Wakatobi FAQs
Please select the category in which you are interested from the list below:
Pelagian Dive Yacht
Diving
Air transfer to/from the resort
Bali arrival and stopover
Health and Safety
Resort FAQs
We speak in terms of barefoot luxury; relaxed and casual clothes are the order of the day. Dress is usually informal in Indonesia due to the warm, humid climate and lightweight fabrics are recommended. Light windbreakers, wraps, or sweatshirt should also be considered as it does cool down at night (or in case of the occasional rain storm). Some of our guests do enjoy to dress up a little for dinner. Please also note that our walking paths are packed sand and guests are asked to remove their shoes in common area buildings such as the restaurant and longhouse. Therefore, it is not necessary to bring more than one or two pairs with you to Wakatobi.
Brewed coffees and teas, iced tea, canned soft drinks (including in the minibar), juices at the breakfast buffet, hot chocolate, and drinking water are included free of charge. Beer and wine as well as cocktails, mocktails, specialty juices and specialty coffees (such as lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos) are available on order at an additional cost.
Our executive chef and his team serve up an excellent and delicious mix of international and local dishes. Just about any special dietary need can be met, but please let us know in advance what if have specific requests or dietary restrictions.
Put simply it’s great! Our team of top-trained Indonesian chefs prepare delicious, ample and healthy meals using fresh produce that we fly in from Bali and overseas. Added to this, there are loads of day-fresh tuna sashimi, excellent soups, barbecued fish, fresh fruits, steaks and oriental specialties. Be sure to save room for one of the decadent desserts made fresh every day by our pastry chef. Meals are served in our restaurant or alfresco If you have special dietary needs, please let us know in advance. In the lounge, we supply complimentary coffee, tea and snacks around the clock.
Queen size beds are standard in the bungalows. Beds in the Villas are King size. We can easily accommodate requests for two queen beds, two singles, one queen with one single bed, etc. In addition, for families we can even add a bunk bed with two singles.
Yes. All our bungalows have their own toilet and hot & cold fresh water showers. We supply towels and an exclusive range of Wakatobi aromatherapy toiletries.
Yes. However, air conditioning is generally not necessary as our resort is on an island far out from mainland which ensures there is always a gentle sea breeze to cool you down. All the rooms are cross ventilated and fitted with ceiling fans and mosquito nets (which are rarely, if ever, being used). During part of the season we even have to provide blankets!
You can either purchase a single space on a trip and be prepared to share room with another guest (of the same gender), or upgrade to single occupancy with a small supplement.
Absolutely. Children (and adults alike) can enjoy world-class snorkeling right off the beach in front of the resort. We also have babysitters available, and also offer a structured and educational Kids Club. Please ask one of our guest relationship associate for more details.
On the resort, we accept Visa and MasterCard as well as Indonesian Rupiah cash (local currency). It is possible for us to settle any bills in Dollars, Euro or other major currencies, however, most guests choose to conveniently pay everything on credit card – even staff tips. We suggest you change a little money while in Bali to cover incidentals along the way. Also note that throughout Indonesia, the best exchange rates for US currency will be for unblemished $100 dollar bills issued within the last couple of years.
Yes. We offer wifi internet throughout the resort, with back-up LAN cables in all rooms, so checking your own email will be possible. If your cell phone service provider has a reciprocal agreement with the local Indonesian cell phone service providers, there is a good chance your own cell phone will be able to get a signal too. In addition, we have several satellite phones for use in an emergency. If you do not wish to commit to checking your email on a daily basis, you can also have friends/family email our resort at resort@wakatobi.com and our staff will forward any messages along. Please refer to the resort’s contact page for more information.Please be advised, while our internet is adequate, it doesn’t deliver the bandwidth you are most probably accustomed to. However, accepting we are in a remote location, it works admirably.
Yes. Since 2003, when we added a large capacity reverse osmosis water purification system we have offered an ample supply of fresh, potable water at all hours of the day. Our water supply is routinely tested by a laboratory to ensure it is clean and free of any contaminants.
Our resort offers a welcome respite from television. While our rooms are not equipped with in-room entertainment systems, we do have a TV / DVD player that can be moved to your room on request, or used in the comfortable lounge. Each evening there will be informative presentations delivered by our knowledgeable team of dive guides.
