The Journey of Faisal, Sumba Tour Guide: The Face Behind IndonesiaJuara Trip’s Sumba Tour

Behind the growing popularity of Sumba’s tourism, there are local names who’ve been quietly working hard. They’re not celebrities or big agency owners, but local people who love their homeland and slowly learn how to bring it to the world stage. One of these individuals is Faisal Mahdiyansyah, affectionately known as Bang Faisal.

His name might not be as well-known as the tourist spots he visits every day, but Faisal plays a big role in growing tourism in Sumba. Through hard work, a strong desire to learn, and the courage to start from scratch, he has become one of the leading tour guides at IndonesiaJuara Trip in Sumba. Faisal’s journey is not just about guiding tourists. It’s a story of transformation, empowerment, and a deep love for his homeland. His story is proof that anyone can play a role in developing tourism, as long as they have the will and the opportunity. So, how did Bang Faisal’s journey begin, and how did he end up introducing Sumba to the world? Here’s his full story.

The First Encounter That Changed Everything

Faisal’s (42) first encounter with the tourism world wasn’t something he had planned. In late 2017, he was just an airport driver, occasionally picking up passengers arriving in or departing from Tambolaka. But one last passenger that day would become a turning point in his life: Agung Afif, founder of IndonesiaJuara Trip.

At that time, Agung and his colleague Fathur asked Faisal to drive them to Sinar Tambolaka Hotel. Upon arrival, they immediately shared their desire to explore Sumba, especially the southern area like Gaura. Because of the rough terrain that wasn’t suitable for regular vehicles, Faisal honestly declined at first. But he remained open if they ever needed his help again.

Two days later, Agung contacted Faisal once more. He was serious about exploring Sumba and asked Faisal to assist again, this time bringing along another person, since they were carrying a lot of photography gear. Faisal then invited his friend, Adi R, who used to help him run a small motorcycle-washing business at home.

Their journey took them to several little-known tourist spots. In the field, they often asked locals for directions, took note of beautiful locations, and began seeing Sumba from a whole new perspective.

“That’s when I realized, oh, so this is what tourism is really like,” said Faisal.

That exploration sparked Faisal’s growing interest in the world of travel. He witnessed firsthand how beautiful Sumba truly is, and how much potential it held, if managed well. What started as a small curiosity gradually turned into a strong attraction, especially after hearing Agung’s vision to grow Indonesia’s tourism, particularly in Sumba.

After Agung returned to his base, Faisal found out who he really was. Friends working at local travel agencies told him that he had just helped one of the leading travel companies. They even showed him IndonesiaJuara Trip’s Instagram account, which Faisal hadn’t seen before.

Not long after, Agung contacted him again, this time not for exploration, but for their first-ever trip with 8–9 guests. Faisal prepared two vehicles and invited Adi again to help. This would be Faisal’s first time officially guiding a group of tourists.

“I had stage fright the first time I handled guests,” he recalled. He was nervous during the briefing, stammered when asked about the destination, and wasn’t sure how to act in front of the group. But Faisal didn’t give up. He learned from every little mistake and kept improving with each trip.

Over time, the fear turned into excitement. From that first, fear-filled trip, he eventually blended in comfortably with guests, treating them like family. This has become his guiding principle: guests aren’t just clients, they should be treated like family.

Since then, Faisal has grown beyond just a driver or tour assistant. He officially joined the IndonesiaJuara Trip Sumba Tour team, marking the beginning of his journey as a full-fledged tour guide.

The Journey to Labuan Bajo That Changed His Perspective

After guiding his first guests in Sumba, Agung invited Faisal and Adi to Labuan Bajo to gain deeper insights into tourism, not through theory, but through real-life experience. For context, IndonesiaJuara Trip had already launched their Labuan Bajo Tour operations earlier. With a more established system there, Faisal and Adi were invited to receive hands-on training from experienced tour guides in the field.

“Bang Faisal, how about going to Labuan Bajo?” Agung casually asked one afternoon. Without hesitation, Faisal answered, “I’d love to!”

Plane tickets were arranged, and a few weeks later, they flew to Labuan Bajo and stayed for five days. This was Faisal’s first true “field school” experience in the world of modern tourism.

“Bang Agung didn’t talk much about theories. He just said, ‘Go out there, let the field speak for itself,’” Faisal recalled.

The first few days were filled with training sessions on how to use drones and cameras, two tools that were still rare among local tour guides in Sumba at the time. Faisal was assigned as an assistant guide and learned directly from more senior guides on board the phinisi boat. Adi was also involved, and both of them absorbed the professional guiding environment in Labuan Bajo.

Faisal didn’t just return from Labuan Bajo with new skills, he came back with a mission. Seeing how far Bajo had progressed through collaboration, strong visual documentation, and well-managed field operations, he became convinced that Sumba had the same potential.

“I was truly motivated. If Labuan Bajo can progress that much, why not Sumba? We have it all, nature, culture, and warm hospitality,” he said with conviction.

Once back in Sumba, Faisal and Adi together fly drones and use the camera. But beyond tools, he also passed on a spirit, that being a tour guide isn’t just about showing guests around, but about being the face of your homeland.

“What matters most isn’t just the equipment, but how well we serve our guests. The camera and drone are just supporting tools,” he added.

That trip to Labuan Bajo became a turning point. From there, Faisal’s passion and determination to develop Sumba’s tourism industry grew even stronger.

