Wakatobi : The Real Underwater Heaven in Sulawesi

Wakatobi National Park is one of 50 national parks in Indonesia, which is located in the district of Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi. The capital of Wakatobi is Wangi-Wangi. Wakatobi consists of four major islands, namely Wangiwangi, Kalidupa, Tomia, and Binongko.Wakatobi very rich in species of coral. There, there were 750 of the total 850 species of coral in the world. Configuration depth varies from flat to sloping to the sea and in some areas there are bertubir steep waters. Part deepest waters reach 1,044 meters.

More than 112 types of coral from 13 families including Acropora formosa , A. Hyacinthus, Psammocora profundasafla, Pavona cactus, Leptoseris yabei, Fungia molucensis, Lobophyllia robusta, Merulina ampliata, Platygyra versifora, Euphyllia glabrescens, Tubastraea frondes, Stylophora pistillata, Sarcophyton throchelliophorum, and Sinularia spp who live in harmony with other underwater inhabitants.

Various types of fish live in the waters of Wakatobi like Cephalopholus Argus, takhasang (Naso Unicornis), pogo-pogo (Balistoides Viridescens), napoleon (Cheilinus Undulatus), red fish (Lutjanus Biguttatus), rabbitfish (Siganus Guttatus), Amphiprion melanopus, Chaetodon specullum, Chelmon rostratus, Heniochus acuminatus, Lutjanus monostigma, Caesio caerularea, and others.

Specifically, Wakatobi National Park is surrounded by coast of coral islands along the 600 km of beaches and tourism potential to be managed, scattered throughout the Wakatobi region. Therefore Wakatobi National Park are very suitable for tourism such as diving, snorkeling, swimming and fishing.
Hoga Island (Resort Kaledupa), Binongko Island (Resort Binongko) Tamia and Resort is an attractive location to visit, especially for diving, snorkeling, marine tourism, swimming, camping, and cultural tourism.

Wakatobi have loyal guests who make Wakatobi waters as a playground, a guest was none other than the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). Typically, sperm whales are in Wakatobi in November, while the other hemisphere freezes. Its because, in november the Wakatobi waters relatively warmer and abundant food. Not only that, Wakatobi is also a playground for stingray Manta (manta ray). Manta rays are one type of fish that is distinctive and unique, which is only found in tropical waters.

How To Get There

You can use the plane from Jakarta to Wakatobi with the aim of Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi capital, then continue the journey by ship directly to Wanci in Wangi Wangi Island. Wanci is the first gate into the Wakatobi National Park area. Regular boat to the island of Wangi Wangi depart every morning at 10 and will arrive at the destination about 10 to 12 hours later. Of Wangi-Wangi, trips to other islands can be reached by boat-boat charter or regular boat simple, but quite safe.