News
With the news that Indonesia is scrapping quarantine for all arrivals from overseas, Wakatobi has announced the imminent reopening of their luxury dive resort in southeastern Sulawesi—on June 2nd to be precise. The remote resort is accessed via private plane from the domestic terminal at Bali’s international airport, which is now issuing visas-on-arrival to travelers from 42 countries.
The resort may not have welcomed any divers over the last two years, but Wakatobi’s management has been far from idle. As well as ensuring that staff and others in the surrounding area are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the team has been updating facilities and accommodations, keeping the famously healthy reefs pristine by funding reef patrols, and even giving the jetty and the airstrip a refresh.
All of which means that underwater shooters can now look forward to spectacular dives and incredible photo opportunities—all while living it up in style. If don’t know what we’re talking about, just check out some of DPG’s awesome articles on Wakatobi, covering the resort’s Pelagian liveaboard, conservation efforts, and dive and photo guides, among other things.
PRESS RELEASE
Wakatobi Resort Announces June Reopening Date
Wakatobi Resort will reopen for business on 02 June, 2022. This announcement comes as Indonesia eliminates all quarantines for arriving international travelers and reinstates its Visa On Arrival program. A number of international airlines have resumed flights to Bali and as in years past, Wakatobi will offer their private guest charter flights directly from Bali to the resort.
“We are excited to once again welcome guests from around the world,” says resort founder Lorenz Mader. “Wakatobi has always felt like a family, and that family includes all of our friends from around the world who come to share the magic of our island and our reefs.”
Wakatobi Resort closed its doors in March of 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the course of the 26-month closure, Wakatobi's management team has continued to make the welfare of its staff and the local communities their number one priority. Wakatobi has also continued to fund reef patrols, social programs, and lease payments to the villages to ensure no-take agreements are honored and the reefs remain in prime condition.
The closure provided an opportunity to refresh the resort's physical property and infrastructure. All of Wakatobi's iconic dive boats have been updated; the property has seen a number of significant repairs and improvements; the jetty has been widened and smoothed, and the airstrip received an upgrade under the supervision of a certified runway engineer.
The dive team reports that the reefs are in excellent health, and the local community and area fishermen remain committed to protecting the reefs. A number of dive and snorkel sites that have not been in the daily rotation for many years due to historic damage before the resort opened have now recovered to near-pristine status. Fish life remains abundant, and Wakatobi's fleet of dive and snorkel boats are ready to set sail as soon as guests arrive.
Wakatobi Resort is known as one of the world's premier dive and snorkel destinations, and is home to the House Reef, which has been named the world's best shore dive. Guests enjoy daily diving and snorkeling in a private marine preserve, along with fine dining and impeccable service.
For more information on Wakatobi's reopening, contact the Bali office at office@wakatobi.com. Inquire about booking a trip here.
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