The journey is definitely part of the adventure to reach Wakatobi, but oh so worth it! From Bali we flew to Makassar and BauBau, then 2 ferries to reach Tomea Island and a few car transfers in between. Marcel, the wonderful owner and his team helped arrange the transfers and took such good care of us while at Marind Dive Eco Resort. Delicious meals served by Mama Cantika, gorgeous sunset ocean view, lovely garden, very comfortable and spacious cabins - we loved the large bathrooms. Tomea is way off the beaten track so there are very few tourists along the way, it is exceptionally peaceful. Time slows way down here. My 3 teenagers and I snorkeled around Sawa and Tomea Islands with a guide, the reefs here are alive! From endless iridescent corals, reef walls brimming with all sorts of sea life, swimming through large schools of fish, watching turtles float past us and even seeing a number of feared Krate sea snakes elegantly swim by, we had an incredible time. It is helpful to know key phrases in Bahasa as few people speak English in this area. A more conservative wardrobe is recommended when out and about in this part of Indonesia, in respect of local customs.

We loved Marind Dive Eco Resort. Wakatobi National Park needs to more proactively deal with plastic waste being washed up and disposed of locally. Daily national park fees should be used to financially incentivise the local community to take better care of their beaches. Educating the local community about the welfare of the ocean, creating training and job opportunities in the tourism sector will help to ensure these pristine reefs remain intact for the next generations.

The bungalows are beautifully decorated, comfortable and clean and overlook the sea. Marcel provides excellent customer service, from helping to organise your transfers to arranging diving & snorkelling. Mama Cantika creates some of the best food we’ve ever seen in Indonesia! Thank you so much !

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Really nice and comfortable rooms with beautiful views. Marcel, the manager, is very professional, super helpful and always thinking ahead of our needs. Mama Chantika, the cook, made us really good food. Scuba diving is amazing. The kids had so much fun snorkeling . Truly one of the best coral reefs in the world. Dependable boat and good local experienced dive master. There are only three cottages, so the whole place felt very private.

The electricity on the island is not super dependable, so there were a few hours per day with no power. The beach nearby is not the cleanest (this is sadly true for most parts of Indonesia though)

Very beautiful and well equipped bungalows, bathroom and garden..Great food and no plastic water bottles are used. The owner is super in helping to organize diving and snorkeling trips. The snorkeling on the reef off the beach, also next to the harbor, is fantastic. Take a trip to the nearby Sawa island is a great experience. With hardly, if any, other tourists, this is a prime location

The beach is further off than expected and littered with plastic (as in most of Indonesia). The owner is however working to rent the adjoining beach property and when complete will have a wonderful location.

Beautiful sunset views from our balcony. Very welcoming, helpful and friendly host.

Not much to do in the afternoons (except read, relax) after our morning snorkeling. Local beaches a short walk away, but very littered as all Indonesian beaches seem to be. A plunge pool or a few hammocks in the shade would be nice.

You'll feel like you dont need anything else

Tomia needs an airport, getting to the island takes so long ...