wakatobi national park


Did you know that Indonesia has one of the most beautiful underwater paradise of the world? The underwater paradise known as the Wakatobi National Park, located in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Wakatobi is the capital of Wangi-Wangi. Wakatobi district consists of four main islands, namely Wangiwangi, Kalidupa, Tomia, and Binongko. 
wakatobi national park

So, Wakatobi is an acronym for the name of the four main islands. Prior to December 18, 2003, these islands are called Junior Iron Islands and is still a part of Buton Regency. Astronomically, Wakatobi is located in the south of the equator and such other areas in Indonesia, Wakatobi has two seasons, rainy and dry season. Wakatobi National Park established in 1996, with a total area of ​​1.39 million hectares, involving marine biodiversity and coral which occupies one of the highest priority of marine conservation in Indonesia.

The beauty and richness of the Wakatobi National Park area is already well known in foreign countries, especially after the Wallacea expedition from England in 1995 which states that the area in Southeast Sulawesi is very rich in species of coral. There, there are 750 of total 850 species of coral in the world. Configuring the depth varies from flat to sloping to the sea and waters in some areas there is a steep rugged. Waters reach the deepest part of 1044 meters.

Marine tourism is a tourism activity that has long been recognized and is the mainstay of tourism in the Park Authority. Wealth of marine life is not because coral reefs along the vast waters of the submarine topography of colorful slop like shape, flat, drop-off, atoll and underwater cave.

More than 112 species from 13 families including corals Acropora formosa, A. Hyacinthus, Psammocora profundasafla, Pavona cactus, Leptoseris yabei, Fungia molucensis, Lobophyllia robusta, Merulina ampliata, Platygyra versifora, Euphyllia glabrescens, Tubastraea frondes, Stylophora pistillata, throchelliophorum Sarcophyton, and Sinularia spp living in harmony with other underwater inhabitants.


Fish species richness of this national park which is owned as many species of fish such as (Cephalopholus argus), takhasang (Naso unicornis), pogo-pogo (Balistoides viridescens), napoleon (Cheilinus undulatus), red fish (Lutjanus biguttatus), rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus) , Amphiprion melanopus, Chaetodon specullum, Chelmon rostratus, Heniochus acuminatus, Lutjanus monostigma, Caesio caerularea, and others.

The conservation group “Operation Wallacea” is very active in this marine park, conducting underwater research and conservation. During the Sail Wakatobi 2011 in August, the Marine Laboratory on Hoga Beach by Kaledupa is to be officially inaugurated. (For information visit: www.opwall.com)

Wakatobi National Park also hosts a collection of sea birds such as the Swan-Stone Chocolate (Sula leucogaster plotus), Malay plover (Charadrius peronii) and King Prawn Eurasia (Alcedo atthis) nest. Several species of sea turtles also make this park their home such as hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead turtle (Caretta Caretta), and cracked turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).

Wakatobi waters have a loyal guests who make a playground Wakatobi waters, guests were none other than the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). Normally, sperm whales in Wakatobi in November, while the other hemisphere frozen. In the Wakatobi waters are relatively warmer and abundant feed whales stomach filling. Not only that Wakatobi is also a place to play Manta manta ray (Manta ray) is classified as a giant body size. Manta rays are one type of fish is distinctive and unique, which is only found in tropical waters.

Tired of diving and snorkeling?  Visit the Kampong Bajo Mola on Wangi-Wangi and see the life of the local Bajo sea nomads. There are also a number of interesting forts on Wangi-Wangi. Five kilometers from Wanci is Fort Tindoi, standing on top of Tindoi Mountain, while at Liya Togo Village is Fort Lya which also has the Lya Kraton Mosque within its compound. The fort was built in 1538 by an influential Islamic cleric called Syekh Abdul Wahid. Other forts are the Mandati Tonga Fort and the Kapota Fort.

Kaledupa has some of the best beaches such as the Hoga Beach, Sombano Beach, Peropa Beach, and Puncak Jamaraka 

The Untete Beach at the Kulati Village is the longest white sand beach on Tomia with endless rows of coconut trees, where the usual fish grilling tradition is held. There are also mangrove forests to explore.


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