Overview
The Togian Islands offer a rare escape from modern tourism: pristine coral reefs, remote white-sand beaches, and encounters with the indigenous Bajo (Sea Gypsies) who live in stilt villages across the Gulf of Tomini. Diving here rivals better-known Indonesian spots with walls, wrecks, and prolific marine life at a fraction of the cost, while the lack of ATMs and limited infrastructure keeps it genuinely off-the-beaten-path.
Beach · Budget Travel · Day Trips · Diving · Island
Before you go
Accommodation
All resorts include three meals per day in quoted prices. Budget rooms with shared mandi start at Rp 100,000; mid-range with attached bathroom and fan from Rp 150,000-200,000. Water supply is limited (2-4 hours/day) at most places.
Diving
Dive shops at Bomba and Kadidiri offer courses and guided dives. Equipment rental available; well-equipped centers have 30+ sets and multiple compressors. Dive sites include Bomba Atoll, Una Una, and the B24 bomber wreck. Snorkelers join dive boats free when sites permit.
Food
Meals are included in resort rates. Beer costs Rp 50,000-65,000; local arak Rp 15,000; bottled water Rp 10,000. Tea, coffee, and boiled water are free at all resorts. Wakai has the only proper market.
Health
Bring DEET mosquito repellent—mosquitoes bite day and night. No medical facilities on the islands; carry basic first aid supplies. Coral cuts require immediate attention due to infection risk.
Money
No ATMs exist on the Togian Islands. Withdraw all cash needed from Ampana before taking the ferry. Mastercard and Visa accepted at Ampana banks. All resort prices are quoted in Indonesian Rupiah (Rp).
Transport
Schedules are unreliable—boats break down and weather disrupts departures. Build at least one buffer day into your itinerary. Public ferry from Ampana runs except Fridays; speedboat Hercules departs daily at 09:00.