PAID CONTENT FOR WAKATOBI RESORT
PAID CONTENT FOR WAKATOBI RESORT
Wakatobi Resort SULAWESI, INDONESIA
Indonesia’s Wakatobi Resort sits on a small island in central Indonesia, surrounded by some of the most spectacular and bio-diverse coral reef ecosystems on earth. The pristine nature of these reefs is no accident. In the mid-1990s, while laying the groundwork for his new resort, the founder worked with area village councils and local fishermen in surrounding villages to create a mutually beneficial marine preserve. In exchange for honouring the boundaries of the preserve, the resort pledged direct financial payments and additional social benefits to the surrounding community. This cooperative relationship has since become an international model for community-based marine conservation initiatives. In addition to creating a landmark conservation
program, Wakatobi Resort can take credit for literally changing the map. The Wakatobi name is a combination of the first letters of the four principal islands of the Tukanbesi Archipelago — WAngi- Wangi, KAledupa, TOmea and BInongko. This creative nomenclature was the catalyst that forged a new identity for a remote and little-known region of
Indonesia. Wakatobi became an official geographic designation with the creation of the Wakatobi National Park in 2002 and the establishment of the new Regency of Wakatobi in 2003. SCUBA divers were the first to discover Wakatobi,
and it remains one of the world’s most sought- after destinations among dedicated diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. There are now more than 40 exceptional diving and snorkelling venues in the surrounding waters, and the coral reef directly in front of the resort beach has been named the World’s Best Shore Dive. As word spread, Wakatobi attracted an
increasingly travelled and affluent clientele, resulting in the property’s evolution from a simple dive lodge into a ‘barefoot luxury’ destination where guests find relaxation in sustainability- built beachfront bungalows and waterfront villas while enjoying fine dining and five-star services. The resort now offers additional water sports, spa services and a range of land-based activities. A private airport accommodates direct charter flights, cutting travel time from Bali to under three hours.
DON’T MISS In addition to exceptional levels of marine biodiversity, Wakatobi is a haven for several endemic bird species
72 This content is brought to you by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. Need to know
KEY FEATURES • Beachfront bungalows and villas • More than 40 diving and snorkelling sites
• Pristine coral • Beachside restaurant • On-site spa • Nature trail
GET IN TOUCH
wakatobi.com T: +44 208 393 8511 E:
robert.parrington@
wakatobi.com
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