A. Overview
Wakatobi National Park has a wide area of about 1:39 million ha. The park is comprised of four major islands, namely: Perfume-scented, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko in Wakatobi in Southeast Sulawesi.
In 1994, several people joined in IPB team conducted a survey in the Wakatobi. From the results of the survey they were doing was revealed, that in the Wakatobi there are diverse natural resources under the sea, such as coral reefs and various marine animals. Because it has a natural wealth under the sea, the region presents a panorama under the sea is so charming and very nice as a place of diving activities.
After studying carefully the findings of a team of IPB, the Minister of Forestry in 1996 issued a decree that sets No.393/Kpts-V/1996 Wakatobi as a national park.
B. FeatureWakatobi National Park so special to visit. In this park there is a panorama of natural beauty under the sea. Group of coral reefs can be found about 112 species from 13 families located on 25 points along the 600 km coastline. The coral species are: Acropora formosa, A. hyacinthus, Psammocora profundasafla, Pavona cactus, Leptoseris yabei, Fungia molucensis, Lobophyllia robusta, Merulina ampliata, Platygyra versifora, Euphyllia glabrescens, Tubastraea frondes, Stylophora pistillata, throchelliophorum Sarcophyton, and Sinularia spp. In some places along the reef, there are some underwater caves that add charm Wakatobi National Park.
In addition to the beauty of which is served by a wide range of coral reef, the park also has 93 species of colorful fish. The fish species include: argus spots (Cephalopholus argus), takhasang (naso unicornis), pogo-pogo (Balistoides viridescens), napoleon (Cheilinus undulatus), red fish (Lutjanus biguttatus), baronang (Siganus guttatus), Amphiprion melanopus , Chaetodon specullum, Chelmon rostratus, Heniochus acuminatus, Lutjanus monostigma, Caesio caerularea. Also, it can also be found king prawns erasia (Alcedo atthis) and three species of sea turtles often lay their eggs in the Wakatobi National Park, such as hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), jars turtle (Caretta), and turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).
Various types of sea birds complement the beauty of Wakatobi National Park, such as goose-stone brown (Sula leucogaster plotus) and kettle melayu (Charadrius peronii). Many different species of birds can be viewed up close when assembled on the island as well as when flying snaking follow the natural rhythm chants, and occasionally dived into the sea to hunt fish.
For tourists who enjoy the natural beauty of the underwater to do some activities in the Wakatobi National Park, such as: diving, snorkeling and swimming to look beautiful cluster of coral reefs and colorful fish dancing.
C. LocationWakatobi National Park is located in Kabupten Wakatobi, SE Sulawesi, Indonesia
D. AccessTo reach the location can be gone through 3 phases of travel. First, the journey begins from Kendari to smells using aircraft or ships. If using a plane about 1 hour travel time, and if the ship travel time of about 4 hours.
The second phase, from smells to Lasalimu using four-wheeled vehicles with a travel time of about two hours.
The third stage, from Lasalimu to Wanci trips taken using ships with a travel time of about an hour away. Wanci is the capital of Wakatobi once the first gate to enter the Wakatobi National Park area.
For tourists who come from outside the area and want to linger in the Wakatobi can stay at several hotels and home stay in the city. As for the problem of eating, in some places in the Wakatobi available food stalls serving a diverse menu of sea food.
For tourists who want to do the diving, the island there are several resorts that specifically renting some facilities for diving and the tourists can take advantage of these facilities.