Tourism That Transforms the Economy and Society

After officially joining the Sumba Tour team at IndonesiaJuara Trip, Faisal’s life began to change significantly, not just financially, but also in terms of how the local community viewed the role of a local tour guide.

Economically, the steady flow of tourists and the trust given by Agung, the founder of IndonesiaJuara Trip, allowed Faisal and his team in Sumba to grow steadily. They were trusted with full responsibility for field operations, from managing transport units to personally guiding guests at destinations. When they encountered urgent needs at tourist sites, like the lack of a toilet at Waimarang Waterfall, local guides took the initiative to pool funds and build one themselves.

“We don’t just bring guests; we also help clean, offer solutions to locals, even build toilets,” Faisal shared.

Their contributions didn’t stop at service. The presence of the Sumba Tour team from IndonesiaJuara Trip also helped strengthen ties with local residents. Over time, the community began to better understand and appreciate the role of a guide, not just as a driver or escort, but as a professional. Faisal and his colleagues were even invited to official tourism events. At one point, the West Sumba Tourism Office invited him on a study visit to Bali, though he had to decline due to family matters.

“Now, people see us as those who understand tourism. Not just someone tagging along a trip,” he said proudly.

The Sumba Tour team is also active in preserving Sumba’s positive image. Before any trip, they often clean up the tourist spots, like Walakiri Beach, before guests arrive. Their goal is for travelers to enjoy the scenery in its best condition. The same applies to hills and waterfalls, they wouldn’t hesitate to pick up litter before the tour starts.

For Faisal, building tourism isn’t just about guiding visitors. It’s also a moral responsibility to protect nature, build relationships with locals, and create joyful, meaningful experiences for everyone who steps foot in Sumba.

Culture: Sumba’s Underrated Hidden Treasure

Faisal’s journey as a tour guide not only deepened his knowledge of Sumba’s natural beauty, but also strengthened his love for the culture embedded in every corner of the island. He realized that Sumba’s uniqueness isn’t just about stunning landscapes, it’s also about a cultural heritage that few people know, and that can’t be found anywhere else.

“Everywhere has beaches and hills. But traditions like Pasola, Wulla Poddu, and our traditional houses, those only exist in Sumba,” he said firmly.

According to Faisal, this is what sets Sumba apart from other destinations, even compared to Labuan Bajo, which is also in East Nusa Tenggara. While Bajo is known for its beautiful island clusters, Sumba stands out with its stories, rituals, and the lives of its people, who remain deeply rooted in tradition.

He often highlights traditional villages like Prai Ijing and Ratenggaro, places he’s eager to introduce to the world. Visitors there can see Sumba’s iconic thatched-roof houses, horses still used for traditional transport, and a way of life that continues to thrive.

One of the most sacred rituals he finds worth sharing is Wulla Poddu, a month-long cultural ceremony held every October in several traditional villages, including Kampung Tarung in West Sumba. For one full month, residents must follow a series of customary restrictions, they can’t build homes, work the fields, or engage in everyday activities, because their focus shifts fully to daily spiritual rituals. The ceremony culminates in Kallango, a sacred ritual involving traditional dances and ancestral stone worship.

“Most of the tourists who come during Wulla Poddu are foreigners. They’re really drawn to this kind of unique cultural experience,” Faisal explained.

Beyond rituals, Sumba’s ikat weaving is another cultural treasure that’s starting to gain international recognition. Passed down through generations, this handwoven textile tradition has recently entered the global stage, especially through international fashion shows. But according to Faisal, there are still countless stories and traditions from Sumba that remain untold. That’s where he feels his responsibility lies, as part of the IndonesiaJuara Trip team, to share them more widely.

“Nature can make people come. But culture, that’s what makes them fall in love and want to come back,” he said.

To Faisal, culture isn’t just a spectacle for tourists. It’s part of the local wisdom that shapes Sumba’s identity. He wants travelers not just to see it, but to understand and appreciate the heritage they’re witnessing.

“If all we offer is scenery, other places have that too. But this culture? You can’t copy it. It’s only ours,” he said confidently.

From Sumba to Indonesia, From Indonesia to the World

Faisal Mahdiyansyah’s story is living proof that love for one’s homeland can be a powerful force for transformation. From a humble airport driver in Tambolaka, he gradually grew into someone who now welcomes travelers from around the world to Sumba, not with high-ranking titles or large capital, but with a willingness to learn, the courage to take the first step, and a deep determination to put his region on the map.

With the Sumba Tour by IndonesiaJuara Trip, Faisal doesn’t just showcase Sumba’s natural beauty and cultural richness. He fights for local values, builds strong connections with communities, and ensures every guest has a meaningful and unforgettable experience. For him, every trip is not just a job, but a chance to genuinely present Sumba’s true soul, with warmth and sincerity.

“Sumba is a place for healing, for discovering new things. Don’t be afraid to come here. We’re ready to welcome anyone with warmth and open arms,” Faisal said at the end of our conversation.

If you’re looking for a travel experience that goes beyond sightseeing, one that connects you with nature, immerses you in living culture, and allows you to interact with the people who preserve it, join a trip with Sumba Tour by IndonesiaJuara Trip. Alongside Faisal and other passionate local guides, you’ll explore the hidden wonders of Sumba in a way that’s heartfelt, authentic, and unforgettable.