Wakatobi National Park
Wakatobi National Park has very high marine resource potential,
in terms of both species and uniqueness, with enchanting submarine
landscapes. In terms of configuration, the marine waters of the Park
generally start flat and then slope seawards, with sheer precipices
in some parts. The water depth varies, the deepest parts reaching
1,044 metres with sand and coral at the bottom.
This Park has 25 chains of coral reefs, and the total circumference
of the coral islands is 600 km. There are more than 112 species of
coral such as Acropora formosa, A. hyacinthus, Psammocora
profundasafla, Pavona cactus, Leptoseris yabei, Fungia molucensis,
Lobophyllia robusta, Merulina ampliata, Platygyra versifora,
Euphyllia glabrescens, Tubastraea frondes, Stylophora pistillata,
Sarcophyton throchelliophorum, and Sinularia spp.
There are about 93 species of ornamental and commercially valuable
fish, including the napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), peacock
grouper (Cephalopholus argus), bluespine unicornfish (Naso unicornis),
titan triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens), two-spot snapper (Lutjanus
biguttatus), spotted rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus), tomato
anemonefish (Amphiprion frenatus), ovalspot butterflyfish (Chaetodon
specullum), beaked coralfish (Chelmon rostratus), longfin bannerfish
(Heniochus acuminatus), one-spot snapper (Lutjanus monostigma), and
gold-banded fusilier (Caesio caerularea).
Among the recorded species of sea bird are the brown booby (Sula
leucogaster plotus), Malaysian plover (Charadrius peronii), common
kingfisher (Alcedo atthis); while certain species of turtle can also
be seen, such as the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead
(Caretta caretta), and Pacific ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea).
The indigenous people who live around the Park belong to the Bajau
tribe. Mention is made in the writings of ancient Chinese and
European explorers of these legendary sailors who had managed to
reach the distant shores of Merqui, Johor, Singapore, Sulawesi and
Sulu. Of all the traditional seafaring communities throughout
southeast Asia, only the Bajau have held on to their way of life.
Locals spear-fishing on the sea bed without the aid of diving
equipment are still a common sight.
Hoga Island (Kaledupa Resort), Binongko Island (Binongko Resort),
and Tamia Resort are interesting places to visit, especially for
diving, snorkelling, marine tours, swimming, camping and cultural
visits.
Best time of year to visit: April to June and October to December.
How to reach the Park: From Kendari to Bau-bau by speedboat
(twice a day), 5 hours; or by ordinary boat, 12 hours. From Bau-bau
to Lasalimu by car, 2 hours, and then by speedboat to Wanci, 2.5
hours. Wanci is the first point of entry to the Park.
Designated : Minister of Forestry SK.No.393/Kpts-V/96,
a total area of 1,390,000 hectares
Location : Regency of Buton (Province of Southeast Sulawesi)
Temperature 19° - 34° C
Altitude 0 - 3 m asl.
Wind speed 12 - 20 knot
Salinity 35 0/oo (on average)
Geographical location 123°20' - 124°39' E; 5°12' - 6°10' S
Park Office: Jl. Dayanu Ikhsanudin, Bau-bau
Buton, Southeast Sulawesi
Tel./Fax. : +62-402-25652
Related resources
National park in Sulawesi:
- National Parks in Indonesia
- Bunaken National Park - Manado
- Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park - Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi
- Lore Lindu National Park - Palu, Central Sulawesi
- Taka Bonerate National Park - Selayar, South Sulawesi
- Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park - Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi
