Pulau Hoga
Photo Courtesy by : Indra Setiawan
Overview
At the Tukang Besi islands chain or more commonly known by its more illustrious name Wakatobi lies an island surrounded by breathtaking underwater splendors. The island is called Hoga Island, situated east of Kaledupa Island, Wakatobi Regency, in the province of South East Sulawesi.
As one of the best features of Wakatobi, Hoga Island is truly an enchanting underwater paradise decorated with coral reefs of every shape and size and one where you can swim along with the many colorful fish and other sea dwellers. Its crystal clear water reveals the beauty beyond its surface even seen by the naked eye aboard the boat. Stepping down on the island, vast stretches of soft white sands decorated with rows of sheltering coconut trees and nothing but the sounds of waves softly embrace the shore perfectly radiating a special sense of serenity.
The island encompasses a total area of approximately 1,390,000 hectares and is made up of several small islands. The beach features soft pearly white sand which glows under the shining sun, making it a perfect place to lay back and immerse. Yourself in the serenity of nature. Here, you can also find atolls, lagoons, and fascinating rocks by the shore overlooking the vast blue waters.
Its rich underwater biota has attracted many international scientists to conduct researches around the island. It is no wonder that Holga is even dubbed as an underwater laboratory. While those who simply enjoy the beauty of Holga’s underwater realm could stay for weeks to truly experience the exceptional sensation.
Beyond its calm water, there are at least 750 from the 850 species of corals known to the world. The waters around Holga Island are also home to over 83 species of fish of various sizes and colors. Among some of the beautiful fish swimming in Holga’s waters are the takhasang (Naso unicornis), pogo-pogo (Balistoides viridescens), napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), Red Fish (Lutjanus biguttatus),baronang (Siganus guttatus), Amphiprion melanopus, Chaetodon specullum,Chelmon rostratus, Heniochus acuminatus, and Lutjanus monostigma.
See on The Map
To Stay
On Holga Island you can find several inns and guesthouses with prices starting from approximately IDR100,000 per night. Staying here will truly give you a wondeful experience, since you will also get the chance to watch the spectacular sunrise as well as enjoy the island’s tranquility.
You can also stay in some of the hotels in Wakatobi area. Here are some of the hotels on Wangi-wangi area in Wakatobi:
Hotel Wakatobi
Jl. Ahmad Yani Kab. Wakatobi, Wangi-Wangi
Phone: +62 404 21823
Hotel Al Aziziyah
Jl. Poros Liya Kab. Wakatobi, Wangi-Wangi
Hotel Lina
Jl.Wolter Monginsidi Kab. Wakatobi, Wangi-Wangi
Hotel Setiana
Jl.Endapo Kab. Wakatobi, Wangi-Wangi Indonesia
Nita Sari Inn
Jl.Kemakmuran No. 34, Kompleks Pasar Pagi Kel. Pongo, Wangi-Wangi
Phone: +62 404 21636
Jl. Ahmad Yani Kab. Wakatobi, Wangi-Wangi
Phone: +62 404 21823
Hotel Al Aziziyah
Jl. Poros Liya Kab. Wakatobi, Wangi-Wangi
Hotel Lina
Jl.Wolter Monginsidi Kab. Wakatobi, Wangi-Wangi
Hotel Setiana
Jl.Endapo Kab. Wakatobi, Wangi-Wangi Indonesia
Nita Sari Inn
Jl.Kemakmuran No. 34, Kompleks Pasar Pagi Kel. Pongo, Wangi-Wangi
Phone: +62 404 21636
Tips
The best time of the year to visit Holga island is from April to June, and from October to December.
Get There
Form Kendari, capital city of South East Sulawesi, you can reach Holga Island by chartered boats from Kendari 2 Port which will take about 15 hours. Alternatively, you can depart. By speedboat from Wanci in the Wakatobi Regency which will take about 2 hour.
To Eat
There is no better way to complete your trip on a secluded island filled with abundant underwater splendors than to take a bite of some of the fresh seafood of the island. The local people of Holga Island have a special dish which is made from fresh fish dipped for about 15 minutes in lime and then served uncooked. This special dish is called Perangi or also known as the distinct sushi of Holga.
To Do
With its spectacular underwater scenery, diving becomes the number one activity at Holga Island. Plunge into the underwater paradise filled with various colorful fish and swaying coral as if you are in a giant aquarium filled with an assortment of the best creatures of the ocean. Aside from diving in the deep waters, you can also enjoy the beauty of Holga Island by snorkeling in the relatively shallower waters near the
