Asian Geographic Issue 05/2018 (133) | Page 10

WAKATOBI SPECIAL
A MECCA FOR
DIVERS &
SNORKELLERS
F
or many underwater adventurers, satisfaction
comes from discovering diverse marine
creatures in their natural habitats, and a highly
biodiverse place never fails to excite. Of all the ocean’s
ecosystems, none are more fascinating than the coral
reefs of the Indo-Pacific region known as the Coral
Triangle — famed for being the most biodiverse
marine habitat in the world. Wakatobi Dive Resort,
where a privately-funded marine reserve showcases
the best of the Coral Triangle, is the perfect base to
explore the pristine reefs and diverse populations of
marine life in the region’s warm and clear waters.
“These are some of the healthiest reef systems that
I have ever had the pleasure of seeing first-hand,”
says Simon Bowen, who has logged more than
3,000 dives in some of the world’s most celebrated
destinations. He considers Wakatobi a favourite
destination because “the most incredible biodiversity
and experienced guides who know the sites well are
a perfect and rare combination”. Simon has made
Wakatobi the base for his underwater adventures
three times in the past two years. “It is one of the
very few places where I always know what I will be
getting,” he says, “and even then, my expectations are
always exceeded. I’ll be backagain soon to enjoy this
very special and rare corner of the Earth.”
Wade Hughes and his wife Robyn — who
have travelled to 55 countries together and dived
sites from the Arctic Circle to the tropics — echo
Simon’s delight of seeing the incredibly healthy and
biodiverse coral reefs in Wakatobi. Wade has logged
nearly 400 dives in Wakatobi, and Robyn has spent
hundreds of hours snorkelling among its reefs.
Between the extensive seagrass beds close to shore
and the upper portions of most reefs, there are nearly
endless possibilities for discovery. Robyn’s personal
top left Aerial view
of Wakatobi Resort
and House Reef
PHO TOS © DID
I LOT ZE
favourite is the house reef, which begins directly in
front of the resort beach and stretches for more than
two kilometres to encompass thousands of hectares
of protected habitat. This site has been named the
world’s best shore dive and many divers and snorkellers
consider it a personal favourite.
The couple has already visited Wakatobi eight
times and are planning for their ninth visit early next
year. “We come to Wakatobi repeatedly for numerous
reasons,” Robyn says. “We appreciate that the money
we spend here not only gets us great service, comfort
and superb diving but also helps directly support the
local economy and protection of the coral reefs.”
More than two decades ago, the founders of
Wakatobi Resort created the Collaborative Reef
Conservation Programme. The first of its kind, this
innovative initiative uses lease payments made directly
to local fishermen and villagers to promote the
cessation of destructive fishing practices and encourage
local participation in creating a marine reserve
that now stretches across 20 kilometres of prime
coral habitat. This programme has transformed the
surrounding community into stewards of the reefs and
demonstrated the economic value of protecting this
unique ecosystem. Because the programme is funded
by a portion of resort revenue, all guests of Wakatobi
Dive Resort become part of the solution.
The promise of impressive, pristine coral formations,
abundant marine life and an idyllic beachside
resort setting makes Wakatobi Dive Resort a dream
destination for many and a mecca for divers. After all,
legendary explorer and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau
said the place offers “possibly the finest diving in
the world”. And as many who have discovered this
destination can attest, it is a place that entices them
back for more. ag
i n d ones i a
Jakarta
TOMEA ISLAND
Wakatobi
Dive Resort
TOLANDONA
ISLAND
PHOTOS © WALT STEARNS
Bandara Maranggo
main A brilliant
red seafan at the
site known as
Treasure Chest
bottom left Adult
green turtles are
regularly encountered
on both the House
Reef and neighboring
Turkey Beach