The Togian Islands are an archipelago in the Gulf of Tomini, Central Sulawesi in Indonesia.
Bomba is about 2½ hours from the mainland of Ampana. It may be reached by public boats from the small harbor near Marina Cottages. The boats depart on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. The price is about Rp 35,000 per person. Kadidiri is reached by boats from Wakai, provided free by the three resorts on the island. Melange can be reached by public ferry from mainland Ampana.
There are no ATMs, so bring enough cash. There are ATMs for Mastercard and Visa available at the mainland of Ampana.
The Togian Islands are very close to the equator, due to that are all islands covered with tropical rain forest. Special for the Togian Islands is the Coconut Crab which can grow up to 4 kg.
The reefs surrounding all islands are full of tropical fish. It is also possible to see big Eagle rays, Napoleons, Bumphead Parrotfish and sharks.
The climate is all year around warm, due to the close position to the equator (40 km). The driest months are the summer months.
Entrance tickets to the national park area consist of entrance tickets and tickets for nature tourism service. Entrance ticket is Rp 150,000/person (for foreign tourists) and Rp 5,000/person (for Indonesian residents).
Togian is home to an indigenous population known as the Bajo colloquially called "Sea Gypsies". The Bajo are semi nomadic and rely on fishing for their income. Tours from all the resorts can take you to visit them. The young people love foreign visitors and will show off their humble village and school rooms.
Diving! The best walls in the Togians can be found near Bomba, especially the huge atoll reef Bomba Atoll is a must visit for all divers. Taupan island has a fringing reef around it full of fish and lots of sharks. Araya Dive Resort and Poki Poki in Bomba also offer jungle trekking. Good chances to see Tarsius and Kuskus in this area.
There is a long jetty outside of the Paradise Resort that has good snorkeling right off of it. It is possible to swim to the island directly across from Kadidiri, but it takes a few hours. There are sea kayaks for rent from Black Marlin and it takes about 30 minutes to row to a nearby island that has good snorkeling. There are many trails around the island, but some are easy to get lost on. The walks are through dense growths and are not particularly picturesque. Fishing is not allowed in the no take zone so fishing trips must be outside this area. There is diving at Black Marlin (more boats and equipment) and Paradise, check equipment carefully.
For diving Pulau Una Una is good - big groups of Barracudas, Jackfish and Napoleons can be seen. Other good dive sites at Kadidiri are The Gap, Dominik Rock, The Crack, Batugilla and for Nightdives especially Little Lembeh.
The dive boats take normally also snorkelers for free with them, if the dive site is shallow enough.
Wakai is the biggest place with shops and a market. All the other villages have small shops to buy soft drinks and snacks.
All resorts include three meals per day in their prices.
It costs Rp 50,000-65,000 for a large Bintang beer at the resorts. Other option for alcohol is the local Arak, a kind of stronger palm wine - all resorts can get it for you for around Rp 15,000. A large bottle of water costs Rp 10,000 in most resorts. Boiled water, tea and coffee are provided free by all resorts.
Do not walk through the reefs barefoot, lest you give yourself a nasty gash. Bring enough mosquito repellent containing DEET (others will be useless), as mosquitoes that bite day and night are a serious annoyance.
To Gorontalo: take Tuna Tomini Ferry from Wakai: Rp 65,000 for Economy Class, Rp 75,000 for Tatami Class (you can lie down), or Rp89,000 for Business Class (with aircon). Departs on Monday and Thursday at 16:00, reach Gorontalo at 17:00.
The Black Marlin Dive Resort has a good website with informations how to get out and in. Also try to find the latest information about Togian Island at www.togianisland.net.