Wakatobi: Exploring the Biodiversity Hotspot of Southeast Asia

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Tahbrontak - Wakatobi National Park in this district is the name of the national park area designated in 1996, with a total area of ​​1.39 million hectares, concerning the marine biodiversity, scale, and condition of the coral reefs that occupy one of the highest priority positions for marine conservation in Indonesia.

Wakatobi Regency is an archipelago located in southeastern Sulawesi Island. Astronomically, Wakatobi Regency is located south of the equator, stretching from 5.00º to 6.25º South Latitude (approximately 160 km in length) and from 123.34º to 124.64º East Longitude (approximately 120 km in width).

Wakatobi is one of the many beautiful regions in Indonesia, in Southeast Sulawesi Province, famous for its tourist attractions. Not only that, Wakatobi Regency is also known with the slogan "Real Underwater Paradise at the Center of the Coral Triangle."

In 2016, the government designated Wakatobi as one of the ten priority tourist destinations in Indonesia. Other priority destinations include Borobudur, Lake Toba, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Komodo Island, Thousand Islands, Tanjung Kelayang, Mandalika, Morotai, and Tanjung Lesung.

Wakatobi is also home to the Bajo people who spend most of their lives on the sea. The uniqueness of their cultural traditions is extraordinarily attractive. In fact, the potential for unique marine and cultural tourism led Wakatobi to be designated as the 8th Biosphere Reserve in Indonesia by UNESCO in 2012.

The Wakatobi Islands consist of four islands: Binongko Island, Tomia Island, Kaledupa Island, and Wangi-wangi Island. In addition, there are several interesting tourist attractions, including Kaluku Beach, Moli'i Sahatu Beach, Jodoh Beach, Melai One Beach, Waikesa Beach, Sousu Beach, and Waha or Cemara Beach.

The unique tourism attractions in Wakatobi are a draw for tourism in the eastern part of Indonesia. The development of tourism in Wakatobi also has the potential to improve the welfare of the local community.

Wakatobi, the pride of maritime tourism in Sulawesi, is known as a piece of real paradise that has gained worldwide recognition. You won't regret setting foot in this regency with its capital city located in Wangi-Wangi.

Have you ever visited Southeast Sulawesi? If not, you must visit one of its premier tourist destinations, Wakatobi! Wakatobi, the pride of maritime tourism in Sulawesi, is known as a piece of real paradise that has gained worldwide recognition. You won't regret setting foot in this regency with its capital city located in Wangi-Wangi.

To satisfy your curiosity, here is a list of exciting activities in Wakatobi!

1| Explore the underwater beauty of Wakatobi National Park

The mesmerizing coral reefs and exotic fish in Wakatobi. When talking about Wakatobi, it's incomplete without discussing its enchanting underwater beauty. In 2012, Wakatobi National Park was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to the presence of at least 750 out of the world's total of 850 coral species in its waters. No wonder Wakatobi is often referred to as the "paradise" for divers from around the world. Some diving spots you can explore include Sombu Beach and Onemohute in Wangi-Wangi Island, Hoga Island in Kaledupa, Tomia Island, and Binongko Island.

2 | Dolphin watching around Kapota Island

Besides Lovina Beach in Bali, you can also enjoy dolphin watching in Wakatobi, specifically around Kapota Island! Just a 15-minute boat ride from Wangi-Wangi Island, you'll witness the extraordinary sight of a group of dolphins gracefully dancing in the open sea. This special moment can be experienced every day between 6 am and 7:30 am local time, so don't miss it!

3 | Capture stunning photos at the savannah of Puncak Khayangan

Apart from popular diving spots like Marimabok, Roma Dive, and Wreck Huntete, Tomia Island also offers an Instagrammable spot called Puncak Khayangan. Located on the eastern part of Tomia Island, Puncak Khayangan provides the best view of rolling green hills that stretch to the ocean. The sunset panorama at Puncak Khayangan is also truly impressive. So, if you have the chance to visit Wakatobi, exploring Puncak Khayangan on Tomia Island is a must!

4 | Visit Bajo Mola, the village of the Bajo Sea Gypsies

Have you ever heard of the legendary Bajo Sea Gypsies? In Wakatobi, particularly on Wangi-Wangi Island, there is a village called Bajo Mola inhabited by the Bajo people. Unlike typical villages, their yards and terraces consist of vast expanses of clear seawater. Apart from enjoying the impressive scenery, you can get a closer look at the Bajo people's way of life, who still possess remarkable knowledge of the sea and the stars.

5 | Explore the historical village of Liya Togo, Wangi-Wangi

To experience a different side of Wakatobi, visit the village of Liya Togo on Wangi-Wangi Island. This area, which was once part of the Buton Sultanate, has its own unique charm. Here, you can stroll around and admire the traditional Buton houses called Banua Tada, which are raised wooden houses with thatched roofs. There is also a cultural site called Baruga, a wooden building where local residents hold meetings.

Oh, when visiting here, make sure to wear the traditional woven cloth called "tenun" from the Liya Togo community. For men, it is usually wrapped around the waist and extends below the knee, while women wear it by tying the cloth on one shoulder.

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