Togean Islands

The Togean Islands (or Togian Islands) are an archipelago of 56 islands and islets situated in the Gulf of Tomini, off the coast of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The largest islands are Batudaka, Togean, Talakatoh, Una-Una, Walea Bahi, Walea Kodi and Malenge.

The islands are forested and ringed by coral reefs that provide habitat and breeding grounds for hawksbill turtles, green turtles, dugong and the non-stinging jellyfish with small red spots. On land there is wildlife found nowhere else, including the Togean babirusa, Tonkean macaque and Togean hawk-owl. Additionally, the area was designated as a National Parkin 2004, encompassing 292,000 hectares of sea water (including the largest coral reef in Indonesia), 70,000 hectares of land, and 10,659 hectares of forests and mangroves. Of the 59 villages across the islands, one is settled by the Bajau people, also known as sea gypsies.

Things to Do in the Togean Islands

Diving Una Una Island

Una Una is one of the 66 Islands of the Togean Island’s archipelago, in Central Sulawesi, in the middle of Tomini Bay, only 17 km south of the Equator. Una Una has three villages, Kololio, Tanjun Pude and Una Una village, which is located 2 km from the Sanctum Resort. The walk is the best way to reach the village. You pass the Mosque first, which is the landmark of Una Una.

Una Una Island sits inside the Coral Triangle, and the diving is the reason most people come:

Abundant Marine Life: The water around Una Una holds a high diversity of marine life, from corals to schooling fish.
Healthy Coral Reefs: The reefs are in good condition, with massive corals, some around 3,000 years old.
Diverse Dive Sites: Over 30 dive sites, covering gentle slopes, walls, pinnacles and muck diving.
Barracuda Tornado: Una Una is known for its large schools of barracuda, which form a tornado in the blue.
Pelagic Encounters: Rays and turtles are regular sightings, along with other pelagics.
Warm Waters: Water temperatures stay warm year-round.

Swim with Non-Stinging Jellyfish at Mariona Lake

Mariona Lake is an old doline in the Togean Islands that filled with seawater over the centuries, cut off from predators. Two species of jellyfish there have lost their sting, and the lake now holds millions of them. They still carry venom, but the sting cells have atrophied and cannot penetrate human skin, so it is safe to swim among them.

Exploring Bajo Village in the Togean Islands

Bajo Village is home to the Bajo people, often called Sea Gypsies. They are semi-nomadic and live mainly from fishing. The houses stand on stilts above the reef, linked by narrow wooden walkways you can walk along.

The Bajo community continues to practice traditional fishing methods. They engage in compressor diving, plunging into the depths with rudimentary gear to harvest sea cucumbers, shark fins, and other exotic marine creatures. These valuable resources are often sold to Chinese markets for use in traditional medicine.

This way of life is disappearing. Visitors are welcome, and the village is used to them, so go with a guide who knows the community.

Getting to Togean Islands

Here are the main routes to get to the Togeans:

From Gorontalo:
- Airport Connection: Gorontalo has an airport that connects to major cities like Makassar, Manado, and Luwuk within Sulawesi.
- Ferry to Wakai: From Gorontalo’s port, a ferry departs for Wakai every Tuesday and Friday (though schedules may change). The ferry ride takes approximately 12 hours. The return boat to Gorontalo leaves Wakai around 4 pm on Mondays and Thursdays.
From Ampana:
- Overland Route: Many visitors come overland from the south after exploring Tanah Toraja. If you’re one of them, you’ll likely arrive in the Togeans via Ampana.
- Ampana Airport: Ampana also has a small airport with flights to Makassar. However, service can be erratic.
- Ferry Departures: Boats from Ampana to Wakai depart from Monday to Thursday at 10 am and at 9 am on Sundays.
- Return Journey: From Wakai to Ampana, boats depart at 10 am on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and at 7 am on Wednesday.
- Alternative Port: If you plan to stay near Bomba, you can reach the Togeans via another port called Bomba on Batu Daka. Boats from Ampana to Bomba leave on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday at 9 am, with the return boat departing on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, also at 9 am.