Yes. We have two services available. One takes three days and is hand washed by our local staff. If you need your items back urgently we have a one-day quick turnaround service as well.
Air temperature is in general around 30 °C (86 F) during the day and nicely cooler in the evening. Water temperature is a fairly cool 26-28 °C (79-82°F). We recommend a full body 5 mm dive suit, especially for divers making several dives in a day.
Yes. We have a large three-sectioned air-conditioned camera room with wall-length, padded work benches offering plenty of charging stations, with both 220v and 110v power strips set up and ready. We also have various basic tools for adjustments of cameras, lights and housings.
We have hair dryers in all rooms and there are high-quality Wakatobi-branded shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and towels for indoor as well as beach-side use. We also have electrical converters if want to bring your own electric razor or hair dryer.
Onemobaa Island, on which Wakatobi Dive Resort is located, is roughly 8 square kilometers (3 square miles), which allows for nice walks (or jogs / runs) across the island on the various foot paths that over the years have developed between the resort and the village that lies on the opposite end of the island. Behind the resort, one can find shallow sink holes that can be explored with snorkeling equipment and a dive light. For those who do not dive or snorkel, but are interested in some physical activities we offer kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, We can arrange volleyball, badminton or table tennis equipment, as well as more leisurely pursuits such as board games, and a fairly extensive library. A television set with DVD player is located in the Longhouse lounge area, and a TV / DVD player is also available on request to be taken to your room. We also offer a range of interesting day tours to neighboring villages, as well as classes in Indonesian language, cookery demonstrations, towel folding classes and more….
Yes! Our spa offers a range of treatments and our experienced team of female therapists are skilled in providing relief to sore muscles or simply relieving tension. Popular with many of our guests, a massage after a great day of diving can be a real blessing, and is priced affordably.
Yes, you will. We set aside a portion of the funds you pay for your trip for conservation programs and community development, and since our resort was founded in 1995, through these funds, our guests have made a significant impact on preserving this fantastic area.
While the thought is very much appreciated, it is much better to make a monetary donation. The principal of the village school will be able to use the donated funds to purchase what is most needed at the time. If you would like to donate, please tell our team at reception in the Longhouse; they will answer any questions and provide information about making a donation. Thank you!
All rooms are fitted with two round pin sockets (Indonesian / European standard) and the electricity is 220v 50 cycles. Each room has a power-bar with four universal sockets, allowing any electrical appliance to be plugged in. We do have additional plug socket adapters as well as voltage converters (for 110v supplies) to lend to all guests. You needn’t bring your own. The 24 hour power generated at the resort is generated by us at our in-house power-plant (comprising a number of generators).
Each day, twice a day, we have to manually switch from one generator to another. This will cause a little blip in the power supply at the change-over times. We normally try to change the generators over at 6 AM and 6 PM every day. These are times that we believe will cause the least disturbance to our guests. Sometimes, this can inadvertently switch off battery charges that have been left running overnight.
110v outlets are available in the camera room.
Pelagian Dive Yacht FAQs
Pelagian accommodates only TEN guests and for these guests we have THREE dive guides.
Pelagian has five cabins, for a total of only 10 guests. Compare that with many other liveaboards who accommodate between 18-22 people on vessels of comparable size!
Four cabin types: Standard Cabin, Deluxe Cabin, Superlux Cabins and the Master Suite.
Yes, they all have ensuite facilities.
Yes, each of Pelagian’s six cabins have their own AC control.
Certainly. A couple of weeks before your arrival our office will send you a brief survey where you can indicate your food preferences and diet. Also, once on board you’ll have a choice of main courses and a variety of options for all meals.
YES. There is a warm fresh water shower. In addition we do offer warm towels as well as beverages (hot and cold) and snacks.
On the last day of the cruise Pelagian returns to her home near Wakatobi Dive Resort and guests are invited to take a tour of Lamanggau village where local crafts and traditions can be observed and locals can be interacted with. Other activities can be arranged based on request, especially if you book the whole yacht for a cruise as we can then customize the itinerary for you and your friends.
