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Lorenz was in Singapore establishing a base for his exploration of
Eastern Indonesia. (Having studied Navy Charts and dived the Wallacea
area, which marks the region with the highest marine biodiversity,
he knew that the envisioned dream location must be there). Months
of trekking through the islands and exploring the reefs on local
fishermen's boats finally brought him 1994 to the blissful corner
of an island the locals called Onemobaa (Local language for long
white sandy beach). Knowing that this was indeed the place to
build his resort, Lorenz approached the locals to find out who
owned the land.
Reinforced by Lorenz's personal objective to make a contribution to marine conservation, the challenging project
was started in a region where locals have not seen a white man since the Dutch left the country and electricity
and running water are still a rarity.
Searching for the right location to setup his dream resort, Lorenz spent many days being "Manta-towed" behind
local boats researching the reef conditions in the area. Lorenz' objective - to find a place with a combination
of a World-class reef in front, a beautiful topside (read: beach), ground water availability and a friendly
local community.
Overcoming the infrastructure and logistic challenges in this remote area with his pioneer spirit and multiple
skills he developed a resort that is now by many ranked the No. 1 Land-Based Coral Reef Diving Resort in the
world.
1995
The arduous task of building the resort could then begin. The first building was erected (the Longhouse), which laid
the grounds for what years later would be called the premier coral reef diving destination.
1996
In the beginning the resort had a capacity of only 12 guests, all housed in the Resort's Longhouse. An ingenious
building that was a bit like a live-aboard on the beach. This largest traditionally built house on these islands
contained guest rooms, kitchen, dining area, staff quarters, dive center, bathrooms and storage. The concept
was developed so that if the resort wasn't a success, the building could be folded up and be moved elsewhere!
Back in those days it was very hard to get to the Resort. The journey involved international flights, two or more
domestic flights, an overnight in a transit town, several boat and van transfers. This brought the total traveling
time from gateway towns like Singapore to somewhere around 30 hours! Yet somehow determination managed to attract a
hard-core bunch of diving enthusiasts, and the resort was on its way.
1997
An 'Undercurrent' article published in the USA opened the Wakatobi Destination to avid American Divers.
Locally hired boats were used for dive operations.
1998
In September 1998 the first custom built transfer boat 'WAKATOBI SATU' brought the guests directly from the nearest airport
(Kendari, capital of Southeast Sulawesi) to the Wakatobi Resort, 250 km away. WAKATOBI DUA speed boat enters service.
1999
The decision was made to build a private runway out on the islands to enable direct flights from Bali to the Resort.
This way the transfer time would be brought down to a mere fraction of what it used to be! (2.5 hrs vs. 30 hrs).
WAKATOBI TIGA provides a convenient dive platform with an always cheerful crew.
2000
A larger vessel, the CISKA, got chartered to transfer the maximum 18 guests until the airstrip opened.
Works started at the airfield, Wakatobi Resort managing a team of up to 1000 people during the runway construction.
2001
Wakatobi Resort inaugurates the 1506 m long Wakatobi Maranggo Runway, probably the largest hotel owned airstrip in Asia.
Planes with 18 - 44 seats bring visitors in style from all over the world to the extremely remote Wakatobi Resort.
2002
The company gets restructured, moves office to the current location in Kuta Bali.
2003
WAKATOBI EMPAT, custom built locally, proves to be extremely convenient for diving and is the first of 4 new dive vessels
to enter service over the next 3 years. Divers are a hungry bunch, and the newly introduced Kitchen Team from a Bali 5*
Hotel creates a new level of F & B services.
2004
Over the years capacity has gradually been brought up from the initial 12 to 34 guests. WAKATOBI LIMA is added to
the dive fleet.
2005
The resort housed 44 guests in all Bungalow-style accommodations and one villa, with the original Longhouse having
been converted entirely to house the dive center and other common guests facilities such as library and bar,
souvenir shop and Multimedia room.
A Jetty Bar is added, offering drinks and snacks with spectacular sunset views. With WAKATOBI ENAM the resort
has 4 large, convenient, safe dive platforms to reach as well farther away dive spots such as Ndaa island and Binongko.
2006
Due to the increased capacity of 48 guests in 22 Bungalows and 2 Villas, the new restaurant in the beach
corner takes over from the longhouse.
Our first wooden dive vessel WAKATOBI TIGA is replaced by a new vessel with the same name.
2007
The trend towards barefoot luxury brings more improvements on all accommodation levels: 2 more villas are added,
4 Bungalows converted and enlarged into Select Bungalows. All Garden and Beach Bungalows receive upgraded bathrooms
and new furnishings.
Traditional massages and simple SPA services provide a welcome option to relax after diving.
Our Jetty Bar receives a modern look and is more popular than ever.
2008
Rebreather and technical diving support are completed and overall guest services further enhanced. A new look for
our web site was implemented with emphasis on better navigation and incorporation of more multimedia features.
By now we are 12 years in operation and came a long way from our humble beginnings.
2009
For the discerning diver wanting extra measures of customized service, Wakatobi introduces
two Privilege Services. Our "Best Friends in Town" and "Private Diving Services" upgrades allow our guests
an even higher level of individual attention and luxury.
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