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Global Traveller

14 Jun 2023 - 3 min read

Getting Around Wakatobi: Enjoy Heaven on Earth in Indonesia!

When we talk about Indonesia, we think of thousands of islands that offer natural beauty. Some of them have already become top destinations for worldwide tourists, like Wakatobi, a place that offers paradise on Earth.

Wakatobi comprises four main islands: Wangi-wangi, Kaledupa, Binongko, and Tomia, as well as dozens of small surrounding islands. Unlike other regions and cities in Indonesia, water transportation, such as water boats, is the primary mode of transportation around Wakatobi.

If you are unfamiliar with the name Wakatobi, this article will introduce you to it! Wakatobi is a regency in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, surrounded by breathtaking tiny islands that make it an archipelago.

Islands in Wakatobi Regency

In addition to the four largest islands, Wakatobi also has several smaller islands, each offering unique destinations that are surely worth visiting. What are the islands in the Wakatobi regency? Here are some explanations:

1. Wangi-wangi Island or Wanci Island

Wangi-wangi Island is not only known as one of the largest islands in Wakatobi, but it is also the main island in the Wakatobi Regency. It serves as the entrance gate for tourists who want to explore Wakatobi. Additionally, there are several destinations worth visiting on Wangi-wangi Island, including the traditional village and Tingkat 7 waterfall.

2. Kaledupa Island

Kaledupa Island is home to the popular Wakatobi National Park, also known as the "underwater paradise" of Wakatobi. This is a great place to learn about and observe the marine life around the island.

If you have time to explore the island, be sure to visit the Wakatobi National Park and try diving or snorkeling to fully appreciate the beauty of the underwater views.

3. Binongko Island

Binongko Island is known for its beautiful underwater corals. The island's surroundings are rarely visited by tourists, which helps maintain the beauty of the island and its sustainability.

4. Tomia Island

In addition to Binongko Island, Tomia Island is also popular for its underwater views of marine creatures and corals. Moreover, the sea zones around Tomia Island are even known as the world's coral triangle area! If you love to see the sunrise or sunset, you can hike and reach the hills on the island that are full of savannah fields.

5. Hoga Island

The beauty and wealth of nature surrounding the Wakatobi islands is undeniable. It is no wonder that this place has also become a major research center in the world. Specifically located on Hoga Island, the research focuses on the marine life of the island.

6. Kapota Island

Kapota Island, the smallest island in Wakatobi Regency, offers stunning natural beauty. The well-maintained forests provide an excellent view of the turquoise sea from the edge of the beach.

Transportation to Wakatobi

Although Wakatobi is famous for its water transportation, you can also reach this regency by plane. Below are the available transportation options for reaching Wakatobi.

1. By Plane

Information & Pros: The Matahora airport in Wakatobi Regency is located on the main island of the archipelago, Wangi-wangi Island. If you plan to come to Wakatobi by plane, you can take a flight from Haluoleo Airport in Kendari. The flight takes less than an hour to reach Wakatobi from Kendari. However, flights to Wakatobi from Kendari are not available every day, so make sure to check your flight schedule through Traveloka.
Route: If you are traveling to Wakatobi from Makassar, there are two transits. Take a flight from Makassar, which only takes an hour, to Kendari. Once you arrive in Kendari, take another flight to Wakatobi. The total travel time is approximately 2 hours before you arrive in Wakatobi.
Fare: The cost of the flight from Makassar to Kendari to Wakatobi is around IDR 1,500,000 to IDR 2,000,000.
Tips: Book your flight tickets early due to limited flights, especially from Kendari to Wakatobi.

2. By Ferry

Information & Pros: If you're on a budget but still want to visit Wakatobi, taking a ferry to the regency can be a good option. You can depart from either Bau-bau Harbor or Kendari Harbor, with two types of ships available: Regular Ferry and Ferry Boat. The Regular Ferry has daily departures to Wakatobi, while the Ferry Boat only departs every two days.
Route & Fare: Before embarking on your ferry journey to Wakatobi, it's important to know the schedule and fare, as explained below:

Ferry Type

Route

Schedule

Departure

Fare

Reguler Ferry

From Bau-bau to Wangi-wangi

Every evening

10:00 PM

IDR 120,000

Ferry Boat

From Wangi-wangi to Bau-bau

Once in two days

10:00 AM

IDR 150,000

Reguler Ferry

From Kendari to Wangi-wangi

Mon, Tue, Thu, and Sat

10:00 AM

IDR 180,000

Ferry Boat

From Wangi-wangi to Kendari

Mon, Tue, Thu, and Sat

10:00 AM

IDR 180,000

Tips: It is highly recommended that you arrive at least one hour before departure.

Transportation to Use in Wakatobi

Once you arrive in Wakatobi, there are several public transportation options available for exploring and getting around the area. Here is a complete explanation:

1. Wooden Boat

Information and Pros: The wooden boat is the easiest and most common form of public transportation in Wakatobi. The schedule for the wooden boat is at least once a day, and it travels around each island in Wakatobi. Therefore, make sure you are already familiar with the schedule.
Route and Fare: The wooden boat is used to connect islands in Wakatobi, including Kaledupa, Binongko, Wangi-wangi, and Tomia Island. Below are brief explanations about the departure times and fares for the wooden boat:

Route

Departure

Fare

From Wangi-wangi’s Mola dock to Kaledupa

Daily, 08:00 AM

IDR 55,000

From Wangi-wangi’s Jabal Rahman dock to Tomia

Daily, 08:00 AM

IDR 50,000

From Wangi-wangi to Binongko via Tomia

Daily, 10:00 PM

IDR 55,000

From Wangi-wangi to Binongko

Tue, Wed, and Fri, 10:00 AM

IDR 70,000

Tips: Make sure you already know your schedule before deciding to use the boat.

2. Speed Boat

Information and Pros: Speedboats are another way to explore the Wakatobi islands. What sets it apart from traditional wooden boats is that it does not have a regular schedule and operates based on the weather and number of passengers. If you want to have more personal space while touring the islands, you can rent a speedboat directly from the owner.
Fare: The rental fee for a speedboat is around IDR 300,000 per island.
Tips: Negotiate with the owner of the speedboat for a more affordable rental price.

3. Taxi Motorcycle

Information & Pros: In Wakatobi, the only available land transportation might be the taxi motorcycle, commonly known as Ojek. This mode of transportation can take you around the island if you don't want to walk.
Fare: The fare starts at IDR 20,000 and may vary depending on the distance.
Tips: If you plan to use a taxi motorcycle to travel around the islands, negotiate with the driver to get a better deal.

That's all the information you need to know before heading to Wakatobi. Get your bag ready and plan your best experience trip in Wakatobi with Traveloka.

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