts one of Sumba’s most impressive tombs. The most interesting grave…

2. Kampung Tambelar

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Has very impressive tombs and stone graves, with rows of houses with thatched roofs. Leave a donation of 20,000Rp or 50,000Rp if there are a few of you.

3. Kampung Waigalli

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4. Kampung Prai Klembung

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It’s only a short stroll from most hotels to Prai Klembung, a nearby village with hefty concrete-slab tombs in an overgrown but atmospheric setting…

5. Kampung Praigoli

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6. Kampung Tarung

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7. Kampung Waitabar

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8. Pantai Watubela

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