Getting away from it all is a wonderful thing, and Wakatobi Resort is a great place to do so. Of course, the first step in any getaway is actually getting there. Our goal at Wakatobi is to make that experience as relaxing and convenient as possible. We invite you to come with us on a virtual trip that begins with your arrival in Bali and leads to the shores of Wakatobi’s storied reefs. Along the way, you’ll hear from some of your fellow guests who have experienced the Wakatobi guest flight, or our “runway to reef service” as we like to coin it.

Despite our remote location, travel to the resort is far easier than to other destinations in the region with direct service from Bali to our own airstrip in just 2.5 hours. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

When you arrive at Bali’s Denpasar International Airport, you will be met and greeted at the arrival terminal by one of Wakatobi’s airport concierge staff. This individual is there to assist with the details of your journey onward to Wakatobi.

Because many flights arrive in the afternoon or evening, it’s likely you will be making an overnight stay in Bali prior to your early morning departure for Wakatobi.

A member of the Wakatobi team will greet you when you enter the arrival terminal in Bali, and also on the morning of your travel to the resort. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

This respite provides a chance to regroup and refresh, with our concierge team handling every detail, from assisting you through customs and luggage pickup to suggesting dining options.

“After twenty years of dive travel, we’ve learned that an overnight stopover is a smart choice. It gives your body, your mind, and sometimes even your luggage time to catch up.” ~ Louise Cowans

Wakatobi’s flight departs from Bali International Airport early in the morning on Mondays and Fridays, depending on the time of year. On the morning of your travel from Bali to the resort, the Wakatobi team will again meet you at the airport, where you will be escorted to a private lounge. Here you’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast and have a chance to get acquainted with fellow passengers before boarding our flight to the resort.

“The airport lounge is very nice and it’s so much more relaxing than waiting at a boarding gate. It’s also great to meet other guests before we board the plane,” says guest Pam Osborn.

Our partnership with a national Indonesian carrier enables Wakatobi Resort to provide guests with a fast, comfortable flight aboard a 70-seat ATR-72 600. This turboprop aircraft cruises at a speed of 500 kilometers per hour, cutting the flight time between Bali and the resort’s private airstrip to just over two hours. Service is another high point of our flight. Ongoing quality-assurance programs are an important part of our carrier’s accolades, including recognition by the Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation. 

Wakatobi’s guest flight “takes the anxiety away” according to guest Wade Hughes. Our flight offers additional space and comfort aboard a 70-seat ATR-72 600 aircraft. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

Because it is significantly larger than many aircraft used for regional service, the plane provides additional space and comfortable seating along with increased baggage capacity. Many guests have remarked favorably on the generous baggage allowances aboard the Wakatobi Resort flight, and photographers in particular value the ability to bring a full complement of equipment. “It was a relief to know we would have just one short flight straight from Bali to Wakatobi, and that all of our photo and dive gear would be on the plane with us,” said Glenn Cowans.

“Even when our equipment is pared down to a minimum, with baggage restrictions and excess luggage charges we can end up anxious before we even get on the plane. Wakatobi’s flight takes all that away.” ~ Wade Hughes

The Wakatobi Guest Flight is reserved specifically for Resort and Pelagian guests, so we are able to fly directly into our runway on Tomia island, and arrive before noon. Just after landing, you will be escorted to a comfortable launch for a short ride to the resort jetty.

A short ride and you’re stepping onto the resort jetty to start your holiday. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

The Wakatobi team will then attend to all details of luggage transfer while you can relax over lunch in the dining room, or maybe take a walk down the beach for some Wakatobi sunshine. There’s ample time afterward to unwind on the beach or to jump right into afternoon and evening dives or snorkeling excursions.

“I prefer to handle my camera cases myself. But at Wakatobi, I hand the bags off because I know they will end up safely in the camera room. Then I just get ready for the diving.” ~ Dr. Claus Meyer

So that’s how the Wakatobi team makes your arrival an easy and enjoyable experience.  And you will certainly be pleased when you step aboard a spacious 70-seat ATR-72 600 plane to begin the final phase of your journey to one of the world’s most desirable dive and snorkel destinations.

For a brief overview of the Wakatobi Guest Flight, inclusions go to Easy Arrivals.

Isn’t it time to enjoy the things that make Wakatobi so special? When the time comes to plan your actual trip simply complete a quick trip inquiry at wakatobi.com.  Or email us at office@wakatobi.com.

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