Wakatobi National Park Feasring on Wallacea’s Crystal Clear Waters

Do you want to visit Wakatobi National Park? The Conservation area stretches along the southeastern tip of Sulawesi Island and is considered to be among the most sought-after diving destinations in Indonesia. The name Wakatobi is an acronym of four main islands: Wangi-wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia and Binongko. The island was formerly known as Tukang Besi, before it was altered to Wakatobi.

Wakatobi National Park is one of Indonesian diverse natural resources of the archipelago that need not be doubted. The location is located in Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. The national park which was inaugurated in 1996 is the second largest National Marine Park in Indonesia, and according to the local government, it is home to 90% of the world’s coral species and more than 942 fish species!

No wonder Wakatobi is hailed as the best marine tourism destination, not only in Indonesia but also the whole world. The abundant biological wealth has also driven Word Wildlife Fund (WWF) to intervene in Wakatobi management and nature conservation. Now, you want to visit Wakatobi?

Diving in Wakatobi National Park Indonesia is one of the best activity there! via @yunikharisman

If you are not accustomed to a complicated passage route, getting to this island may be a challenging journey. However, you only need to pay close heed to suggestions from the local people and set the most appropriate time to start your passage. Upon reaching Wakatobi National Park , all sense of weariness will dissipate once you set eyes on glistening waters that stretch endlessly. Another thrilling experience would be the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the sperm whale rising to the surface to spout up misty clouds of water vapor.

When exploring the island, you will encounter the captivating formation of fossilized coral reefs that among others are home to giant clams and nautiloids. The marine park is also overflowing with crustaceans. Wakatobi National Park waters are reputed for their spectacular night diving experience. Abundant coral reefs, play the perfect host for vibrant marine life, including the spending sun coral, blooming soft coral and a whole range of invertebrates such as the crustacean, nudibranch and sea porcupine.

Ali Reef is one of best Wakatobi National Park diving and snorkeling spot. by @gianfictoria

The national park boasts 46 of the best diving locations spread across Wanci Island to the furthest tip of Kapota-Wanci Island. At Wanci, the entryway into Wakatobi National Park and the Ogu site, your diving adventure begins. Two diving spots with gentle slopes reveal exquisite coral reefs where fish of unimaginable shape and color gently glides by.

Thing You Can Do In Wakatobi National Park!

Wakatobi National Park is one of Indonesia’s beautiful island. And there are so many thing that you can do by visiting Wakatobi. Ranging from hiking one of its hill with beautiful sunset view, enjoy the culinary, and also diving in all national park’s diving spot!

Bajo tribal settlement from air. Bajo tribe people are more comfortable living on sea water than living on land. They are able to survive with very limited availability of fresh water. At sea they are able to dive for 10 minutes without the help of oxygen tubes at a depth of 70m. via @laodejailani

1. Explore Roma Point, a diving spot in Wakatobi with thousands of color marine life.

2. Climb Bukit Kayangan in Tomia to enjoy the most beautiful twilight in Wakatobi.

3. Taste delicious Wakatobi cuisine. This Islands have some of Indonesia best culinaries and delicacies!

4. Do Island Hoping In Wakatobi National Park.

5. Visit the Bajo tribe house by boat.

6. See Wakatobi’s unique culture such as Mansa Traditional Dance.

How To Get To Wakatobi National Park

Many regular airline such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air that flies from Jakarta to Bau-Bau, or Jakarta To Kendari in Southeast Sulawesi. From Bau Bau or Kendari you can continue fly to Wakatobi’s Matohara Airport on Wangi-Wangi. From here you must take a boat to another Wakatobi Island. Or you can fly with The Wakatobi Dive Resort operates Charter flights. They can pick up passengers from Bali arriving directlu on the island of Tomia. Although it is going to be more expensive.

Benteng Tindoi Maleko Festival held inside Wakatobi National Park! via @wakatobi_id

Accessibility and Direction:  From Kendari, capital city of Southeast Sulawesi, travel by ship to Bau-bau for an approximately five-hour passage. Continue toward Lasalimu (one-hour drive) and take a speedboat to Wanci, entrance gate to Wakatobi. The journey from Lasalimu to Wanji takes 2-5 hours.

Best Time to Visit Wakatobi National Park : From April to June, and from October to December

Contact Details : Kantor Taman Nasional Laut Wakatobi Jl. Dayanu Ikhsanudin, Bau Bau, Buton, Sulawesi Tenggara. Phone: (0402) 25652

The Beauty OF Wakatobi National Park Recorded In Video