When traveling to Indonesia, consider some lesser-known destinations like Wakatobi Indonesia. If you have traveled to Indonesia before, I am sure you have seen/done all the things to do in Bali, so why not go somewhere new in Indonesia?
In a recent two weeks in Indonesia, I visited Wakatobi, a place I had never heard of before. I was promised I wouldn’t be disappointed, and I wasn’t. Here are five reasons to visit Wakatobi, Indonesia. Honestly, after you see these Wakatobi pictures, you’ll be convinced you need to go.
*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Bali check prices on Booking.com, we’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*
5 Reasons To Visit Wakatobi Indonesia
1. Visit The Bajo People
A trip to Wakatobi, Indonesia wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Bajo people. The Bajo people, aka “People of the Ocean,” have literally been living on the ocean for centuries. The Bajo people have built their lives just offshore by using the reef & rocks as the foundations to their homes.
We spent an hour visiting the Bajo people and seeing what living life on the ocean is like. The people were super friendly; they even invited us into their homes and were very photogenic.
I was amazed as I watched the young children running along the wooden “sidewalk” that often had missing boards. I was walking slowly and steadily, hoping not to fall into the ocean!
2. Wakatobi Has Some Of The Best Diving In The World
Since I’m not a diver, and Adam wasn’t with me on this trip, I contacted my good friend Sarah Richard. She is a divemaster & travel blogger at www.coffeewithasliceoflife.com. Sarah was with me in Wakatobi, Indonesia, and here is what she had to say about diving in Wakatobi.
“I’d heard Wakatobi was home to some of the best diving in the world, but for some reason, I wouldn’t allow myself to believe that until I had my head under the water myself. With stories of 850 different species of coral (compared to the Caribbean, which has 70) and water so clear you can see meters below without even diving in, I already held high hopes for this part of the coral triangle.
And it seemed my expectations weren’t set high enough! The pure amount of coral and fish life was outstanding and definitely among the best I’d ever seen with warm and clear waters with little current Wakatobi held all the ingredients for a perfect dive…”
“…However, what I loved about the diving here was the seclusion. Seclusion from tourists, from snorkelers or divers breaking the coral, from fisherman dynamite fishing and from just about everyone else. Diving in Wakatobi felt live diving in your own private ocean, just you, the fish, and a bucket load of underwater adventure!” ~ Sarah Richard
3. Wakatobi Sunsets Are Pretty Spectacular
After a day exploring above the water or diving underneath it, the best thing to do is just sit back and watch the sunset. I don’t think there is such a thing as a bad sunset in Indonesia, and Wakatobi definitely confirmed that. I loved heading out to the dock at our hotel with a nice cold Indonesian Bintang beer in hand and just watch the sun sink into the ocean.
After reading this Raja Ampat travel guide I think that is my next Indonesian getaway. Gorgeous sunsets never get old.
4. Spend A Day At Hoga Island
Not far from the Bajo village is the gorgeous Hoga Island. We had a beach picnic and then spent the afternoon basking in the sun. I wish we would have spent a few nights at Hoga Island at Hoga Dive Resort, on Agoda.com rooms are around $30 in September 2016 but prices vary on season and sales.
5. Explore the Islands In Wakatobi
Get out and explore the islands in Wakatobi! One of my favorite adventures in Indonesia is just spending the day on a boat in the middle of the ocean island hopping. There were a few islands/highlights I wanted to visit and then the captain brought us to some of his favorite secret spots.
Now that I have put Wakatobi, Indonesia on your bucket list, you’ll need to know how to get there & where to stay. You cannot fly directly from Jakarta to Wakatobi.
We flew from Jakarta to Makassar, then to Wakatobi, the plane will make a landing at another airport first (we stayed on the plane). You will need to fly into Matahora airport (WNI). Flights from Jakarta range from $50-200 one way, I flew with WingsAir.
I stayed at Patuno Hotel & Resort Wakatobi, which was right on the beach, and I had a huge wooden beach hut all to myself. I just checked prices for next month, September 2016, and rooms are less than $30 with breakfast, you can’t beat that price for a nice room right on the beach.
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Carryn
Friday 5th of June 2020
I'm so excited to have found this post. I've been on the lookout for more hidden gems in Indo, and I've never heard of this place before! Do you know if there's any good surfing around Wakatobi - That's one way I'll be able to convince my boyfriend to join me on a trip, although he might be sold on the diving!
Anita
Sunday 13th of November 2016
wow looks like perfect place for snorkling and diving!I would like to do that!
Hannah
Thursday 22nd of December 2016
It really is a divers happy place. Are you a diver?
Ficko Komodo
Saturday 1st of October 2016
It is a real of Indonesia beyond Bali. Welcome for wonderful Indonesia.
Hannah
Thursday 22nd of December 2016
There is so much more to Indonesia besides Bali, but Bali is pretty awesome too. We know we'll be back to Indonesia!
Brittany from Boston
Saturday 17th of September 2016
Oh I'm sold! I will definitely go to Wakatobi when I make it over to Indonesia!
Hannah
Thursday 22nd of December 2016
Def make the trip to Wakatobi next time you are in Indonesia!