Togian Islands, Central Sulawesi: True remoteness

Togian Islands, Central Sulawesi: True remoteness -

Kadidiri by Francesco Ricciardi

If you 're looking for party and nightlife are the Togeans not the right destination. if you are looking for a complete isolation, silence and breathtaking nature on the contrary, you should think about is a trip. But be prepared for a long journey ...

Togian Islands are a remote archipelago of about 56 islands, located more than 0 km, is located in the Gulf of Tomini, Central Sulawesi. There are several villages around the archipelago, but only a few families of fishermen make the most of them, a total of around 25,000 people. The largest island is Batu Daka, with the small port of Wakai, where all ferries arrive. It is the right place to have some basic things to buy, as there are only a few local stores. There is no ATM so naturally along enough money to bring

Due to the remoteness, Togeans is still an oasis of beauty -. Even floating plastic waste, a horrible problem in many other Indonesian islands, is extremely rare. White coral beaches are among the best you will find in Indonesia, and the likelihood that you will be alone on this sand walking is actually quite high. The rest of this part of the world is to be able to recharge the soul, especially when they overwhelmed by the stress of urban life. Snorkeling, scuba diving and hiking in the woods are the most important activities that you can enjoy.

Jackfish by Francesco Ricciardi

Coral reefs around the archipelago are oasis of biodiversity, almost any kind of reef formation offers - atolls, fringing reefs and coral reefs are all around the area without interruption. Both snorkelling and diving are incredible, surrounded by warm water and thousands of fish and coral species. The best dive sites in the more remote island called Una-Una, nearly 30 km from the nearby island Kadidiri, where most of the tourist resorts are located. Una-Una is going a volcanic island with sandy beaches and steep reef walls in the blue, often influenced by fairly strong currents that bring extraordinary visibility and big fish like giant mackerel, barracudas and even sharks. Dive sites like "Apollo" and "Jack's Alley" are a must. Other interesting dive sites are available around the archipelago, especially before Kadidiri as' Batu Gila "(Crazy Rock), where, apparently, it is possible to see hammerhead sharks. 'Batu Gila' is a very deep dive (50-60 m), as yet, it is only for very experienced and qualified divers. another interesting and historical site is the wreck of the B 24 bomber, sunk in world war II, bombers in 1945 aircraft, on the way back from a mission, had a engine failure and the pilot decided to attempt a water landing. the whole crew of 11 people survived, and now the aircraft puts on about 18 meters, almost intact, and to be for more than 50 years under water, it is a collection point for the marine life in the area. also the reefs around the island Walea are famous for the abundance and the colors of the underwater world, containing an endemic species of pygmy seahorse, named Hyppocampus waleananus .

The islet Taipi, just before Kadidiri, is also excellent for snorkeling. If the sea conditions are good, it is possible to swim around in less than an hour to the island, and even in the small lagoon inside a.

Photo by Francesco Ricciardi

Many of the Togian Islands have very interesting hiking or trekking opportunities in the jungle. The main attraction: The Tarsius spectrum , the world's smallest primates, observed especially at dusk. If you're really lucky and a good leader, you have the option, endemic to recognize Maleo bird to Sulawesi and the ground in the sun or geothermal energy for incubation and the amazing Red Knobbed heated puts Toko their eggs, the faunal symbol of South Sulawesi Province. Some birds such as the Togian Hawk Owl and the Togian White Eye, live only in the Togians, have been recently discovered. Coconut crabs, one of the largest arthropod in the world, also live in the archipelago: It's a protected and endangered species, so refuse range of dishes based on it. Less amazing inhabitants of the jungle are tons of mosquitoes. Protect yourself also because malaria diffused in the area.

Sponges of Francesco Ricciardi

In almost every small bay of Togians there are some stilt villages, inhabited by local fishermen or pearl farmers, especially in the Bajo group include (the so-called "Sea Gypsies"). Some of them are living permanently on their boats and only come to land rice and trading stocks other to buy, in exchange, of course, for fish and other marine products. A visit to a settlement Bajo is an interesting experience, and you will be surrounded by a multitude of children. If you have some space in your luggage, you could bring for them along some school supplies look (pens, markers, etc.), to know that they are certain to appreciate.

Togian Islands are still probably a hidden paradise. The relative difficulty of travel and the lack of high-end tourist structures have protected these islands of mass tourism, preserving their uniqueness and authenticity. If you really need to take a break from the world, these islands could be the right destination.

How to get Togian Islands

The trip to Togian Islands could be a bit difficult. First of all, do not make strict plans in terms of time. There are many factors that can affect the length of your trip. Ferries are often broken or delayed and weather conditions can affect the time of departure and arrival

There are two ways to get the Togians .:

1) Via Gorontalo (north of Tomini Gulf). Flights to Gorontalo from Jakarta planned LionAir, Batavia, Sriwijaya and Garuda, all of Makassar. A direct flight from Manado Wings Air is also available. From Gorontalo, a night ferry (Tomini) travels twice a week (Tuesday and Friday at 20.00) reached Wakai, Batu Daka Iceland, after 13 hours of navigation and is still Ampana. The same ferry makes the trip on Thursdays and Sundays. Different types of cabins available, but also in the first class, do not expect luxury. Once in Wakai, usually your resort you get free with their speedboat pick up, or you need to find your own way to deal with locals.

2) Via Luwuk (Central Sulawesi, south of Tomini Gulf). Flights of very small Luwuk airport are operated by Merpati, Sriwijaya, Batavia and Wings Air, via Makassar. Once in Luwuk, you are to hire a car you have to take Ampana, after a long journey on the Trans-Sulawesi road, which is often in a very bad condition. One option is a night or more to stay Luwuk (if you have time), and perhaps to organize a trip to he Banggai Islands or in some of the local tourist from the circuit, natural reserves.

in Ampana You can rent a fast boat (the expensive option) or take the public ferry left every day (except Friday) at 10.00. The ferry ride usually takes to get about four hours in Wakai. Some ferries on, even to the island Malenge

Accommodations . The latest information on resorts, where to stay and practical tips are on http://wikitravel.org/en/ Togian_Islands.

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