8 Amazing Destinations in Wakatobi, Banda Sea Jewels You Must Visit

It's no exaggeration if the Wakatobi Islands are called the jewels of the Banda Sea. The area which has been designated a national park since 1996 has indeed become a haven for thousands of species of marine life as well as divers who explore it. Its location in the heart of the world's coral reef triangle makes Wakatobi one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.

But, it's not only the underwater beauty that is the jewel of the world, Wakatobi also has a variety of other charms that are certainly worth exploring. Come on, get to know more about this island by exploring it!

1. To open your trip in Wakatobi, stop by Moli'i Sahatu Beach. Where 100 fresh springs are scattered, and its youthful properties can make you flutter

The coastline of Wangi-wangi Island does present a number of super beautiful beaches. But, one that is unique is Moli'i Sahatu beach. Moli'i Sahatu means "one hundred springs". Moli'i Sahatu Beach is so called because this place does have hundreds of springs scattered around it. Uniquely, this spring feels fresh even though it comes out of the bottom of the beach. That said, the water is believed to keep you young, you know.

The beach, which is located in Patuno village, Wangi-wangi district, is approximately 10 km from the city center. The stretch of white sand is filled with rows of shady coconut trees, plus refreshing springs; it is most cool to be traced on foot.

2. It's not complete to go to Wakatobi if you don't visit the Bajo Tribe. Stop by for a moment to chat with them at Kampung Mola and Sampela

The Bajo tribe or also known as the boat people are the true manifestation of the "children of the sea": they live a nomadic life across the ocean in their boats. Well, approximately 7 percent of the population of Wakatobi are the Bajo. Even though they now tend to settle in one place, their lives cannot be separated from the sea. It is proven by their villages which are in the form of stilts on the lips of the sea.

Hang out with them in Mola village, South Wangi-wangi, or in Sampela village, about 10 minutes from Kaledupa Island. You will get to know more about local wisdom and their specialties. Then, don't be surprised if there you are treated to fresh and delicious seafood.

3. If you want to follow the historical track record of the Buton Kingdom, it is obligatory for you to take the time to stop at Liya Togo Fort

The Buton Kingdom once triumphed by sticking its nails in Wakatobi. This is reflected in the historical heritage of a number of forts in Wakatobi; one of them is the fort of the Liya Togo palace which is located in Liya Raya Village, South Wangi-wangi District.

The fort whose outer part reaches an area of ​​30 hectares is designated as a World Cultural Conservation. As a manifestation of Islamic influence, this fort has an old mosque built in the 16th century. Interestingly, this fort has 12 gates typical of Buton or known as lawa which is used by the royal family to mingle with the people.

4. Bathing in a fresh and natural lake in the middle of the city? Wakatobi has a place: Goa Kontamale its name

Can you imagine what it's like to bathe in a natural lake located in the middle of the city? Less than five minutes from the Merdeka Square in Wangi-wangi City, precisely in Wanci Village, there is a bathing place from a spring called Kontamale. The place is a rocky niche with bluish water. It's easy to find, because it's near a major road.

The clear blue water that feels fresh, coupled with coral niches and shady trees that shade it makes you can't stand to jump into the water immediately. Apart from Kontamale, there are also several other similar lakes not far from there, named Telaga Goa Teekosapi.

5. Those of you who like caving obviously shouldn't miss the experience of exploring Goa of the Gods on Kapota Island. The beautiful ornaments inside can amaze you until you gape

Kapota Island is approximately 3 km from Wangi-Wangi Island which you can take for 20 minutes by boat. This island has several interesting tourism potentials, such as several beaches, lakes, and Goa of the Gods. Well, if you like to explore the bowels of the earth, you must visit this Goa of the Gods. In addition to the beautiful scenery of the cave ornaments, inside there is also a lake that is said to have been used by kings to clean themselves.

Oh yes, not far from this cave there is a unique coconut tree, you know. If a coconut tree generally does not have a branched trunk, this coconut tree has a branched trunk, even up to four branches! So, don't miss visiting this unique tree, okay?

6. Kaledupa Island not only has stunning nature. Here you can enjoy the Lariangi Dance which is performed live by the girls

Kaledupa Island, one of the main islands of Wakatobi, is indeed charming. In addition to presenting a stunning panorama, you will also find the charm of culture in this place. One of them is Lariangi Dance.

This traditional Kaledupa dance was once an offering dance performed at the king's palace. Now, this dance is performed in various circles and has become one of the tourist attractions. Not only dancing, the performers will also sing to entertain the visitors, you know!

7. Climb the Heaven Hill on Tomia Island. A place where you can enjoy the endless horizon line

Every now and then, it must be fun to be alone while looking at the endless horizon line. If you arrive at Tomia Island, go up to Bukit Kahyangan. From up there, the beautiful view of Tomia Island makes you reluctant to move; You can also see the Banda Sea and the island of Kaledupa in the distance. If the sky is clear, the sunset in this place you will never forget for the rest of your life.

8. Wakatobi is heaven not only for humans. The uninhabited islands of Anano and Runduma witness the turtle hatchlings starting a new life on the high seas

If you are interested in turtles, come to Runduma Island in Tomia District. The awareness of the people of Runduma towards the turtle population is very high. Even the little ones there know that taking turtle eggs is a bad act that threatens the ecosystem.

Therefore, on the uninhabited islands of Runduma and Anano, these rare turtles can lay their eggs freely. If you're lucky, you may see turtles laying their eggs on a full night, or hatchlings struggling against the waves to return to the sea. One day, they will return to the island where they were born.

Well, those are some of the charms of the Wakatobi Islands that you can visit. It's not just under the sea that's cool.