Togian Islands |
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The remote, pristine Togian Islands sit in the middle of Tomini Bay in central Sulawesi.
Protected on almost all sides by the tentacle-like arms of Sulawesi, this large bay is reputably the calmest in the world and offers great conditions for scuba-diving all year round.
The Togians islands are volcanic, with 3 main volcanic islands and numerous smaller islands. It is difficult to imagine a more picture perfect group of islands, with lush, jungle-covered slopes rising steeply out of deep blue water and interspersed with powder sand beaches. |
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 The islands unique geography has created three distinct types of reefs - atolls, a barrier reef & fringing reefs - one of the few areas of the world where all three can be found in the same area. There are also a few endemic species here, which is thought to date back to a time when the bay was cut off from the outside world.
There are numerous fascinating dive sites here, some for experienced divers and others for novices. Batu Gila, is one for the experienced divers - a deep, current swept ridge where sightings of Sharks, Rays, Tuna & Barracuda are common. The Scalloped Hammerhead sometimes pays a visit here too.
Dominic Rock is another deep dive with exciting fish action, while around Una Una - an active volcano that last erupted in 1984 - life is prolific with Turtles, Eagle Rays, Napoleon Wrasse, Bumphead Parrotfish, Barracuda and reams of colourful reef-dwelling inhabitants.
Apart from the numbers & variety of fish, many visitors to the Togians are amazed at the corals & sponges. Huge gorgonians & Whip Corals stretch high into the blue to catch the current and majestic Barrel sponges sit imperiously on the reef, like huge ancient monuments. Some are thought to be well over 100 years old.
Pasir Tengah is one of the Togians atolls, plunging from the surface to around 400m. The coral covered walls here are spectacular and there is normally plenty of action away from the reef as well. Taipi Wall is another dive with beautiful corals that is more suitable for inexperienced divers.
If you fancy a change from the reefs, there is also the wreck of a WWII plane in the Togians. The plane is in excellent condition, with the cockpit, turret gun & wings all intact. It was intentionally crash-landed after an engine caught fire during fighting with the Japanese. The wreck is home to schools of Jacks & Lionfish, but due to the proximity of the mangrove forests, the visibility can be quite low.
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There are two ways to dive the Togian Islands. The islands have a handful of idyllic dive shops, where diving can be combined with relaxing on near deserted tropical islands or the area can be visited by Liveaboard from Manado to the north.
Consistently calm conditions mean the area can be dived all year round. |
 
The lovely Togian Islands are tucked away near the equator in Tomini Bay, the large bay that almost encloses an area of sea on the east coast of Sulawesi. There are 56 islands in total, but it is only possible to stay on a handful of them and there are just 4 dive centres to choose from.
These dive operators make daily trips to all of the Togians dive sites and it is also possible to make Liveaboard trips from Manado.
It is not easy to reach these remote islands, which is one of the reasons they are so pristine. The nearest airport is in Gorontalo to the north. This is connected with Makassar to the south and Manado to the north, both of which have connections to places in Indonesia and a few spots beyond.
If you are approaching from the north, then head to Gorontalo by bus, then make the lengthy ferry to the islands. There is also a speedboat option, but neither make the trip every day so check out the current schedule when planning your trip. Approaching from Makassar in the south, there are flights three times a week to Luwuk and from here it is posible to go by bus to Ampana before catching a ferry to the Togian Islands.
Each of the dive operations also has fairly basic bungalows to stay in, but there are no more upmarket options or tourist facilities to speak of.
Aside from diving, simply enjoying the beautiful location and surrounding nature is activity enough. Trips can be made to some of the other islands and the snorkelling & sunsets are fantastic.
Manado is the major city and port in the north of Sulawesi and the major hub for divers wishing to visit Bunaken & Lembeh, as well as Liveaboards cruising northern Sulawesi.
There are around 15 dive centres around Manado that offer day trips to a few local dive sites and Bunaken National Park. Many of them can also arrange dive packages or Liveaboard trips, including trips to Lembeh and even Bangka & Sanghige to the north.
Manado has an airport with flights to Makassar in the south of Sulawesi and also Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya & Balikpapan. There are now a few international flights aswell, linking Manado to Singapore, Malaysia & the Philippines.
As Manado is a large city, there is a huge range of accommodation, from budget hostels to 5 star hotels. Mid-range hotels offer by far the widest choice. The majority of the choices are inner city hotels as opposed to rustic, beach-side accommodation.
As well as many accommodation options, Mandado has plenty to do when you are not diving. Options include shopping & golf, trekking in the surrounding countryside, visiting volcanoes and immersing yourself in the history & culture of the area.
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