Okay, so how many of us know of this one unique fact about the islands of Wakatobi? Let me tell you something cool! Wakatobi is actually an abbreviation of the collective names for a string of islands that lie southeast of Sulawesi, which are Wangi Wangi Island, Kaledupa Island, Tomia Island and Binongko Island. It is also referred to as the Tukang Besi Islands.

One of the up and coming spots for diving enthusiasts is the Hoga Island. Hoga is a small island located roughly 15 minutes by boat from Kaledupa. It has become popular among researchers from Operation Wallacea, who journey to Hoga twice a year to study its amazing marine diversity from June to August and March to April. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, one of the most bio-diverse regions of the Indo-Pacific and even of the world, this island makes for a unique diving experience where you will see incredibly colourful corals teeming with marine life from large trevallies and schools of barracuda to small but stunning nudibranchs and cleaner shrimps.

The island is blessed with white sand beaches, shady coconut groves and a beautiful reef perfect for extended snorkeling and diving sessions. There are no roads or vehicles on the island, just one very small village on the northern end. Whether you enjoy the beach life, lazing about in your hammock or getting in as many dives as possible, Hoga has it all.

 

Photo by Marek Okon on Unsplash