Discover Wakatobi Regency

Wakatobi National Park lies within Wakatobi Regency. Its area consists of 97 percent marine or water areas and 3 percent land, including islands. This distribution shapes the natural environment, but Wakatobi has more to offer than experiences on the water: viewpoints, historic villages and traditional crafts offer other perspectives. When planning your trip, it is worth weighing up the region’s different themes and choosing the focus that interests you most.

Sea, Islands and Landscapes

Wakatobi’s marine areas are home to various turtle species, dugongs, dolphins and other whales. In the national park, diving and snorkeling are possible at suitable locations with local operators who are familiar with the waters and conservation rules. More than 40 dive sites on Tomia have been named and mapped—a concrete reference for anyone interested in dive sites.

Tomia also offers striking landscapes above the water. Puncak Khayangan viewpoint overlooks green savanna landscapes and the deep blue sea. After a speedboat ride, a gentle hike of about 30 minutes leads there. The approximate duration gives you a practical guide for planning your time, without reducing the excursion to the view from the lookout.

On Kaledupa, Sombano Lake is a brackish-water lake and habitat for rare red-blood shrimp. You can reach it on foot from Sombano Beach or by motorbike from Sombano village. This gives you two different ways to get there. Hoga Island offers a different experience: white-sand beaches and calm waters are ideal for relaxed snorkeling. Boats from the main harbor take visitors to the island, where local homestays offer overnight stays.

Villages, History and Crafts

Kahianga is an adat village in Tomia Timur District, where traditional customs and cultural values are preserved. The one-day Agroedukasi package gives the visit a practical focus: you can take part directly in planting, tending or harvesting local food crops. If you are interested in farming and regional food crops, this offers a different side of Wakatobi from a day by the sea.

Liya Togo is a village with a strong cultural and historical character in South Wangi-Wangi District. Liya Fort, also known as Royal Fort, is a relic of the Buton Kingdom. Built from large mountain stones, the complex has three rings of walls and covers 52 hectares. The Mubarok Mosque stands within the fort; it dates back to 1546 and features early 20th-century architecture. Together, the two structures bring different historical periods together in one place.

In Liya Togo, visitors can watch the Lariangi dance performed by the village’s women and observe the making of woven Homoru cloth. The cloth is made into sarongs, scarves, headscarves and bags. On Tomia, Patua Fort also tells the story of a place: it served to protect against invaders and as the center of the settlement. On Kaledupa, Pajam village maintains a long tradition of handwoven textiles, including sarongs and scarves. On Binongko, you can watch steel being forged, shaped and sharpened using techniques passed down through generations.

Activities and Local Cuisine

The experiences described appeal to different interests: diving and snorkeling take center stage in the national park, while the Agroedukasi package in Kahianga invites you to take part in farming activities. On Hoga Island, the focus is on relaxed snorkeling; on Binongko, it is on traditional blacksmithing. This lets you explore Wakatobi through the themes you want to shape your trip, rather than focusing on just one activity.

Parende, a fish soup made with fresh sea fish, sautéed onions, lemongrass, turmeric and chili peppers, is part of Wakatobi’s cuisine. It is traditionally served on special occasions. This dish complements the region’s nature and culture with a local specialty that has its own place in the regional food culture through its ingredients and the occasions on which it is served.

Getting There and Finding Hotels

Matahora Airport is on Wangi-Wangi Island and serves as the air gateway to Wakatobi. By air, a route to the airport goes via Kendari. By sea, travel via Murhum Port in Baubau, then take the ferry to Wanci Port. Check current flight and ferry schedules before your trip.

If you are looking for hotels for a trip to Wakatobi, first decide which experiences matter most to you: dive sites and the viewpoint on Tomia, the lake and textile tradition on Kaledupa, or village history in Liya Togo. These priorities can help you tailor your search to your travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Tojo Una-Una Regency, Morowali.

See the main travel overview: Central Sulawesi.