Other Local Attractions
Wakatobi, around Hoga Island
Sampela Sea Nomad Village
A visit to Sampela, the sea nomad (Bajo) village, is a treat not to be missed. This water village on stilts is something you won’t forget, and is very characteristic of the Wakatobi. Hundreds of smiling children will welcome you and give you a tour around their village, which it is possible to move around by using small bridges and canoes. The bajo have a very unique culture due to their previous nomadic existence. You can go snorkelling with a group of bajo children who will demonstrate their traditional spear gun fishing techniques, or watch them perform their traditional martial art dance called pencak silat. Talk to the staff at your resort and they can arrange your visit for you.
Kaledupa Island
The island of Kaledupa is a 15 minute boat ride from Hoga Island, and is a great place to visit and experience the local Wakatobi island culture which is very cut off from outside influence. Wander around the tranquil fishing villages, visit the local market, see how the local women weave the traditional Kaledupan sarongs by hand, and visit the inland salt-water lake for a spot of snorkeling where you can see red shrimps in the hundreds. Ask the staff at your resort on Hoga and they will happily arrange for you to charter a smal boat across to Kaledupa. They can also arrange motorbike hire, and guides if you want to go visit the inland lake and go exploring on the island.
Hike around Hoga Island
Many visitors to Hoga Island like to take a hike around the Island and visit the small fishing village of Furake along the way. The full circuit takes approximately 4 hours and should only be attempted at low tide and with a guide, as sometimes it is necessary to leave the shoreline and go into the forested parts of the island where it is easy to get lost. Once again ask the resort staff who will be happy to assist and arrange a guide for you.
