Resorts
WAKATOBI DIVE RESORT
Wakatobi House reef and land split (Sam Bean)
The environmentally-friendly Wakatobi Dive Resort was founded by Lorënz Mader, a Swiss eco-pioneer who, disappointed by the influences of mass tourism, set out to pursue his dream of setting a better example in virgin territory, unspoilt by overcrowding and pollution. The traditional architecture of the Indonesian longhouse and the bungalows embrace sound ecotourism principles and were all constructed by local craftsmen using traditional hand tools.
All the spacious, air-conditioned bungalows have ocean-side verandas, a king-sized bed (or two single beds on request), ceiling and floor fans, and an en-suite bathroom. They are furnished with locally produced furniture, including sofa, armchairs, desk and table. There is plenty of storage space for clothes, books and camera equipment. The verandah is also furnished with a small table, easy chairs and a drying rack for dive and swim wear.
Ocean Bungalows are situated on the beachfront and Garden Bungalows are sea-facing, but are situated in the row behind the Ocean Bungalows, just a few steps from the sea. Ocean Bungalows have large front porches with comfortable lounge beds and cushions. There is also an additional outdoor shower as well as the indoor en-suite. Newly built in September 2005 are the superb Wakatobi Villas. They are located at the northern end of the resort and perched on the cliffs with superb views over the ocean and wonderful sunset panoramas. The light and airy, open-plan Wakatobi Villas are very spacious and stylish and feature open-plan bathroom, a king sized bed and the potential for adding a double bunk, if need be. The showers have probably the best views in south-east Asia! The Wakatobi Villas are around a five minute stroll from the main resort, and so offer additional privacy – a superb choice for a honeymoon!
The Wakatobi Spa offers a variety of massages, aromatherapy, facials, body scrubs, manicures and pedicures. Be sure to book your treatments early as it is a popular place!
The dive centre briefing point, equipment rooms, gear rental store and camera room with well-equipped workstations and 220v charging points are within the longhouse at ground level. At a slightly elevated position in the longhouse, the dining hall and lounge area occupy a prominent position overlooking the sea, while at a higher level still is another lounge area (complete with library, video and DVD player).
The resort has its own gourmet chef preparing local and international cuisine. With three cooked meals a day and snacks in between, guests are unlikely to go hungry. Fresh vegetables and fruit are bought regularly from markets on the mainland and, in accord with the resort’s conservation principles, only pelagic fish bought from local fishermen and caught by hook and line are served at the table. Typically, evening dinner would be sushi, soup, fish, savoury rice and vegetables followed by an exotic dessert and fruit. Coffee and tea are available round the clock. Those seeking a lie-in can have breakfast served in their own Bungalow or Villa. Private dining is available on request. The jetty bar is a popular hangout at sunset. A selection of wines, cocktails and beers is available for the most scenic aperitif in South East Asia.
Two pre-lunch boat dives, and on most afternoons a one-tank boat dive, accompanied by divemasters who are familiar with the dive sites, are included. On the first dive you will be asked to demonstrate your buoyancy, air-sharing and mask-clearing skills. There are no petty diving restrictions, but divers are urged to comply with safe diving and reef protection practices. Within your safety limits take your time. Few other resorts will ask you to limit your dive time to 75 minutes. Unlimited diving on the extensive house reef is available throughout the day – and night! Tender boats are on stand-by in the afternoon to facilitate easy access to all sections of the house reef. Nitrox is available at an extra charge.
Wakatobi Resort is one of the very few resorts in the whole world that offer fluo night diving. Divers carry a UV light and there are a variety of corals, critters and creatures that fluoresce under such conditions. Creatures that fluoresce under the water absorb the blue light and reflect with fluorescence and it makes for a truly remarkable experience! Divers also wear a yellow filter over their masks. Wakatobi offers a private diving service whereby divers can explore the best of the Wakatobi reefs with their own dive guide. Contact us for further information.
Snorkelers are welcome at Wakatobi Dive Resort (the non-diver price is applicable).
Wakatobi Dive Resort offers a series of 5, 6, 7, 10 or 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 nights stays throughout the year. Your first day starts with a morning charter flight from Denpasar airport on Bali to the island of Tomia. After a short drive to the jetty, a 20 minute boat ride will bring you to Wakatobi. On the return journey clients leave Wakatobi in the morning and are due to arrive back in Denpasar in the afternoon. Overnight stays in the Denpasar area are required prior to Wakatobi trips and strongly recommended on departure in case of delay.
Wakatobi have set stay lengths.
Price from about $3818 for a 7 nights stay and from about $4689 for a 10 nights stay.
Includes: return charter flight from Denpasar to Wakatobi; road and boat transfers between Wakatobi Airport and Wakatobi Dive Resort; 7 or 10 nights full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on a twin/share basis in a Palm Bungalow at Wakatobi Dive Resort, including coffee, tea and biscuits 24 hours per day; 6 or 9 days diving (2-3 boat dives daily plus daily afternoon house reef tender boats and unlimited shore diving tanks 24 hours per day), dive guide for boat dives.
Stays in Palm and Ocean Bungalows include a $20 per bungalow per day credit. Stays in the Villas include a $30 per bungalow per day credit. Guests can spend this any way they choose, for example on nitrox, alcohol, massages, or equipment hire etc
There are also reductions for extra stays, for returning clients and for non-divers.
Single Occupancy Supplement: from about $620 for 7 nights and from about $2000 for 10 nights.