Source: www.indonesia.travel
Besides Scuba and Diving in Wakatobi, you can also do various other fun activities. No need to worry, here we have prepared special recommendations for you.
- Sunrise & Dolphin Watching
Are you amazed when you see a group of dolphins at Lovina Beach, Bali? Wait until you visit their “playground” in the Banda Sea. Precisely near Tanjung Kapota, about 40 minutes from Mola Pier. Surely you have never seen so many dolphins before! On the way by boat to get there, you will be greeted by a panoramic view of the morning sun with golden light bouncing on the surface of the sea water.
Once you arrive at your destination, be prepared to witness a sight that will be unforgettable for a lifetime. Hundreds of dolphins are swimming, jumping, and “dancing” in the wild. These marine mammals are not shy about swimming close to the ship so that you can hear their enthusiastic squeaks. It is an amazing experience and hard to describe in words.
- Spectacular constellation views: Kulati Village, Tomia
Kulati Village is a small village located in the eastern part of Tomia Island. When you enter this village, you may not yet see anything special, and you may think it is just like other common small villages in Indonesia. However, once you reach a slightly hilly area (near the Tourism Information Center/TIC), you will realize what makes this village special. Panorama of the blue sea landscape combined with cliffs, white sandy beaches, and rows of very exotic palm trees. But that’s not all. Towards midnight, when the electricity is completely cut off, and the whole village is pitch black, look up to the sky and see the incredible wonders of nature. That is in the form of the Milky Way galaxy cluster that can be seen with the naked eye that you may not be able to see in Urban area!
- Stop by the village of the rulers of the sea: Bajo Sempela, Kaledupa
This place is a traditional village in the middle of the sea inhabited by the Bajo tribe or the sea gypsies. There are at least 3000 residents who live in floating houses made of wood. As soon as you arrive at this village, you will be immediately greeted by local children who greet you cheerfully and always emit happy laughter. Here you may get this cultural shock of the view of around-3-year-old kid suddenly running and jumping into the sea! Don’t panic if you see that because they are accustomed to playing like that.
The Bajo people here have been exploring the sea for centuries, so it is no wonder that most of them are good at diving without tools. Unlike anglers who fish from boats, Bajo residents do not hesitate to go directly to the seabed to hunt fish using traditional spears. Only with swimming goggles made of wood without frog legs or oxygen cylinders can they dive to a depth of 20 meters.
- Taste Wakatobi’s unique dishes
While on vacation, get ready to explore the delicious and unique culinary treasures of the Wakatobi people. The must-try foods are Kasuami, Parende, and Karasi. If you are a fan of trying new things, then one thing you should not miss is the sea pork dish with an unusual shape whose inside resembles a fish egg with a quite savory taste.
- Cheer up the festive festivals and parades
The best way to immerse yourself in Wakatobi’s rich tradition is to watch the shows they put on. Like other Sulawesian, Wakatobi residents are also pleased with the celebration. One of the most festive annual celebrations is Karia’a. This celebration is usually held after the month of Ramadan in conjunction with the Barata Kahedupa Festival. In this celebration, children and youth are dressed in traditional costumes and colorful accessories. Then they would be paraded or carried on palanquins down the street to the square, shouting encouraging slogans.
- Swim in Kontamale Water Cave, Wangi-Wangi
The freshwater pools in the cave are decorated with stalagmites, which in some parts are covered with moss, created by natural processes for hundreds of years. Some people believe that the small caves here are directly connected to the ocean.
The distance of this cave is about 15 minutes from downtown Wanci, Wangi-Wangi. This crystal clear natural pool shaded by rocks and shady trees are commonly used by locals for bathing. But, uniquely, the condition of the water here is still evident, cool, and even emits a sparkling blue color too.
Whether your trips take you on a long stroll on beaches, delicious cuisines, relaxing spas and resorts, or urban attractions, additional research will give you the best experience for your visit. Get to know more about Wakatobi by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.