Manubara Bridge in East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province

For some people, it sounds strange to spend a holiday in a bridge, doesn’t it? Well, it would be a different story if their destination is Manubara Bridge of East Sumba Regency. The location is in Kamalaputi Village and it belongs to Waingapu Sub-District. Usually, the Indonesian locals come to the bridge for resting before visiting their prime tourist attractions. For some people, the bridge becomes a new place for enjoying photography and sightseeing. Even though the condition is not as good as people may expect, it is worth to visit especially those who are visiting Waingapu.

The Nuance
In terms of nuance, the bridge offers a serene atmosphere due to low number of passing vehicles. Even at noon, tourists won’t find lots vehicles crossing the bridge. This gives them an opportunity to explore the bridge to their heart’s content, without a doubt. What about the appearance? Well, it is because the bridge has been there since 2011 so the condition is not as good as before. Some illegal graffiti become a common sight on the surface of the bridge. Well, instead of being an eyesore, it looks unique instead. Have no worries. The beautiful scenery of the surroundings may cover such weakness.

Exploring Manubara Bridge
As mentioned before, Manubara Bridge has become a medium of local vandalism especially the illegal painting. However, it doesn’t cause any disturbance to tourists at all. Instead, visitors consider it unique so they may use the bridge as the background for photography. Have no worries. The number of passing vehicles is low so tourists can safely take pictures or selfies on site. Still, they must be careful when exploring the bridge.

Aside from photography, Manubara Bridge is suitable for sightseeing. That means tourists only need to stand by the bridge and watch the surrounding scenery. In this case, it would be better if they carry a camera and take pictures of such panorama as well. What they need to pay attention is only the weather. It is important to come during a good weather, as rain may become a hassle either during taking pictures or sightseeing.

What is more? Well, travelers often use the bridge as a resting place for a while before continuing the trip. It is because they want to spend some time inhaling fresh air and relieving their stresses. The nuance of the site is, somehow, quite helpful to replenish stamina. As long as tourists park their vehicle properly, they are allowed to drop by in the bridge regardless of the time!

Nearby Attractions

• Waingapu Park
• Batu Payung Beach
• Pahlawan Monument
• Waingapu Lighthouse

How to Get There
From Kupang City in Indonesia, tourists need to take an airplane from El Tari International Airport to Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport in Waingapu City. This flight takes only 30 minutes, actually. Once arriving at Waingapu, they only need to get to Kamalaputi Village where the bridge resides through Adi Sucipto and Gatot Soebroto Street. The distance is 6.4 km, so the trip may take about 13 minutes only.

Where to Stay

• Aulia Kost
• Elvin Hotel
• Elim Homestay
• Padadita Hotel