Have any of your pals been to Southeast Sulawesi? If not, one of the most popular places to visit is Wakatobi. Wakatobi, Sulawesi’s crown jewel and a marine tourist paradise, is widely recognized as a genuine paradise. In any case, visiting the territory that gives rise to a thousand Wangi-Wangi cities will not be anything you come to regret.
Top 10 Things to Do in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi
This is a list of fun things to do as a visitor in Wakatobi so you won’t have to wonder.
1. Dive into the underwater beauty of the Wakatobi National Park
The underwater beauty of Wakatobi should not be overlooked when discussing the island. At least 750 out of the total 850 species of coral in the world can be found in the seas of Wakatobi National Park, which is why UNESCO declared it a world biosphere reserve in 2012. Well, it’s easy to see why Wakatobi is considered a paradise by scuba divers from all over the globe. Sombu Beach and Onemohute on Wangi-Wangi Island, Hoga Island on Kaledupa, Tomia Island, and Binongko Island are just a few of the islands that offer excellent diving.
2. Seeing dolphins in the waters near Kapota Island
Other than Bali’s Lovina Beach, dolphin-watching hotspots can be found in Wakatobi, specifically in the region of Kapota Island. The unique sight of a pod of dolphins dancing freely in the wide water can be seen just 15 minutes after leaving Wangi-Wangi Island. Well, Charmers, this magical period is available every day between 6 and 7.30 am local time.
3. Explore the vast savanna of Puncak Khayangan in search of picturesque backdrops.
In addition to its numerous popular diving sites like Marimabok, Roma Dive, Wreck Huntete, and many others, Tomia Island also features a stretch of savanna known as Puncak Khayangan, which is perfect for Instagrammable photo ops. Puncak Khayangan, on the eastern side of Tomia Island, provides the best vantage point of the rolling green hills and the ocean beyond. Puncak Khayangan’s sunset vista is equally stunning. Hence, Puncak Khayangan on Tomia Island should not be missed if you find yourself in Wakatobi.
4. The Bajo Tribe, known as “the sea wanderer,” calls their settlement Bajo Mola home.
Have you heard of the fabled Bajo Tribe, known as the “sea wanderers”? Therefore, the Bajo people live in a community called Bajo Mola on the island of Wangi Wangi in Wakatobi. The yards and terraces in this community, unlike those in most others, are shaped like the open, blue sea. Well, in addition to taking in the breathtaking views, you can also learn more about the culture of the indigenous Bajo people, who are still skilled at reading the ocean and the stars.
5. Enjoying the beauty of Lake Sombano in Kaledupa, the habitat of red blood shrimp
Lake Sombano’s clean water and abundance of plants and fauna make for stunning vistas 700 meters out from the shore. It turns out that the lake in Sombano Village, Kaledupa District, is a haven for blood-red shrimp. Exciting things to do include canoeing around Lake Sembano and gazing down at the swarms of red shrimp that live there.
6. The Wangi-Wangi and Liya Togo Village History Tour
Liya Togo Village in Wangi-Wangi is the place to go if you want to experience another side of Wakatobi. The region originally ruled by the Sultanate of Buton exudes a unique and, in its own way, special kind of allure. Banua Tada is the name given to the rows of traditional Butonese homes built on stilts and topped with thatched roofs that can be seen here. Besides that, there is a cultural landmark called Baruga, which is a wooden structure frequently used for community meetings.
Indeed, all Pesona Friends must dress in the traditional woven sarong of the Liya Togo people when in the area. Sarongs are traditionally worn by men with a length that falls just below the knee, while women wear them draped over one shoulder.
7. Hunt for panoramic sunsets at Cemara Beach
Cemara Beach has a breathtaking sunset view, making it the perfect place to unwind at the end of a long day. Sunsets can be seen in all their glory from the beach that faces the Banda Sea. When the sky is clear, the sunset is unparalleled in its splendor. Don’t forget to take pictures of this unforgettable occasion! Cemara Beach can be found 100 meters from the main road on Jalan Waha in Sombu Village, Wangi-Wangi District, Wakatobi Regency.
8. Unwind on Hoga Island, Kaledupa
Want to get away from it all and relax in peace and quiet? The solution lies on Hoga Island. As you approach this island, you’ll see rows upon rows of coconut trees and miles upon miles of white sand stretching out towards azure seas. The beach is the perfect spot to unwind and forget about your worries for a time, thanks to the soothing sounds of the waves and the fresh air.
The island also has numerous hotels and B&Bs for visitors who choose to spend the night here. The majority of the accommodations on this island are wooden, giving them the feel of a traditional beach cottage. Last but not least, a trip to this location wouldn’t be complete without taking in the breathtaking sunset view.
9. Dive into the exotic Kontamale Cave, Wangi-Wangi
Having a spring cave like Kontamale Cave adds to Wakatobi’s unending allure. The pure, azure water and the unusual stalactites create a scene straight out of a picture. The locals at Kontamale Cave Springs are rumored to be kind and easy to get along with. The Kontamale Cave is a short drive from Wangi-Wangi City, located in Wanci Village in the district of Wangi-Wangi.
10. Visit Wakatobi Village and indulge in regional delicacies
You must have heard of the Indonesian dish known as tumpeng among your friends. Wakatobi has its own version of the distinctive cone, and it’s called a kasuami. What makes it one of a kind, exactly? Because the cassava used to make this dish gives it a somewhat off-white hue. Cassava is a staple food in the area, and it is often served with grilled fish and colo-colo sauce for breakfast.
Do you agree that Wakatobi is the kind of all-inclusive vacation that would make any Pesona Friends feel right at home? With so many options, you won’t be bored over the holidays and may even start to feel at home if you decide not to return there.
Always remember to practice the 6M health protocol: using a mask, washing hands, maintaining distance, avoiding crowds, slowing down, and not eating with others. Protect the individuals we care about by being vaccinated against Covid-19 if you haven’t already.
Leave a Reply