Bathing suits and t-shirts are the order of the day. Dress is usually informal in Indonesia due to the warm, humid climate and lightweight fabrics are recommended. Light windbreakers, wraps, or sweatshirt should also be considered as it does cool down at night (or in case of the occasional rain). Please note that on Pelagian we ask guests not to wear shoes inside the yacht. Therefore, it is not necessary to bring more than one or two pairs with you.
Water, tea, and coffee is available 24 hours and is included free of charge. Juices, Sodas, beer and wine as well as cocktails, mocktails and specialty coffees are available at an additional cost.
Our executive chef serves up an excellent and delicious mix of international and local dishes. Just about any special dietary need can be met, but please let us know in advance what if have specific requests or dietary restrictions.
Simply put: it’s great!
The Pelagian is well equipped for underwater photographers and videographers. You will find ample space to work on your camera, charge your batteries and store equipment.
Yes, you will. We set aside a portion of the funds you pay for your trip for conservation programs and community development. If you are interested in a more active / substantial participation please contact our office.
Air temperature is in general around 30 °C (86F) during the day and nicely cooler in the evening. Water temperature is a fairly cool 26-28 °C (79-82°F). We recommend a full body 5 mm dive suit, especially for divers making several dives in a day. Yes, this may seem excessive to you but keep in mind that most of our guests do a full four dives a day all around 70 minutes in length. You’ll get cooled off quite a bit!
GMT UTC +8 hours (Bali, Nusa Tenggara, South & East Kalimantan and Sulawesi)
All cabins are equipped with two round pin sockets (Indonesian / European standard) and the electricity is 220v 50 cycles. We have additional plug socket adapters as well as voltage converters (for 110v supplies) to lend to any guests who wish to charge items in their Cabins. You needn’t bring your own.
Diving FAQs
Yes! We feature a state of the art Nitrox Technologies membrane systems, Atlas Copco low pressure compressors and water-cooled Bauer/L&W high pressure compressors. We also offer a full range of tech services including oxygen, helium, scrubber and pony/stage bottles.
No, we do not allow anyone to bring corals, shells or animals out of the water and we make sure that our guests respect all aspects of our environment.
No. Very little reef in our area is damaged by destructive fishing methods like dynamite bombing and cyanide fishing (for the aquarium trade). However, it is a fact that destructive methods of fishing are still being used in many parts of the world, including Indonesia.
In the remote areas around the Wakatobi resort, bombing is extremely rare. There have been instances of some reef areas being hurt by boat anchors and local fishermen walking on the reef top. These practices are effectively being minimized by our Collaborative Reef Conservation programs.
No. We have not detected bleaching of corals in the area..
The water temperatures in the area remain a cool 26-28 °C (79-82°F) and there are still healthy cooler currents refreshing the reefs continually.
We have tanks with INT and DIN valves.
Our dive center offers a full range of diving equipment for our guests’ use. While many of our guests bring their own equipment to ensure they are completely familiar and comfortable with its operation, our quality rental equipment is in tip-top condition. The basic diving equipment recommended is a regulator, depth and pressure gauge, watch or dive computer, buoyancy compensation device, mask, fins and snorkel.
We recommend you to bring a 5 mm (1/4″) full-body suit but some guests are even comfortable in only 3mm (3/16″) shorties. It is all up to what you are used to diving with, just keep in mind that it is nice to be warm.
In case of a DECO emergency, our first-aid trained dive managers would immediately stabilize the diver’s condition with non-baric medical oxygen. If deemed necessary, we would then evacuate the diver by a sea level cabin pressure flight (day-time only) directly back to Bali where there is a good re-compression chamber.
In our resort medical center, we carry a good stock of medical gear and medication. Should that not be enough, there is a basic hospital on the island neighboring Wakatobi (sufficiently equipped for most general treatments).
Bali.
We do for Instructor-level divers with a pony tank once they have been deemed suitable by our professional dive team as safe, responsible and competent. We have plenty of pony tanks for rent.
The Wakatobi region is blessed with abundant marine life and dive sites that have both deep and shallow areas. This allows for long bottom times on most dives. We politely request that divers observe our boat dive bottom-time limit of 70 minutes to ensure others on their dive boat are not left waiting for others to surface. Those guests who have subscribed to a Private Dive Experience Manager and have booked a private dive boat are of course welcome to set their own schedules. The only limit to the bottom-times you may enjoy on our house reef is your own air consumption.
