Our
Story
About Betelnut Eco Lodge Sumba: Our Story of Sustainable Travel & Community
Deeper Than Travel: The Betelnut Eco Lodge Sumba Philosophy
Betelnut Eco Lodge is more than just an accommodation in Sumba; it's a story of deep connection, respect, and sustainable living.
Located in Wainyapu Village, Kodi, Southwest Sumba, our eco lodge was built through long-term relationships with the local community and a profound reverence for the land, culture, and ocean.
Our sustainable travel philosophy is woven into every aspect of our Sumba story.
Our journey began in 2014 when Ben, our founder, became the first foreigner to settle in Wainyapu Village. Living simply, camping under the vast Sumba sky, he immersed himself in the daily rhythms of this unique part of Southwest Sumba.
What started as a personal reconnection with nature gradually evolved into a sense of belonging, laying the foundation for community based tourism in Sumba.
A Story of Friendship: Ben, Markus, and Darius
The heart of Betelnut philosophy lies in the quiet friendship that formed between Ben and his neighbour, Markus. Trust grew naturally, and Markus became the guardian of the land, sharing local knowledge, stories, and everyday life. This bond deepened, expanding to include Darius, Markus's brother-in-law.
When Betelnut Eco Lodge Sumba began to take shape in 2018, Markus and Darius were formally employed, though they had already been caring for the land for years. Betelnut was not conceived as a tourism project; it emerged organically from these lived relationships.
After years of thoughtful conversation with village elders and families, a path was chosen: to create something small that is rooted in harmony with nature. With a community-led vision, we respect the people of Sumba who have already lived here and protected the pristine coastline for centuries.
As magical as this journey has been, it’s definitely seen some challenges, most sadly the passing of Markus and Darius. However, their legacy of love, shared life, and history continues to shape Betelnut. Their families remain deeply connected, with children schooled and family members employed within the lodge.
When you stay at Betelnut Eco Lodge, you don't just visit; you become part of this extended family, hearing their laughter and sharing in their lives.
Today, Betelnut Eco Lodge stands as a beacon for family eco-tourism in Southwest Sumba, welcoming travellers who seek authentic cultural connection and a lifestyle of slow, nature-led living.
Off-Grid Sumba. We are sustainable, solar-powered, and intentionally small. Here, surfing is approached with respect for the ocean, culture is entered with humility, and travel is seen as participation, not mere consumption.
This is not charity; it is continuity—a living testament to the enduring power of relationship and a commitment to a sustainable future.
Ethical Surf Travel & Slow, Nature-Led Living
•Genuine Cultural Immersion: Experience Sumba life alongside the local Wainyapu community.
•Sustainable Practices: Support an off-grid, solar-powered lodge built with local materials and respect for the environment.
•Ethical Tourism: Your stay directly benefits local families and promotes responsible travel.
•Deep Connection: Discover a place where relationships, not transactions, define the experience.
•Unique Philosophy: Embrace slow living and a profound connection to nature and culture.
Join us at Betelnut Eco Lodge Sumba and become part of a story that's deeper than travel.
Why Our Story Matters for Your Sumba Journey:
