Other Local Attractions
There are many other interesting things to see and do in the Bau-Bau area and also in the Wakatobi area surrounding Hoga Island. If you have time for a leisurely visit to this part of the world then there are many things you can do your non-diving days, or even before or after diving each day.
Bau-Bau Area
Keraton - Buton Hill Fort
The Keraton which
overlooks the town of Bau-Bau is said to be the largest walled fort in the
world. It is the site where the old Butonese Monarchy lived and ruled from. You
can walk around the great walls which are still standing today and take in the
great views out over the coastal town of Bau-Bau. It is possible to
visit the Keraton museum within the fort and explore the little pathways which
run through the small villages within the fort whilst soaking up the relaxed
village culture.
Ngkari-Ngkari Balinese villageThis picturesque
village is idyllically set upon a plane of verdant green rice paddies outside the town of Bau-Bau. Jungle
covered hills stand tall in the distance creating beautiful panoramic views.
You can visit ‘Little Bali’, an new resort in the making, for fresh coconuts and a delicious lunch lunch of locally grown produce in their open air restaurant. Take a walk around their beautiful organic fruit and
vegetable gardens which are dotted with small streams and ponds, where they rear fresh water fish for the restaurant, or relax with a book in one of their garden kabanas, and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.
Bungi Waterfall
Take a picnic and visit Bungi Waterfall which can be reached by car or motorbike and is a 20 minute drive outside of Bau-Bau. You then take a 2.5km hike into the forest along little paths which follow the edge of the river. Sometimes it's necessary to balance along a large water pipe which carries water from Bungi to the homes and businesses in Bau-Bau, and to wade across the river. Once at the waterfall you can swim in the pool, explore the little caves behind, climb up the rocks to explore the different levels of the waterfall, and get an invigorating free massage from the pounding water.
Lambusango Forest Reserve
The lambusango
rain forest reserve is a hugely biodiverse area and home to many endemic species.
It is possible to see Buton Macaques, hornbill, Cous-cous, giant fruit bats, wild boar,
tarsius – the smallest primate on earth, and occasionally the endemic dwarf buffalo,
Anoa. From Bau-Bau it takes approximately 2 hours by
car to reach the forest where you will be met by a friendly English speaking
guide who will be happy to take you into the forest. Day trips or overnight
trips can be arranged, where you can stay in the home of a local family, and
benefit by visiting the forest at dawn which is the time when the forest
inhabitants are most active and easily spotted.
Jungle trekking trips include:
- Jungle Day trip: Depart Bau-Bau 7am/ Return 7pm.
- Rp 400.000 per person. Min 2 people.
- 2 Day Jungle trip: Includes visit to waterfall, Tarsius trek, jungle trek, and overnight stay with a family in local village.
- Rp 900.000 per person. Min 2 people.
For more information and itineraries please contact us.
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.