Yes. We carry sofnolime 797 and have an ample supply of medical grade oxygen for rebreather divers. For semi closed rebreather divers we offer 7.5 L [50 cbf] aluminum tanks filled with NITROX up to 40%, these can be fitted with DIN or INT valves. Other valves (like Draeger) are not available.
For divers traveling with closed circuit rebreathers, we can fill tanks to 100% with our O2 booster if you bring your own clean 02 tank. Alternatively we have Faber Steel tanks 2 L and 3 L for rent, suitable for CCRs such as Evolution, Inspiration and KISS.
Bail out tanks are available in 3 L [19cbf], 4.5 L [30 cbf], 6 L [40 cbf], 7.5 l [50 cbf], all aluminium.
Note: Sodalime supplies are sometimes difficult to acquire due to logistics and supply constraints. Please contact us before your trip to confirm availability and any particular requirements.
Of course, we also have complete Nitrox facilities for open circuit divers.
The Indo-Pacific region is considered a biodiversity hot spot, benefiting from the currents and nutrients transported between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Within that area, the Wakatobi region is near the epicenter of coral reef biodiversity. The hundreds of kilometers of reef structure in the Wakatobi National Marine Park provide every imaginable marine animal, including whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, tunas, barracudas, marlin and more.
The area is teeming with hundreds, if not thousands of different fish species. A few years ago, Professor of Biology at the Boston University Marine Program & Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology, Les Kaufman counted 301 fish species on a 100 minute dive at Wakatobi Dive Resort’s house reef.
For photographers, this means wide-angle, normal and macro opportunities abound.
Yes. Most certainly we do. Every day the “pool” is open (the ocean that is) for shore based night diving. We schedule frequent boat departures for dusk dives / night dives, and you will have the opportunity to night dive during your stay.
No. We encourage all our guests to respect the marine environment, leaving it untouched so others may enjoy in the future.
We have 7.5 L (50 cbf), 10 L (63 cbf), 12 L (80cbf), 15 L (100 cbf). All are aluminium
Yes, if you want to dive. That said we of course can help you locate your certification number from your agency should that be necessary.
You are absolutely right – 70 min are short for CCR divers. We plan to conduct a different schedule for the CCR diving groups. Instead of 2 morning dives and 1 afternoon dive @ 70 min, we plan 1 morning dive and 1 afternoon dive @ 2 -2.5 hours for CCR divers. The profiles are of course different from the OC divers. At this level of proficiency CCR divers enjoy a lot of freedom and it is our pleasure to cater to the special needs of rebreather guests.
There are 4 different scenarios:
a) A single CCR diver follows the regular diving group and their guide, with the option to dive solo if certified and equipped to so.
b) 2 or more CCR divers share a dive boat with a group of OC divers. They dive their own profile, separately from the OC divers and enjoy peace and quiet ;-). The CCR group enters the water first and surfaces last. This extends dive times to ~85-90 min.
c) 1 – 3 CCR divers ask for a private boat and guide to dive their own itinerary. Additional cost may apply.
d) 4 + CCR divers get their own boat and CCR guide assigned and do a long morning and long afternoon dive. No additional cost for the dive boat and guide, beside the mandatory CCR service package.
There are no restrictions on sofnolime or oxygen. A proficient CCR diver needs 1 tank fill a day and has to change the Sorb according to the safety rules, usually after 4 – 6 hours, depending on profiles, scrubber canister size etc. While safety is paramount, we ask not to waste the oxygen and sorbs. Especially with a tempstik used and an inspiration sized scrubber canister it would be unnecessary to change sofnolime after every 2 hour long dive, unless it was a very deep and long Trimix dive with the whole decompression done on the CCR.
Yes, we have 2 booster pumps, which can be used for oxygen and helium fills. (Additional charges may apply for TRIMIX fills.) Of course we have qualified staff providing the tank fills.
We are looking forward welcoming more and more CCR divers. While we are well stocked, please allow us sufficient lead time for larger CCR groups (more than 4 divers) to coordinate your needs for us to prepare sufficient oxygen, scrubber, helium, tanks, bailout tanks, special services etc.
