This is a place where you would want to come back and come back again. Well known and promoted for its underwater tourism, Wakatobi National Park indeed has an amazing biodiversity, almost unlike anywhere else you've probably been. Just a few meters from the shore you can enjoy colorful corals and fish in various depth. For amateurs in diving, cheer up because here, even only snorkeling will cause you an inevitable joy! Moreover, Wakatobi offers another cool things: the land tourism, rich of heritage and history. You may consider visiting one of the villages, Mola, a village particularly lived by Bajo (the used-to-be sea gypsies and now are still living on the (half-reclamated) sea) and explore culture tourism they are developing. Have the experience of "Dolphin Watching Tour" with local fishers at dawn, learning a lot about the so-called fishers' keepers from the guide. Followed by a "Walking Tour" around the village to see the making of their traditional boats, souvenirs, traditional swimming glasses, traditional foods, as well as activities in the traditional market where you can see some people actually go shopping on boats through canals, and fishers who just got back from their sail, stock up the vendors with fresh seafood. If you are lucky, you can watch how locals conduct their mystical ceremonies for sick people in which they also perform traditional dances. See it for yourself how fishers work in the "Canoeing Tour": how they cultivate lobsters and other kind of fish. Learn the process and try fishing there, too! You will also see how tuna is being processed, the grades and market targets of each grade. Late at night, find yourself lost under the sky full of stars while listening to local guides explaining myths and traditional navigation and weather forecast using stars in "Star Gazing Tour". Find yourself amused and amazed as they introduce you to various key stars while looking at them through a pair of binoculars and stars map they provide. In between of those tours, keep your tummy happy by tasting the hearty local foods from appetizer to dessert, cooked by a group of women who's been learning the skill since they were just school girls. Interact with locals. See mothers with special powder on their face feeding babies, little kids row their boats to the bridge to go to schools while free-falling to the sea from their houses or the edges of canals, swim and free-dive as easily as we use our feet to walk, spending the rest of afternoon catching Tetehes (sea urchins), sea cucumbers, or scallops at low tide in the neighborhood, as a constant rhythm in their childhood.
Go there empty-hearted,...
Read moreWakatobi National Park is an awe-inspiring destination for those who love to explore the beauty of marine life. Located in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, the park is well-known for its clear turquoise water and vibrant coral reefs. The park offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving, allowing visitors to witness the rich biodiversity of the underwater world. The park is a haven for marine species such as turtles, dolphins, whale sharks, and manta rays. With its stunning natural scenery, Wakatobi National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the sea and its inhabitants.
If you are a nature enthusiast, Wakatobi National Park is a perfect destination for you. The park offers a unique experience for visitors to explore the rich marine life while enjoying the stunning beauty of the park. The park's clear water and thriving coral reefs provide the perfect backdrop for snorkeling and diving activities. Visitors can witness the park's diverse marine ecosystem, which includes various species of fish, coral, and other sea creatures. In addition to underwater activities, the park also offers nature trails and birdwatching tours, allowing visitors to explore the park's lush flora and fauna.
One of the best things about Wakatobi National Park is the opportunity to experience the local culture. The park is home to several local communities, and visitors can learn about their way of life and traditions. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and they are happy to share their culture with visitors. The park also hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including traditional dance performances and music festivals. With its unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Wakatobi National Park is a destination that should...
Read moreWakatobi National Park is located south-east of Sulawesi, between 05°12’-06°10’S and 123°20’-124°39’E, between the Banda Sea to the north-east and the Flores Sea to the south-west.[1]
It consists of four larger islands: Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia and Binongko, as well as many small islands such as Tokobao, North Lintea, South Lintea, Kampenaune, Hoga and Tolandono. The highest elevation is 274 metres (899 ft) on Wangi-Wangi, followed by Lagole Hill (271m) on Tomia, Terpadu Hill (222 m) on Binongko and Mount Sampuagiwolo (203 m) on Kadelupa.[1] The water depth varies, with the deepest parts reaching 1,044 metres (3,425 ft).[2]
It is the third largest marine park in Indonesia. Jacques Cousteau is said to have called the Wakatobi islands – then known as the Tukangbesi islands: an “Underwater Nirwana”. Now a national marine park covering the entire Waktobi District, it comprises 1.4 million hectares, of which 900,000 host tropical coral reefs. Wakatobi has the highest number of reef and fish species in the world. The islands are form the largest barrier reef in Indonesia, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It is the habitat of large and small fish species, dolphins, turtles and whales.[3] The island group comprises 143 islands of which 7 are inhabited, counting a total population of around 100,000. Most notable are the Bajo communities, seafaring nomads who inhabit many of Indonesia’s...
Read more