It’s no secret that Bali, Indonesia, is a favorite vacation destination among tourists from all over the globe. Boasting a vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and natural beauty at every turn, the Island of the Gods has much to offer. Add in the fact that it is an affordable destination with options to suit every budget, and it’s easy to see why Bali is so popular.
While Bali is a beautiful island, its popularity has drawn too many tourists to the area. Unfortunately, it is now common for Bali’s beautiful beaches to have trash littered on the sand. Travelers book the nicest accommodations quickly and overcrowd the best tourist attractions. Areas, like Ubud, Kuta and Canggu, are hectic and busy with frequent traffic jams putting a damper on holiday plans.
Luckily, there are other options for nature lovers looking to experience Indonesia’s lush jungles, picturesque beaches and world-class hospitality: The Banggai Islands.
The Banggai Islands Archipelago
The Banggai Islands are a beautiful alternative. As an unspoiled hidden gem, the archipelago is free of the throngs of tourists that Bali sees.
Located in the east of the Central Sulawesi province, the archipelago consists of more than 100 islands. The majority of them are small and uninhabited. In order to reach the Banggai Islands, people must fly into Luwuk Bubung Airport and take a boat ride to their desired island.
The largest two islands in the group are Peleng and Banggai. While homestays are the most common accommodations on both of these islands, there are also several hotels available. Hotel Banggai is one of the most modern options available. It is located in Banggai, which is the largest town on Banggai island.
What to do in the Banggai Islands
The Banggai Archipelago is an ideal destination for adventurers, backpackers and travelers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences and exploring untouched nature. There are endless opportunities for hiking, swimming, observing wildlife and taking in incredible, scenic views.
Snorkel or Scuba Dive
Two of the most popular activities for travelers visiting the paradisiacal Banggai Islands are snorkeling and scuba diving. Part of the crystal clear, turquoise waters surrounding the islands contains a barrier reef home to more than 600 species of marine life, including a famous endemic endangered species named for the archipelago.
The small, but beautiful Banggai cardinal fish does not live anywhere else in the world. It attracts divers from near and far. Eels, turtles, rays, squid and sharks are also among the plethora of other aquatic species one might encounter on a dive. Wildlife enthusiasts also can birdwatch for species, like flycatchers, warblers and lorikeets.
Meet the Bajau Laut Tribe
Another unique experience one can have in the Banggai Islands is visiting the Bajau Laut, Indonesia’s last remaining nomadic sea tribe. As one of the oldest ethnic groups in Southeast Asia, they live in stilted abodes perched above the ocean. They completely adapted to this way of living and are expert divers and fishermen. Guided tours are available to take tourists to the villages of the Bajau Laut, where they can experience the tribe’s unique culture and way of life.
Visit Banggai Palace
The Banggai Islands are apart of what was once known as the Kingdom of Banggai. It was a smaller kingdom under the Sultanate of Ternate that was ruled by its own king. Today, the Banggai Palace, which served as the king’s residence and an important government center, still stands. Throughout the years, local officials have restored and preserved the historical palace to maintain its original look. Guests visiting may see the uniformed gatekeepers donning traditional wear and holding spears, as they guard the red-carpeted entry stairs.
Delighting in cascading waterfalls, shopping in marketplaces and dining on authentic Indonesian cuisine are additional experiences visitors to the Banggai Islands can enjoy. The islands have a delicious variety of sweet potatoes, fresh seafood, clove and coconuts. From Peleng or Banggai, you can hop on a boat and set off to explore the other islands in the beautiful Banggai Islands archipelago.