Air transfer to/from the resort FAQs
To fly from Bali to Wakatobi, you will be required to check-in at the domestic departure terminal of the Airport in Bali at 06:45h on the morning of the first day of your package.
We will email you to confirm this check-in time in advance of the day of your flight.
The Denpasar airport is relatively small and does not have very many terminals. As long as you find the Domestic Departure Terminal you are set.
Our staff will meet you at the taxi drop point outside the Domestic Departure Terminal door with entry passes. They will also help you find porters and direct you to our staff inside the terminal.
Inside, our team will assist you through check-in and escort you to an airport restaurant where you can enjoy complimentary breakfast before you are escorted to board the flight.
Additional pointers: An airport porter can direct you to the Wakatobi Counter should you need assistance. Our team will be there wearing white or teal Wakatobi shirts, carrying sign boards and a smile.
You really can’t miss us if you know the name “Wakatobi/Pelagian”!
No you don’t. As long as you have paid in full for your Wakatobi or Pelagian package, you are welcome onboard 🙂
We have our own check-in counter and our staff are in charge of luggage handling and boarding.
The Wakatobi Guest Flight now returns back to Bali by 16:00h.
We recommend that you plan to leave Bali no earlier than 17:30h.
We will put you on the next flight to Wakatobi if seats are available. Or, you can choose to go by public transfer via Sulawesi to Wakatobi. This involves a two-day air – land – sea journey that will certainly be an experience you can tell your friends about back home. This is the route that the first divers to Wakatobi Dive Resort followed and is the reason for Wakatobi building its own airstrip. Our Bali office can help with all the routing details should this occur.
No, it’s charged separately.
The flight lasts approximately two and a half hours and is very scenic along the way.
We work with a premier airline carrier for our guest air transportation to Wakatobi Resort and the Pelagian liveaboard.
To ensure maximum reliability and space for our guests and their luggage, we fly with a 70-seater ATR 72.
The plane is spacious and nicely appointed. The restroom is small but still very serviceable. However, you might be more comfortable using the facilities at the airport prior to departure or at the resort.
On international flights, International Travellers who begin their travel in the USA, and travel Economy / Coach Class, are entitled to check in a total of 45 kg per person (2 x 50 lb); International Travellers who begin their travel in any country in the world EXCEPT the USA, and travel Economy / Coach Class, are entitled to check in a total of 20 kg (44 lbs).
For this reason, we see a disparity in the average luggage weights of our guests depending on their nationality, with American guests frequently travelling with twice as much luggage as those who visit us from elsewhere in the world.
For guests travelling with a total check in luggage weight up to 45 kg (100 lbs), there is no charge. For guests travelling with a total check in luggage weight in excess of 45 kg (100 lbs), there is an excess luggage weight surcharge of USD 100 per 20 kg (44 lbs) above the 45 kg (100 lbs) limit. (So, guests travelling with 45 – 65 kg would pay USD 100, guests carrying 65 – 85 kg would pay USD 200.)
Bali arrival and stopover FAQs
Yes, on the first day of the package, you will need to check in to the Domestic Departure Terminal in Bali before any international flights arrive on the island. This will mean an overnight stay in Bali before the trip is required.
The most popular diving in Bali is Tulamben (north east Bali) where you can find a beautiful drop-off accessible from the shore as well as the famous Liberty wreck. The area is a good 3-4 hours from the airport by van so you’ll need at least a couple of days in Bali to have the time for a visit there. Some people combine a visit to Tulamben with a stopover in Secret Bay (north Bali, muck diving). It is also possible to dive Nusa Penida island off Sanur as a 1 day or 1/2 day excursion.
Upon arrival from overseas, a Wakatobi / Pelagian representative will be ready to assist you within the airport in Bali. The rep will meet you just after you have passed through immigration formalities, and will assist you through Baggage Reclaim, past customs, and out to meet the guide and driver (if you have one arranged). Alternatively, the rep will assist you to arrange a taxi from a reputable firm.
Please make sure to give us your flight numbers and arrival times beforehand so we can arrange this special service.
