Togian Island

Togian Islands is one of the islands included in the Tojo Unauna district, a fraction of newly formed Poso regency in early 2004. The keywords for this islands are: Diving & Snorkelling.

Togian it self has been declared as a National Park based on the Decree of the Minister of Forestry No. SK.418/Menhut-II/2004 dated October 19, 2004. It has an area of approximately 362,605 acres. That includes 10,659 acres of protected
forests for Mangrove conservation.
A survey by Conservation International Indonesia (CII) in 2001 found 262 species of coral reefs in this region, 596 species of fish, and 555 species of molluscs and other rare species such as green turtle (Chelonia mygas), giant clam (Tridacna gigas), trochus (Trochus niloticus), dugong-dugong, hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbriocata), and pilot whales. There are two types that are considered endemic, namely Paracheilinus togeanensis and Ecsenius. They can only be found in Togian.

The number of fish and molluscs, indicating that the condition of coral reefs in Togean is still good, and so it became an attractive options for many tourists from all over the world for diving and snorkeling.
Togian Islands have many different types of beautiful coral reefs. CI Indonesia recorded about 262 species of corals classified into 19 families. One is the endemic species, namely Acropora togeanensis.

From 91 Acropora species found in Indonesia (which is also the most in the world), 78 of them are in Togian Islands. Generally, the condition of coral reefs in 25 locations in the Islands Togean is 4 percent in Very Good condition (excellent), 16 percent good, 40 percent moderate, 28 percent bad (poor) and 12 percent in very poor condition.

But still, Togian is a paradise for divers. Just look at the famous spots there.
Facts About Togian
In 1998, recorded there were more than 7000 foreign tourists visiting Togean, but the number shrank drastically after the conflict broke out in Poso in the mid of year 2000.
But the improved security situation there over the past year, makes the flow of foreign tourists to the area flowing back though it’s still not as busy as before.
The tourists generally spent much time here to bask themselves while enjoying the peace of the open sea and the soothing natural scenery, before heading to the exciting dive spots which there are tens of them.

Dive spots in Togian is the favorites to shoot wide angle, relatively healthy reefs with an underwater wall of the unfounded and overhangs beneath the cracks and some patches coral filled with orange and purple Anthias fish is a blend of unforgettable underwater scenery. In some places can be found hordes of jack fish and barracuda with a very high concentration.

One of the busy dive spot is a placewhere a bomber aircraft owned by the Dutch, B-24 Liberator sunk. The aircraft is located at a depth of 16-22 meters and can be reached one hour by speed boat from Kadidiri. The plane crashed on May 3, 1945 on the way home from Makassar, South Sulawesi after being attacked by Japanese troops.

Kadidiri Island is a small island in the Togian Islands where you can stay, here you will find the true meaning of solitude in the midst of beautiful beaches and clear water. Sunbathing upon the white sand, swimming in shallow crystal clear waters, or just relaxing in front of your bungalow, an unforgettable experience.

Facilities
On some islands in Togian, there are hotels, guesthouses, cottages and houses provided a number of local and foreign (Italian) entrepreneurs, in order to facilitate the tourists to enjoy a variety of fun activities. Rental rates also varied, ranging from IDR 150,000 (USD 15)to IDR 400,000 per day.
One that can be recommended is the Black Marlin Cottage, which is managed by the Ais, a local resident. Black Marlin is located on Kadidiri. It also had a Dive Center with the same name managed by a foreign diving instructor.

Access and Accommodation
From Jakarta to Palu, you can transit in Makassar, South Sulawesi or Balikpapan, East Kalimantan and continue to the Mutiara Airport, Palu. From Jakarta to Makassar or Balikpapan only takes about 2 hours, then to Palu will only take a maximum of 50 minutes. Only then you proceed to Togian via Parigi Moutong, Poso, Ampana up to Wakai.
To reach Togian Islands in the middle of Tomini Bay, there are several entrances, from Palu then headed to Ampana crossing the 350 km road, passing through Poso or from Luwuk (capital of Banggai regency in the eastern province of Central Sulawesi), and Gorontalo using aircraft.
Of these cities,you then board a motor boat crossing towards Wakai (one of the district capitals in Togean Islands which is often used as tourist ‘basecamp’ before heading to diving spots and cottages on small islands). Rent rate is only IDR 23,000 with Tuna Tomini KMP, a ferry owned by the Department of Transportation. Or by using a motor boat yacht with the same rental price.
Sea trip mileage is between 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on your carrier type.
For local tourists, it’s quite cheap. You can use minibus from Palu to Togean with a rate of IDR 40,000. With car travel for IDR 100,000 for 7-8 hours until you reach Ampana, via Parigi Moutong and Poso. From Ampana by motor boat for 4 hours to Wakai with a rate of IDR 30,000 – 40,000. And finally, from Wakai for only 15 minutes – 30 minutes to Kadidiri, Togian, by speed boat. In the Black Marlin Cottage, Kadidiri, Togian, rate for 1 night for standard room is IDR 120,000. Deluxe is IDR 150,000, including 3 meals a day.
 source:http://discoverindonesia.net

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