Wakatobi is a district located in Southeast Sulawesi. This area consists of various islands, including Wanci, Kaledupa, Tomi and Binongko. Each of these islands has an interesting natural beauty. This area was designated by the government as one of Indonesia’s National Parks in 2002. Wakatobi in Southeast Sulawesi Province is the center of the world’s coral triangle. This area has a very wide area of coral reefs, 90 thousand hectares. The number of marine biota diversity in these waters is the highest in the world: 942 species of fish and 750 species of coral out of 850 species on earth are found in these waters.
This diversity is the main attraction for visitors both from within and outside the country. So do not be surprised if it is used as a marine tourism location on the island of Sulawesi besides Bunaken National Park. That’s where international divers testify, on the seabed there is a panoramic view of the most beautiful coral reefs, full of a diversity of fish that is second to none in the world, even compared to the Caribbean. With a short snorkel, we will be able to see barracuda, clown fish and seahorses. Wakatobi National Park not only offers underwater beauty, but also has other attractions such as quite exotic beach views.
Underwater world of Wakatobi is what differentiates it from other city destinations. The beauty of diving into the waters of Wakatobi is the main activity for visitors to Wakatobi. Of all the Wakatobi waters, the most popular are the Onemohute points in Wangi-Wangi and Roma (Roma’s Reef) in Tomia. This famous cluster of corals is located at a depth of 15 to 25 meters, filled with colorful corals and schools of fish that swim side by side like rows of colors in the sea.
Diving skills are usually owned by foreign tourists who like to enjoy the underwater beauty of Wakatobi. Meanwhile, domestic tourists prefer beach tourism around Wakatobi waters.
Wakatobi is not only captivating in the depths of the sea. We can also enjoy various uniqueness on the mainland. On Wangi-Wangi Island, there is a village of the Bajo tribe, the famous “sea adventurers”. There we can also take a historical tour, see a number of heritage buildings from the reign of the Buton Sultanate and visit the Liya Mosque, which is said to be the oldest mosque after the Buton Palace Mosque on Buton Island.
How to get to the Wakatobi area
Airway
From Jakarta or other big cities in Indonesia, use a plane first to Kendari as the capital city of Southeast Sulawesi. From Haluoleo Kendari Airport, the trip must be continued by boat to reach Wakatobi. Now using an airplane can also be chosen for the route from Kendari to Wanci. In a day there are flights 2-3 times a day from Makassar or Kendari directly to Wanci. Another route is by plane from Kendari to Bau-Bau on Buton Island, which is the closest island to Wanci. Meanwhile, the new Matahora airport in Wangi-Wangi will be a busy place because it is close to other tourist attractions in Wakatobi.
Sea
Using a boat from Kendari, you can go directly to Wanci, the capital of Wakatobi Regency on Wangi-Wangi Island. From Wangi-Wangi to other islands, you can go by rented boat or simple regular boat. For Kendari heading to Bau-Bau, you can also use a regular fast boat with a travel time of 5-6 hours. Arriving at Bau-Bau, visitors continue to Wangi-Wangi Island using a wooden boat. Kaledupa Harbor in Wangi-Wangi is the main port to other places in Wakatobi
Tips
- If you want to dive, try to have a dive license
- In some places electricity is still limited. So not all the time there is electricity
- The people of Wakatobi, the majority are strong in carrying out their worship, so that Muslim visitors do not need to lose time performing their worship.