We also recognize that this is your holiday and you’ll be out and about enjoying all that Bali has to offer. Feel free to give our Bali office a call after you arrive in case there are any last minute details, requests, or travel coordination needed. Crispin can be reached at his cell : 081 2381 1084 or the Bali office is at 759 669 (local numbers).
Following are suggestions for hotels that are nearby the airport if you are staying for just one night before or after your visit to Wakatobi. $$$-Belmond Jimbaran Puri (Jimbaran / 30 minutes from airport); $$-The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali (Kuta / 20 minutes from airport); $-Novotel Bali Airport (In the Bali airport). Novotel features a direct access hallway from the hotel to the International departure hall andconvenient access to the domestic terminal. Ask at reception.
Why not begin or end holiday by spending a few days on Bali? Bali is a small island with spectacular geographical diversity and delightful cultural attractions. Private guides and drivers are available to transport you to towering volcanoes, emerald green rice paddies, Hindu temples, dazzling beaches or a cultural dance performance – to name just a few. Bali also offers incredible values in art, furniture, silver jewelry, accessories, and tropical fashions! Did you know that Bali also offers high-quality yet inexpensive health care? After a long day of touring or shopping, you can rejuvenate your body and mind with a luxurious spa treatment before departing for an evening of 5-star dining. After visiting Bali’s chic night clubs, return to a room at a large international hotel, a private boutique villa or a bungalow overlooking a rice paddy. Bali offers resources and accommodations to match your taste and budget! Ask us about arrangements for a Bali tour with our driver.
The US Dollar is not accepted. While in Indonesia, it is more practical to use the local currency, which is Rupiah. You can easily obtain a currency exchange upon arrival at the airport, after clearing customs and immigration, as well as at larger hotels and the numerous moneychangers throughout Bali and all other cities/regions.
In Indonesia, recent issue higher denomination US Dollar bank notes will enjoy a better exchange rate when compared to smaller denomination dollar bills. If you are carrying US Dollar cash, it is best to ensure recent issue unmarked, unfolded 50s and 100s.
It is sometimes tough to find banks or money changers willing to accept hundred-dollar bills that are over five years old. Notes from 1996 notes are particularly difficult due to the Indonesian market being flooded with counterfeit 1996 bills a few years back. People are simply not willing to take the risk in exchanging notes that they consider have a high chance of being forgeries. If you think you might be doing some serious shopping while in Bali, make sure you bring with you crisp, clean, newer notes–it actually does make a difference!
Credit cards are accepted at most larger establishments where you would make purchases. And, the best way to local currency is via the ATM at the airport on arrival.
However, in general machines here are limited in the number of notes they can dispense at one time, and this can mean that you have to insert your card repeatedly to withdraw a worthwhile amount of cash. With most currencies, the machines here dispense the equivalent of 5-dollar bills or 10 dollar bills! Depending on how your bank charges you for use of ATMs overseas, you could end up paying large bank charges to withdraw fairly insignificant sums of money, thus negating the benefit of the higher exchange rate.
There are ATM machines throughout the airport, as well as a number of money changers. Money changers at either the airport or your hotel in Bali are unlikely to offer the very best exchange rates, but the difference will only be minor, and the convenience quite possibly negates any loss.
Authorized Money Changers (displaying signs) in specialist money changing shops and kiosks are the best way to change cash to save time and get a good rate.
Note: Some money changers are a little less than scrupulous. You should always count your money before leaving and not just rely on watching them count it.
Health and safety FAQs
As for the resort, we have a good stock of medical gear and medication. Should that not be enough, there is a basic hospital on the neighboring island (sufficiently equipped for most general treatments).
In case of a serious medical incident, we have access to a medical evacuation plane service in Bali and worked out clearly defined procedures.
Add to this Swiss perfection in maintaining all equipment, thoroughness in managing and training on-site security, and a highly qualified international dive staff (currently with an average of over 3000 dives)–you can rest assured that every possible effort is made that you’ll never need this service
Yes. Though several areas of Indonesia (an enormous country spanning over 3,500 miles) have gone through some rough times in the past few years, many other areas – that are separate from the trouble spots – remain very safe to visit.
The situation in Bali and Wakatobi (your only two stopovers) is that of peace, friendliness and stability.
People are sometimes a little hesitant before they come here but immediately upon arriving they discover how calm and happy they feel here.
