Wakatobi Resort and Pelagian DIve Yacht

A Destination of Choice

Published September 8, 2023 in RESORT

Poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” Of course, Mr. Emerson never had to deal with taxi lines, baggage restrictions, and tight flight connections. And neither will you if the destination is Wakatobi Resort.

“Exceptional service that takes into consideration every need. If you need help with anything they anticipate your every need. We’ll be back.”               ~Ann Story & Myron Feinstein, Nov. 2023

From the moment you arrive in Bali, our staff is dedicated to providing a pleasant, efficient, and personalized travel experience, and that’s just the beginning. We offer a variety of options and extras to enhance and personalize your vacation experience in our little corner of paradise.

Wakatobi Guest Flights generally follow a Monday and Friday schedule -depending on the time of the year, departing Bali in the morning and returning from the resort that same afternoon.

Our Guest Flights generally follow a Monday and Friday schedule -depending on the time of the year, departing Bali in the morning and returning from the resort that same afternoon. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

Easy Arrivals

Given Wakatobi’s remote location, getting there is surprisingly quick and easy. Our private Guest Flights bring guests from Bali to the resort’s own airstrip in less than three hours. We generally operate two flights per week, depending on the time of year, departing Bali each Monday and Friday morning, and returning early that same afternoon. This schedule provides our guests with more options on the length of their stay and allows international flights to be scheduled over the weekends before and/or after a resort visit. Guests can stay for a week, add on an extra four days for an 11-night stay, spend two full weeks, or more. Monday flights are also designed to mesh with the seven-day cruises of our dive yacht Pelagian. This eliminates delays for passengers moving directly onto Pelagian and also allows for seamless land-and-sea combinations before or after the cruise. More here> about arrivals and departures.

Our airport concierge staff makes your transitions to and from international flights easier and more enjoyable. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

Transitions to and from international flights are facilitated by our airport concierge staff. When you arrive at Bali’s Denpasar Airport, you are greeted by Wakatobi Resort representatives, who assist in the details of your arrival and transfer. Because a majority of international flights arrive between mid-day and evening, we have created partnerships with several Bali hotels to provide relaxing layovers before our morning flights to the resort. After clearing customs, a driver will assist you and convey you to the hotel of your choice. If you are interested in spending extra time in Bali before or after your visit to Wakatobi, our team can make arrangements for day tours or transfers with our own Wakatobi tour guide. Read more about Bali layovers. For more advanced itineraries we recommend our local affiliate KelanaDMC. Ask our team for details.

Private Sanctuaries

There are no second-class accommodations at Wakatobi Resort, but there are choices to suit each guest’s needs and preferences. Our Palm Bungalows provide exceptional value, and while not directly on the beach, are just a few steps away from water views and all resort amenities.

Ocean Bungalows are a popular option, offering stunning views of the House Reef and beyond. Photo by Didi Lotze

Ocean Bungalows deliver big views of the House Reef and beyond and include Asian spa-style outdoor showers and spacious interiors.

Guests looking for the ultimate in waterfront living can select a One-bedroom Villa or Two-bedroom Pool Villas, which sit at the water’s edge, with expansive private decks. The two-bedroom floor plans include a second full bath and outdoor spa shower, and a pool. Villa three also has an infinity pool for those who enjoy a relaxing soak with a refreshing drink as you watch the sunset over the ocean.

Villas feature upscale touches such as sculpted stonework, rich hardwoods, and inviting indoor/outdoor spaces such as spa showers, an ocean view spa tub, and private pools surrounded by expansive deck space. Photo by Didi Lotze

All Villa guests enjoy special attention and perks, including a personal butler and private dive guide. Read more about our Villa accommodations here.

One and two-bedroom Turtle Beach Bungalows overlook a beautiful private stretch of white sand beach.

One and two-bedroom Turtle Beach Bungalows overlook a beautiful private stretch of white sand beach.

One and two-bedroom Turtle Beach Bungalows overlook a private stretch of white sand beach. Photo by Didi Lotze

While similar to Ocean Bungalows, the Turtle Beach models feature larger interior spaces as well as Asian-style outdoor shower gardens with dual rainfall shower heads and a separate outdoor entrance from the beach. More about Turtle Beach bungalows >HERE.

Underwater Options

At Wakatobi Resort, divers and snorkelers aren’t held to rigid schedules that require early awakenings or long days on the water. With dozens of sites located close to the resort, boats will often return to the dive center after daily dive excursions—two in the morning, one after lunch, with scheduled night dive(s) throughout the week.

Many Wakatobi sites are suitable for both snorkeling and diving. Divers can do a deeper dive, stay shallow, or perform multilevel profiles to extend bottom times to beyond an hour. Photo by Walt Stearns

Many Wakatobi sites are suitable for both snorkeling and diving. Divers can do a deeper dive, stay shallow, or perform multilevel profiles to extend bottom times to beyond an hour. Photo by Walt Stearns

This enables avid divers to max out their bottom time, while more casual enthusiasts can sleep in a bit and still enjoy two long, satisfying boat dives each day. In addition, the profiles found at many sites allow a diver to do a deeper dive, stay shallow, or perform multilevel profiles that often extend bottom times to beyond an hour.

“Being able to go out on the same boat to snorkel and dive together (with guides) is something that we have not found at any other destination. Add to that the incredible marine life and it is really unbeatable.“ ~ Mary and Rick Arman

Sites with shallow reef tops are also ideal for snorkelers, and it is often possible for a diving/snorkeling couple to enjoy the same schedule. Add to this the all-day and nighttime availability of the House Reef and the daytime support of our taxi boat service, and guests can easily create a daily dive or snorkel plan tailored to their personal preferences.

Memorable Meals

Mealtimes have always been a favorite with our guests. Our chefs and restaurant service team take pride in presenting a delicious and varied array of offerings each day, but they are equally accommodating of special requests, be they for dietary reasons or simply a desire for a favorite indulgence. Our waterfront dining room offers a great al fresco ambiance, but guests can also enjoy their meals on private decks and verandahs, request a picnic basket for a quiet lunch on a secluded portion of the beach, or schedule a private beachside lunch or dinner. Just ask!  Here’s a taste of what to expect.

Learn about dining at Wakatobi here Come dine with us

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