How to get to Wakatobi
Getting to Wakatobi depends on the time and budget you want to spend. You can fly to Kendari and get a connecting flight or direct boat to Wangi-Wangi, or fly to Bau Bau (Buton Island) and look for a boat to one of the larger islands in Wakatobi.
How to get around
Since Wakatobi is made up of four main islands, the only way to get around is by boat. Be aware that weather conditions also play an important role. If the waves are too big, no boat can cross the ocean. Another obstacle to transportation in Wakatobi is the incoherent flight and ship schedules. You may stay at Wangi-Wangi for one night to catch the boat the next morning.
By Flight
Flight from Kendari (KDI) to Wakatobi (WNI)
This flight is operated by Wings Air and you can take this from Kendari to Wakatobi airport (Ma-tahora Airport) on Wangi-Wangi Island. This is a transit flight, stopping at Kendari for transit before heading to Wangi-Wangi Island. Wings Air operates flights twice a week, namely Monday and Friday, while Garuda Indonesia flies four times per week. Please check the exact schedule on the airline’s website (www.lionair.co.id) or your preferred booking operator. Flight prices vary, but are usually around IDR 1,000,000/person or US$100/person.
Flight from Bali to Tomia Island
Direct flights to Tomia Island are available with private charter flights reserved for Wakatobi Resort guests twice a week.
Flight Booking
One of the best online flight ticket booking operators in Indonesia is Traveloka (www.traveloka.com). The prices which are shown on the homepage are fixed prices. Other reliable sites are Tiket.com (www.tiket.com) and Pegi-Pegi (www.pegipegi.com).
By Sea
Taking the boat is cheaper for all tourists who prefer to travel on a budget. Be aware however that safety standards in most regions of Indonesia may not be as it is in other developed countries. Weather conditions may also affect your plan because the boat does not operate if the waves are too high.
Boat from Kendari to Wangi Wangi Island
If you are in Kendari, head to Wanci Harbor to find the Wanci Ship (Boat/Wanci Boat) which departs at 09.00 noon. It takes about 10 hours to get to Wakatobi. There are several types of boats: KFC Jetliner(Pelni), KM Aksar Saputra and KM Al Sudais, with different departure dates. KFC Jetliner (Pelni) departs from Kendari every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, KM Aksar Saputra KM Al Sudais, KM Napoleon departs every Monday-Thursday, Friday-Sunday from Kendari to Wanci. The ticket price is around IDR 86,000/person for KFC Jetliner and other boats IDR 200,000/person.
Boat from Bau Bau to Wakatobi
fia Kamaru and Pasar Wajo
Another way is to fly from Makassar to Bau Bau, Buton (BUW) and continue by public boat to Wangi-Wangi Island, Kaledupa Island or Tomia Island. There are two alternatives, namely KM Cantika which operates every day at 22:00, takes about 3 hours to reach the destination of Wangi-Wangi. There is also a daily ferry running from Kamaru on Buton Island to Wangi-Wangi at 13:00, which takes about 5 hours. To get to the port of Kamaru, you need to take a car from Bau Bau for about 3 hours. KM Cantika and ferry ticket prices are approx. IDR 80,000 – IDR 150,000/person. There are also several boats operating between Bau Bau and the islands of Kaledupa and Tomia. Please check the schedule at the port.
Boat Time Tables
The following time tables, prices and the ferry location shall give you an overview.
From Wangi-Wangi Island to Kaledupa Island
Regular Boat
Transit to Hoga Island
If you want to go to Hoga Island you need to take the boat from Wangi-Wangi Island to Kaledupa Island, and at the Ambeua Harbour, ask the local people there for a chartered boat to Hoga Island. The cost should be around Rp50.000/person.
Return Kaledupa Island to Wangi-Wangi Island
Regular Boat
From Wangi Wangi Island to Tomia Island
Regular Boat
Speed Boat
Return from Tomia Island to Wangi-Wangi Island
Regular Boat
Speed Boat
From Wangi Wangi Island to Binongko Island
Regular Boat
All times are subject to change in the dynamic Wakatobi.
Please let your accommodation check the daily changes.