Not going to Wakatobi due to safety concerns in other parts of Indonesia is like avoiding Orlando because of crime problems in New York! The two places are far, far away from each other and a problem in one place doesn’t really translate to a problem in the other.
Every effort is made to make sure your trip is holiday and carefree. However, we do recommend you purchase trip cancellation/interruption insurance in the event of unexpected changes in your travel plans.
You should also have adequate medical insurance to cover any incidents. Check with your medical insurer before the trip to verify you’re covered while traveling abroad and scuba diving.
We also recommend you consider purchasing supplemental dive insurance, offered by many firms such as Divers Alert Network (DAN), PADI, and Dive Assure. These companies offer specific dive-related policies that often include travel, gear and accident coverage all in one comprehensive policy.
The risk of getting Malaria in the Wakatobi region is very, very low.
There have been the odd cases among locals who may have been bitten by mosquitoes imported by transiting sailors, but none of our clients or staff have, as far as we can determine, in over two decades has ever contracted Malaria.
We normally do not recommend that divers take medication as it often creates mood swings, drowsiness or other discomforts. However, we leave the final decision entirely up to the individual.
If you are planning a trip to other parts of Indonesia, please consult a good traveler’s health resource such as the CDC (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel) for the latest information on medicine recommendations.
When travelling in the tropics, it is wise to be up to date with Typhoid, Tetanus/Diphtheria, Hepatitis and a current Polio protection. As parts of Indonesia are in a malaria zone (not Wakatobi), please check with your physician or medical center on the type of prophylactic you should use and ask:
What are the known side effects?
Make sure you take the appropriate medications in time before you start the trip..
Indonesia and Visas FAQs
In order to enter Indonesia, the validity of your passport must run for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Indonesia, and you must have at least two blank pages in your passport, totally clear for stamps or stickers.
There are two ways for the nationals from the following countries* to secure a visa to enter Indonesia:
Online: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/. Follow these steps after you click on Apply:
- Step 1 / Choose country = Dropdown menu of countries
- Step 2 / Main Purpose = General, family or social
- Step 3 / Sub Purpose = Tourism, family, transit
- Step 4 / Choose a visa = B1 Tourism (Visa On Arrival)
- Step 5 / Planning to stay = 30 days
On Arrival: At the time one lands in Indonesia from overseas, select nationalities* are able to purchase a 30 day Visa-on-Arrival for IDR 500,000 per person (about USD 30). This can be paid in Indonesian Rupiah (cash), in any major currency (cash), or with a Visa or MasterCard. Immediately after your arrival into Indonesia, you will be free to travel throughout the country.
When asked for your address details, please input “Wakatobi Resort” as the address and use the postal code 93793, which will auto-complete the rest of the address.
If you have any further questions about the eVOA, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. Once again, the requirements for these visas are:
- A passport with at least 6 months validity from the day you arrive in Indonesia,
- At least two totally empty blank page in your passport.
- A passport issued by one of the following countries:
* Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, East Timor, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, UK, Ukraine, USA, Uzbekistan, Vatican, Vietnam
ASEAN passport holders are also able to enter through the Visa-Waiver programme. Please note that this visa free facility for ASEAN passport holders does not offer an option to extend your stay beyond the initial 30 days.
Nationals of all other countries should contact the Indonesian Embassy closest to your home to secure a visa in advance of travel. There will be no leniency for nationals of countries not listed above should they arrive without a valid visa – they will be sent home immediately.
For visitors who wish to stay in Indonesia for more than the 30 day visa, it is recommended to secure a 60 day visa in advance of your travel from the Indonesian Consular Mission closest to your home.
Since visa regulations change quite frequently, we strongly suggest that you check the above requirements with your travel agent, or with the airline you intend flying with.
GMT UTC +8 hours (Bali, Nusa Tenggara, South & East Kalimantan and Sulawesi)
“It’s been many years since either of us had gone diving before we came on this trip. Needless to say, we were both a bit nervous. The Wakatobi team did a wonderful job of getting us both comfortable with diving again. No matter one’s skill level, there are so many beautiful sites to see, and the Wakatobi team’s service is like none other! This has truly been one of the… “So Many Beautiful Sites”