Travel
Ferry link between Waikelo (Sumba) and Sape (Sumbawa) is back
ASDP and the Southwest Sumba government reopened the crossing in May, restoring a sea route between Sumba and West Nusa Tenggara.
The ferry route between Waikelo port, near Tambolaka in Southwest Sumba, and Sape port in Bima, on Sumbawa, reopened on Sunday, 24 May 2026, with a symbolic send-off of the first passengers by ASDP Indonesia Ferry and the Southwest Sumba government. The regency government named the ferry as KMP Cakalang. No timetable was announced.
- Route: Waikelo (near Tambolaka, Sumba) to Sape (Bima, Sumbawa).
- Reopened on 24 May 2026 by ASDP Indonesia Ferry and the Southwest Sumba government.
- Ferry named by the regency: KMP Cakalang.
- Regent Ratu Ngadu Bonnu Wulla called it a vital logistics link between NTT and NTB.
- No timetable was published at the reopening.
TAMBOLAKA — State ferry operator ASDP Indonesia Ferry and the Southwest Sumba regency government reopened the ferry route between Waikelo port, near Tambolaka, and Sape port in Bima, on the island of Sumbawa, on 24 May 2026, with a symbolic send-off of the first passengers.
Why the Waikelo-Sape ferry route matters
Regent Ratu Ngadu Bonnu Wulla called the route a vital logistics link for connectivity between East and West Nusa Tenggara.
What the ferry link could bring to Southwest Sumba
Officials said it should help local farm, livestock and fishery products reach new markets, make emergency health referrals easier and bring more visitors through Waikelo. The announcement did not include a timetable.
What it means
For travellers, the crossing opens an overland-and-sea route between Sumba and Sumbawa, Lombok and Bali. Check the current schedule with ASDP before planning around it, as crossings in the region can change with the weather and season.
If you are travelling to Sumba overland from Bali or Lombok, the Waikelo-Sape crossing links Southwest Sumba with Sumbawa. No timetable was published when it reopened, so check the current schedule with ASDP before planning around it, as crossings in the region can change with the weather and season.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a ferry between Sumba and Sumbawa?
Yes. The Waikelo-Sape route, between Waikelo port near Tambolaka and Sape port in Bima, reopened on 24 May 2026, operated by ASDP Indonesia Ferry.
What is the Waikelo-Sape ferry timetable?
No timetable was announced at the reopening. Check the current schedule with ASDP before you travel.
Where does the ferry leave from in Sumba?
From Waikelo port, near Tambolaka in Southwest Sumba.
- InfoPublik: Sumba Barat Daya Hidupkan Kembali Jalur Penyeberangan Waikelo-Sape (24 May 2026)
- Pemkab Sumba Barat Daya: Bupati SBD Resmikan Pengoperasian Perdana KMP Cakalang Lintasan Waikelo-Sape (9 Jun 2026)
- Headline.co.id: Jalur Penyeberangan Waikelo-Sape Kembali Beroperasi di Sumba Barat Daya (25 May 2026)
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