Wakatobi National Marine Park , Underwater Paradise in the Heart of Asia-Pacific Coral Triangle
W akatobi is widely recognized as having the highest number of reef and fish species in the world . The islands are also famous as the largest barrier reef in Indonesia , second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia . Here can be found fringing , atolls , and barrier reefs and offer more than 50 spectacular dive sites easily accessible from the major islands . This is the habitat of large and small fish species , the playground of dolphins , turtles , and even whales . Wakatobi alone is said to have 942 fish species and 750 coral reef species from a total of 850 of world ' s collection , which comparing with the two world ' s famous diving centers , the Caribbean Sea owns only 50 species with 300 coral reef species in the Red Sea , in Egypt .
Due to its magnificent underwater life , Wakatobi is fast gaining worldwide attention for its quality dives for beginners and professionals . Aside from its dive sites , Wakatobi has many superb beaches . The conservation group “ Operation Wallacea ” is very active in this marine park , conducting underwater research and conservation . During the Sail Wakatobi 2011 in August , a Marine Laboratory on Hoga Beach by Kaledupa was officially inaugurated . The District capital of Wakatobi is Wanci on Wangi- Wangi . Since the opening of the Matohara Airport on Wangi- Wangi , these remote islands are now more accessible and can be reached by flights from Jakarta or Makassar . There is also another landing strip on Tomia island , which receives charters from Bali .
Get There Xpress Air is the only regular airline that flies from Jakarta to Bau-Bau , in Southeast Sulawesi , and continues to land on Wakatobi ’ s Matohara Airport on Wangi-Wangi . From here you must take a boat to Wakatobi . The Wakatobi Dive Resort operates Charter flights so they can pick up passengers from Bali arriving direct on the island of Tomia .
10 Trade & Investment Bulletin | Number IV / January 2017