25 coral reef chains define Wakatobi National Park. It is recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve under the Man and the Biosphere Programme. Reefs are a defining part of Southeast Sulawesi’s landscape, but the region also has other sides: villages with historic buildings, crafts, highland views, and distinctive culinary traditions.
Reefs, islands, and waterscapes
The waters off Wangi-Wangi are home to coral reefs and diverse marine life. Wakatobi offers opportunities for snorkeling and diving. Hoga Island also offers nature experiences: white-sand beaches, calm waters, and opportunities for snorkeling define the scenery there.
Water activities take place in a variety of settings. Canoeing is one of the popular activities at Lake Sombano on Kaledupa Island. On Kapota, you can watch dolphins early in the morning. The reef waters off Wangi-Wangi, the lake on Kaledupa, and early-morning dolphin watching on Kapota each offer something different.
Wakatobi’s settlement landscape includes entire villages built on stilts. Wooden bridges connect them across wide expanses of coral reefs and rocks in the emerald-green sea. On Labengki, coral formations are a distinctive feature; the island is often called “Mini Raja Ampat” for the beauty of its coral islands.
Villages, buildings, and crafts
Historic buildings in Liya Togo tell the story of the village. Masjid Mubarok was built in 1546 and features distinctive 20th-century architecture. Benteng Liya surrounds the village. Together with the mosque, it is among the historic buildings of Liya Togo that have been preserved and maintained to this day. The Lariangi dance is also associated with the women of the village.
You can experience crafts in a special way in Liya Togo: visitors can watch residents turn Homoru woven fabric into sarongs, scarves, headbands, and bags. Traditional Buton woven textiles of high artistic value are sold at local markets in Kendari. Ironworking has a long tradition on Binongko Island; its residents are known for high-quality kris, machetes, and agricultural tools.
Among Liya Togo’s natural attractions is Mata Air Kohonda’o, with its clear water. Visitors can bathe at the Uwe Kohonda’o hot spring. Desa Adat Moronene offers another opportunity to learn about the local culture of Southeast Sulawesi.
Views and village history
On Tomia, Puncak Khayangan offers views of green savanna landscapes and the deep-blue sea. Tangkeno offers a different kind of scenery: the tourism village lies about 700 meters above sea level, giving it a cool climate, and is known by the nickname “Negeri di Awan.” From the square in Tangkeno, you can see Mount Watu Sangia and the sea. You can also visit old forts associated with the village’s history.
Nambo Beach in Kendari has soft, white sand. The region’s range of attractions thus includes coastal spots and viewpoints as well as reefs and village history.
Maritime culture and regional cuisine
The Wakatobi Wonderful Festival and Expo, or Wakatobi WAVE, celebrates maritime culture and the lives of coastal communities in the region. The festival includes a cultural parade featuring the Karia procession—a local coming-of-age ritual—and a parade of decorated boats representing the maritime life of the Bajo. The event also includes the release of sea turtles and the transplantation of coral reefs.
The dishes also offer distinctive regional flavors. Ikan Bakar Parape is grilled fish with a spicy and sweet spice blend. Kasuwu, a traditional cassava dish, is served alongside Sinonggi: a Southeast Sulawesi sago porridge served with fish broth and sambal. Perangi is a specialty of Liya Togo and is considered Wakatobi-style sashimi.
Discover more destinations: Wanci, Bau-Bau, Ranomeeto, Tinanggea, North Maluku, Gorontalo, East Nusa Tenggara, Riau.
Return to the main travel overview: Indonesia.
