Located on a white-sand beach and a small undeveloped island off the southeast coast of Sulawesi, Wakatobi Resort is home to some of the best diving in Indonesia. Some of the best diving in the world, in fact! It includes a collection of charming bungalows set in an oceanfront palm grove, as well as private seaside villas with glorious sunset views. You can also enjoy all the trimmings of a five-star lifestyle, with fine dining, spa treatments and warm personal service. And, for Singapore divers who are ready to explore new waters, an Indonesian holiday at Wakatobi is all about discovering incredibly diverse and colourful sea life.
A beach resort for divers, snorkellers and more
As you explore this dreamy beach resort, you’ll quickly discover that the island’s beauty runs deep. Beyond the beach, hidden beneath the cerulean waters of the Banda Sea, is the heart of the “Coral Triangle”. This region in the southwest Pacific harbours the world’s most colourful and biodiverse coral reef ecosystems. Wakatobi Resort is surrounded by these impressive reefs that are protected by a landmark conservation initiative created nearly three decades ago.
It’s no surprise, then, that Wakatobi enjoys a stellar reputation for diving in Indonesia. It’s loved by dedicated marine animal enthusiasts, including many Singapore divers, and avid underwater photographers. Scuba devotees aren’t the only ones drawn to these waters, however. In fact, some of the most stellar underwater attractions can be seen a short swim or snorkel right from the beach resort.
Stretching for more than a mile either side of the resort’s jetty is a vast expanse of shallow coral gardens and seagrass meadows known as the House Reef. This area has been named the world’s best shore dive, and can be visited day or night. Acres upon acres of the House Reef lie at depths of just six feet or less, providing ideal conditions for snorkellers, including novices and younger children. Thousands of species of unique and rare marine life dot the area, including several species of pygmy seahorses. Singapore divers and snorkellers alike will see plenty of stunning sea life during their Indonesian holiday.
Some of the best locations for diving in Indonesia
Some guests spend an entire week exploring the House Reef alone. Yet that’s just one of Wakatobi’s many underwater riches. The beach resort operates a fleet of spacious boats that make daily trips to more than 40 additional locations known for great diving in Indonesia, and snorkelling sites within the marine preserve. Attentive crews provide in-water assistance and guide services. They’re experts at finding rare and hidden marine life.
Meanwhile, the resort’s water-sports centre has a multinational crew of divemasters and instructors on hand for guests who wish to perfect their snorkelling skills or learn to scuba dive. Wakatobi welcomes and cares for families too. For example, it offers nanny services and Kids’ Camp facilities. Older children, meanwhile, are welcome to accompany parents on diving and snorkelling trips.
Indonesian resort conservation
Under Wakatobi’s community-based conservation program, a portion of the resort’s revenues fund a private marine preserve as well as a range of social benefits to 17 local villages in exchange for honouring the boundaries of the preserve.
This investment pays off, not only in good will, but also in reefs that are not only ideal for diving in Indonesia, but among the most lively and pristine in the world.
Getting there
Though remote, Wakatobi is surprisingly easy to reach. After arriving at Bali’s international airport, the beach resort’s concierge team greets you. They take care of all the details of arrival and transfer, including assistance with a hotel, if needed, and tour arrangements for extended layovers in Bali. On the morning of the flight to Wakatobi, you can relax in a VIP lounge before departure. You’ll then board a direct private guest flight to the beach resort’s own airstrip to start your Indonesian holiday!
For more information, visit wakatobi.com/home. For booking enquiries, contact the Wakatobi team at office@wakatobi.com.
