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Regency in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
Photo: Jenny from Taipei, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Wakatobi is a small archipelago, regency, and national park in South East Sulawesi in Indonesia. Wakatobi is well known among divers as one of the world's best dive sites.
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A bigger fort complex on the west of the island. Two abandoned cannonade at the back of the complex, which is also the viewpoint.
Fort Suo-Suo
A small fort on the east of the island. You could find an old well and a grave.
Beware of currents, and rather hire a local boat driver to watch over you.
It can be reached by boat from Ambeua. The boat from Ambeua can only leave at high tide.
There is also a World War II ship wreck in that section. Be aware of strong waves sometimes!
Pantai Hondue
and up until to the Ferry Port 500 m north of it.
A highly recommended snorkel spot.
Extremely diverse sea life and one of the best snorkel spots on Wakatobi! Be aware that you don't enter the premises of the Wakatobi Dive Resort though. This is a tricky one - you must first take a local ferry from the Waitii Ferry Port and then head to Pulau Tolandona. It is also possible to take your rental scooter on the ferry. After you arrive on the Lamanggau Bajo Village, you then follow the small road on the western part of the island. Before the official gates of the Wakatobi Diving Resort though, you can enter the water at a now defunct jetty, and then follow the corals south, along the coast.
Maybe not top-notch for snorkelling, but a very scenic public beach indeed for swimming.
A small annex building to the Night Market, which stands on stilts over the sea water. Try the fresh, fantastic and cheap seafood BBQ there.
One of the classier seafood restaurants on Wakatobi.
Probably the best Indonesian-style peanut sauce Sate around.
Particularly scenic view and location.
The in-house restaurant of the local dive center. Food only upon prior reservation.
A small and cozy restaurant in Ambeua. Try the delicious Parende Fish Soup, one of Wakatobi's most prominent delicacies!
A small, cheap and solid restaurant in downtown Waha, serving typical Indonesian food.
Has a selection of simple traditional Indonesian food such as Gado-Gado, Bakso, Sate or Nasi Kuning.
Small but classy café with scenic seaview that sells fruit juices, snacks and fingerfood.
Small and quirky, but likeable family-run restaurant. Can cook Parende and other local Wakatobi food. Also has a funny disco-light-illuminated catfish pool to show off.
Delicious, fresh and cheap fruit juices.
Three-story hotel with a range of rooms, all with air conditioning and showers, on the main road in Wanci town (Wangi-Wangi Island) about five minutes drive from the main harbour. Small dive shop attached.
Penginapan Jelly
The staff doesn't speak any English but they're super friendly and helpful. Cheapest good rooms in town. There's one cheaper place but the staff are rude and the rooms are terrible. The price listed is for a double room with a traditional bathroom and fan.
Very well maintained homestay, one room with two beds and fan. En-suite bathroom/toilet. Next to beach for swimming/snorkeling.
Probably the most developed and nicest accommodation on Kaledupa. Has standard rooms with fans and air-conditioned VIP / family rooms. Can also organize you rental scooters or a boat transport to nearby Hoga Island.
The most prominent and high-class resort on Wakatobi, situated on Tolandona Island just next to Tomia Island.
Situated near Waha Town / Pier. Basic room, but the friendly owner speaks English well and can give you a lot of tips about what to do on Tomia. Can arrange for motorcycle rent or arrange snorkelling and diving trips.
Gorgeous accommodation on a cliff with access to private beach, on the eastern side of the island.
Very nicely situated hotel in Rukuwa with a scenic seaview. Has a selection of budget rooms (fan only) and VIP rooms (with AC). Can also rent scooter.
A small but fine souvenir shop in Wanci with a selection of self-designed t-shirts, bags, scarfs, trinkets and foodstuff.
By plane
Dec 2025 there are two flights per week (Tuesday and Friday) from Kendari to Wangi-Wangi (also known as Wakatobi, WNI).
By boat
For travelers with more time and a smaller budget there is a ferry connecting Kendari to Wangi-Wangi.
By ojek
On the main islands, ojeks (motorcycle taxi) are easy to flag down on any main road or harbour.
By scooter
You could also ask at your accommodation or at some rental shops in Wanci for a scooter, a fine way to explore the islands.
By ride-hailing app
Grab, Gojek, Maxim are available only in Kendari, not in the Wakatobi islands (as of Mar 2025), except Maxim that is available in Wangi-Wangi (Dec 2025).
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Wangi-wangi Island · Regional · WNI
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