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The natural beauty in Eastern Indonesia seems to be endless. One of the famous destinations recently is Wakatobi. Wakatobi has long been a favorite for divers from all over the world because of its underwater beauty. No less than 942 species of fish and 750 species of coral were recorded inhabiting Wakatobi waters.
Wakatobi is one of the regencies in Southeast Sulawesi Province with Wangi-Wangi as its capital. Since 1996, UNESCO has designated Wakatobi as an Indonesian national park and a world nature reserve for the marine biosphere. Besides being known as a diver’s paradise, Wakatobi also has other tourist destinations that will amaze you.
- Dive into the Underwater Nirvana of Tomia and Onemohute
The main activity when visiting Wakatobi is to dive into its spectacular underwater beauty. You can use almost all of Wakatobi’s waters as a place for diving or snorkeling, but the most popular ones are Onemohute in Wangi-Wangi and Roma (Roma’s Reef) in Tomia.
Roma’s Reef is one of the more famous and ‘busiest’ coral group names than other corals. Located at a depth of 15 to 25 meters, you can see colorful coral reefs, rows of fish swimming regularly, and other beautiful marine animals. This spot is also safe for those who want to learn and try diving. Other interesting diving locations in Tomia are Cornucopia and Coral Garden.
Don’t worry if you can’t dive, the natural scenery above the waters has the same beauty. One of the best places to see dolphins is at Mola Raya Harbor, which can be reached in 20 minutes by chartered boat from Wanci City, Wangi-Wangi.
- Heaven’s Peak, Tomia’s Peak
As the name implies, this tourist destination is very famous for its beauty. Kahyangan Peak, located on Tomia Island, offers an extraordinary view of Wakatobi from a height. Located 30 minutes from Usuku (East Tomia), this place is a favorite location for photographers to hunt the sunset.
You can also spend the night in hilly areas and enjoy the view of Tomia’s starry sky away from the city’s crowdedness. In the morning, you will be greeted by the view of the sunrise with its warm rays.
- Soaking in the Kontamale Cave to quickly get a mate
Wakatobi is quite famous for its natural attractions and the flow of groundwater. There are 12 caves scattered on the islands of Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, and Tomia. One of the popular ones is Kontamale Cave in Wanci, Wangi-Wangi. This cave is often referred to as Goa Telaga because the water at the cave’s lip resembles a lake.
On the ceiling of the cave, many amazing stalagmites are found. Many residents use this cave as a source of water for bathing and washing with its clear water. Even so, the water in this cave is never cloudy, you know! It is even said that bathing here can make you get a soulmate easily. So for those of you who are still single, don’t forget to stop by here.
- Enjoying Tranquility on the Beach of Hoga Island
Coastal tourism destinations have become commonplace, especially in Eastern Indonesia, such as this beach on Hoga Island. The soft white sand and clear beach water will make you forget the time. Hoga Island tends to be quieter when compared to other main islands in Wakatobi. Its location, which is only separated by a narrow strait from Kaledupa Island, adds to the uniqueness of this beach.
You can try to spend the night at Hoga Dive Resort and feel the sensation of the private beach. One thing to note is that electricity is only available from 18.00 to 00.00 WIT. But, what does it mean when compared to the coastal view of Hoga Island, right? Because it is free from light pollution, Hoga Island can also be an amazing stargazing place, you know. Certainly, you will find it difficult to move on from the scenery here!
- The clearness of Lake Sombano, a lake in the middle of a mangrove forest
Sombano Lake is a lake formed in the Mangrove Forest area, Kaledupa Island. You can see various types of exotic plants such as orchids and pandanus species here. One thing you should notice is the appearance of red shrimp on clear brackish waters.
You might be tempted to swim, but the locals don’t recommend it because there is a legend about a black crocodile that inhabits Lake Sombano and they are afraid it will appear when you swim here. Even though the beauty of Lake Sombano still amazes anyone who visits it.
- Exploring the Sacred Forest of the Wakatobi Community, Tindoi Protected Forest
Tindoi Forest is one of the protected forests sacred by the community members in four villages; Waginopo Village, Posalu Village, East Tindoi Village, and Tindoi Village, in Wangi-Wangi District.
This forest is located at an altitude of 800 m above sea level and is about 10 km from Wanci City. Here you will find a variety of exotic and soothing tropical rainforest plants. The large trees also add to the freshness of this forest atmosphere.
- Visiting Thousand Turtle Island, Anano Island Beach
The island, which has the nickname ‘Thousand Turtle Island,’ is a small uninhabited island in Wakatobi. Named a thousand turtles because this location is used by colonies of green turtles and hawksbill turtles to lay their eggs. The beach is also very beautiful with fine white sand and very clear beach water, so it will surely make you want to spend time here. Don’t miss the sunset view at Anano Beach that can blow your mind!
- Hip-Hip Hura Plays in the Water at Cemara Beach
Cemara Beach is one of the most modern beaches in Wakatobi. The location is not far from the city center of Wangi-Wangi island, and public facilities for tourists are also quite complete.
Here, you can easily find food stalls to fill your hungry stomach. For those who can’t dive, there is a diving course ready to teach you. In addition, you can also do many water games such as fun and exciting banana boats.
Planning to visit Wakatobi soon? Find out more about Wakatobi and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
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