Wakatobi is famous as a fascinating marine tourism destination. In addition to presenting marine tourism, cultural events are packaged nicely in the Wakatobi Festival. Wakatobi Wave is one of the festivals held to increase the tourism sector, especially marine tourism in Wakatobi. Located in Wakatobi National Park in South Sulawesi, famous as one of the underwater tourism paradises, especially for diving lovers. The festival is held at Wangi Wangi which is one part of Wakatobi besides Kaleidupa, Tomia, and Binongko. During this festival, people will flock to the streets to watch various parades and cultural arts performances. Apart from the local community, you are also allowed to come and watch the festival. Enjoying marine tourism and also cultural tourism is an attraction for tourists. See firsthand the excitement and warmth of the people in Wakatobi with their culture that is still preserved.

Time & Location of Wakatobi Festival Held

This annual festival is usually held at Merdeka Square and Marina Togo Mowondu. This area can be accessed from Bau Bau by boat. The journey takes about 3 hours depending on the sea conditions. A series of exciting events, ranging from entertainment to culture, are presented at the Wakatobi festival. Tourists who want to watch and join this festival can pay an entrance ticket of around IDR 160,000 per person. This ticket price can change every year depending on the policy of the organizing committee. Information on ticket prices for this festival can be found on the official website or social media of the Wakatobi regional tourism ministry.

Wakatobi Festival Tourist Attraction

1. Costume Parade

The costume parade was the opening of this festival. Usually, school children with unique costumes will appear in the parade. They will walk from the start line to the end according to a predetermined carnival path. Apart from students, representatives from government agencies also enlivened this costume parade. They use various unique costumes such as clothes in the form of crabs, fish, octopuses, and other marine animal forms. Some participants also wore unique clothes with a typical Wakatobi cloth, namely the traditional leja sarong.

2. Karia Parade

The Karia Parade is attended by girls wearing traditional or traditional clothes that are very bright in color. They appear in a parade that enlivens the festival atmosphere. In addition to wearing traditional clothes with cheerful colors, parade participants also wore gold flower decorations. Accompanied by lively music, this parade enlivened the Wakatobi Wave.

3. Decorative Boat

This festival is also carried out by holding a decorative boat competition. Fishing boats are made more attractive by adding accessories according to the festival theme. Several decorated boats will line up along the shore or the sea. This activity is usually done after the second day or one day after opening. You will see the unique creativity of citizens.

4. Climbing slippery pole

The slippery pole climbing activity is one of the attractions of the Wakatobi Wave. The community is invited to enliven the festival by climbing the areca nut, which is carried out on the sea around Pang Ulubelu Harbor. The cheers of the audience gave enthusiasm and joy to this festival.

5. Colossal Dance Performance

Visitors can also see the Longko dance performances from Wangi-Wangi Island, the Sajo Moane dance from Tompia Island, the Lariangi dance from Kaledupa, and the Balumpa Dance from Binongko. This colossal dance performance from the four islands in Wakatobi often makes the audience tense. Uniquely, from the implementation of the colossal dance performances, hundreds of dancers wear traditional or regional clothing typical of the Wakatobi region. This dance performance is usually performed on the first day or at the opening of the festival. Feel the cheerful atmosphere there.

6. Kansoda’a Procession

This festival also features a traditional procession called Kansoda’a. This activity is carried out by lifting the original girls from Wakatobi onto stretchers. Women from this area who grow up will be invited to take a stretcher and then be paraded around the parade ground. Excitement and joy were present on the faces of the participants who took part in this Kansoda’a. It got even busier when the stretcher was thrown up several times.

Vacation is more than just the scenery/food/accommodation, it’s about making long-lasting memories. Discover more adventures in Wakatobi by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.

It’s not tricky to find lodging in Mandalika which suits your traveling style. From homestays to world-class hotels, from budget hotels to splurge-worthy villas, Mandalika offers a huge array of lodging choices. Here are a few of our picks we recommend.

• Novotel Lombok Resort

Treat the whole family to a fun-filled holiday in traditional Sasak fashion at Novotel Lombok Resort & Villas. This 4-star luxury resort is also ideal for a blissfully romantic getaway for 2. Whether you dream about total comfort or activities galore, including daily yoga classes, fitness center, spa, onsite dip center, plus far more, you are certain to discover everything your heart desires through your stay at Novotel.

• Jivana Resort

Stepping into Jivana is like stepping into an unlimited tropical garden. You’re enveloped in character with stunning tropical plants, groomed lawns, and peaceful ponds. The accommodation is equally stunning. They provide a selection of options from double bedrooms through to three-bedroom personal villas. Ensure to have a look at the swim-up bar!

• Martas Windows Hotel

Martas Windows is located 1.8 miles away from Pantai Seger Kuta Lombok, plus features a sun deck and a summer terrace. The accommodation is set 0.1 miles from the middle of Kuta, not far from Mandalika Beach. The resort is approximately 3.6 miles from Sasak Village. The starting point of this road is within walking distance of the property. Guests may also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, also an in-room secure and a dressing area in rooms.  Some components contain views of the garden. A private bathroom with a bathtub, a hairdryer, and toiletries is also featured.  There is a bar for guests to enjoy their meal. El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant, KRNK Bar & Restaurant, and Drifters are adjacent to the venue. Cribs, toys, and board games are available for guests with children. Guests like snorkeling, diving, and horse riding will probably locate Martas Windows, an ideal base for this.

• Pipe Dream Villas Resort

With a shared lounge, the house also has a garden, in addition to a patio.  In the resort, the rooms are equipped with a closet. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a balcony and completely complimentary toiletries, all bedrooms at Pipe Dream Villas Resort have a wellness TV and air conditioning. Also, specific rooms provide you a seating area. The rooms will offer guests a refrigerator. Guests in the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast. The region is famous for cycling, and bicycle rental and car rental can be found at Pipe Dream Villas Resort.  Kosong Beach has been 2.1 km from the resort, while Mandalika Beach has been 2.6 kilometers from home.

• Mana Yoga

A tropical and subtropical oasis offering a range of beautifully appointed accommodation options fit for many budgets, Mana Yoga Retreat is the perfect spot for a relaxing stay. It features two yoga studios that offer daily classes, an onsite spa, swimming pool, healthful restaurant, and a night theatre. They supply the popcorn!

Whether your trips take you on a long stroll on beaches, delicious cuisines, relaxing spas and resorts, or urban attractions, additional research will give you the best experience for your visit. Get to know more about Mandalika by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.