Walea Dive Resort

Walea Dive Resort - Sulawesi, Indonesia

The Walea Dive Resort is situated in a private area on the island of Waleabahi, in the centre of the Protected Area. It is small and exclusive with only 14 recently enlarged and renovated bungalows that look directly out onto the sea. Located right on the equator and protected by the large Gulf of Tomini, it is always summer here thanks to the microclimate which keeps the monsoon rains at bay.

Only natural materials have been used for the buildings and the bungalows are spread out over an area of 3 hectares amongst trees and tropical flowers. Everything is devised so as to blend in with the surrounding nature.

Every evening there is a gorgeous sunset when you can while away the time between the gentle waves of the world’s calmest sea and the breath of the surrounding forest. There are no roads on the island: no cars, no traffic and no mobile phones ringing. The reduced number of scuba divers that are able to dive at Walea, and the thorough work carried out to protect the environment, have kept the surrounding barrier reef perfectly intact, both on the surface and deeper down.

How To Getting There And Away

Walea Dive Resort - Waleabahi, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Walea is the perfect destination for anyone that loves the sea, both for swimming and diving, and who wants to rediscover the beauty of tranquillity and life’s natural rhythms. Just let us take good care of you and all your senses will be effortlessly satisfied, by rediscovering the pleasure of living naturally.



”No, we have carried out this project by living on a daily basis in the cottages that we offer and now, as we are renovating them, we have planned and built the interior design and spaces, inspired by the surrounding environment and making use of the best Indonesian craftspeople.


RATES

BEACH FRONT COTTAGES - LOW SEASON WALEA PACKAGE PER PERSON IN DOUBLE/TRIPLE ACCOMMODATION - FROM LUWUK TO LUWUK

7 NIGHTS	FROM MON TO MON OR SAT TO SAT	€ 786.00 NO DIVE	€ 996.00 DIVE
9 NIGHTS	FROM SATURDAY TO MONDAY	€ 986.00 NO DIVE	€ 1.266.00 DIVE
12 NIGHTS	FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY	€ 1.286.00 NO DIVE	€ 1.671.00 DIVE
14 NIGHTS	FROM MON TO MON OR SAT TO SAT	€ 1.484.00 NO DIVE	€ 1.941.00 DIVE

NOT SUGGESTED

5 NIGHTS

FROM MON TO SAT

€ 628.00 NO DIVE

€ 768.00 DIVE

 

SINGLE ROOM SURCHARGE €70 PER PERS PER NIGHT HIGH SEASON SURCHARGE (1-31 AUGUST) € 47 PER PERS PER NIGHT

We are available to assist you with the purchase of domestic flights, if you wish.


ALL INCLUSIVE RATES INCLUDING DIVING OR WITHOUT DIVE ACTIVITIES :

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICES :

• Batavia Air flight from Jakarta to Luwuk (via Surabaya and Makassar, 07,15 – 13,40)
  
• Meeting service, baggage porter, private van from Luwuk Airport to Pagimana harbor and return
• Transfer from/to Waleabahi by private 400 Horse-power’s speed Boat
  (12 mt. Fiberglass boat)
• Currency exchange service for airport charges to return
• Baggage porter; assistance in Luwuk during check in and airport formalities.
• Batavia Air flight from Jakarta to Luwuk (via Makassar) 14.15-19.10
• Organization costs

Batavia Airlines Tickets to and from Jakarta are booked in advance and paid by the organization of Walea Dive Resort as a service exclusively for our guests, as Batavia currently does not allow on line payment via credit card (if not for Asian cards).

The package also includes :

• Accommodation in a sea view double cottage at Walea Dive Resort
  
• Breakfast, middle morning tea/coffee & snacks, lunch, middle afternoon tea/coffee & snacks, dinner (a fusion of genuine Italian, International and Oriental cuisine)
  
• Free flow mineral water, coffee, tea
  
• Free access to “Aria Spa”, free access to hydrotherapy pool
  
• 3 dives per day (DIVE PACKAGE): Two from the boat (with the instructor or guide) and a dive from the house reef’s jetty in pairs, with or without the guide, including tanks, weights and belt
  
• Snorkeling from the boat that accompanied the divers when the dive sites are suitable for both activities' (PACKAGE STAY)
  
• TOUR in the forest with lunch on the beach at Tanjung Kramat Headland
  

Optional Services not included :

• Airport taxes
  
• Over baggage
  
• Full day excursion to the island of Dondola
  
• Trip to the fishermen village
  
• Taxi prahu to Tanjung Kramat
  
• Snorkeling tour
  
• Night Diving
  
• Scuba Gear
  
• Dive Scooter
  
• Soft drinks, beer, wine, cocktails
  
• Aperitif time at Aqua Oversea Lounge
  
• Lobster on the barbecue
  
• Selected Australian meat on the barbecue
  
• Dinner under the stars at Aqua Oversea Lounge
  
• Call / fax via satellite phone
  
• Satellite Internet Connection
  
• Massage
  
• Laundry
  

PLEASE NOTE : Thanks to Walea Team’s efforts Walea has become a PROTECTED AREA since 2003. Walea’s five Star Dive Center is the only organization responsible for protecting the Marine Park of Walea. The Government Marine Rangers professionally monitor the park daily, supported by Walea D.R. equipment and speed boats. This organization is completely funded by Walea Dive Resort to offer to the guests the EXCLUSIVITY of the PROTECTED AREA. Walea D&S Resort’s boats and instructors are the only allowed to run recreational marine activities in the area of the marine park and Walea’s guests are the only occupants of the 200 square kilometers of sea and of the 10 hectares of land included in the Park Area (maximum capacity of the Resort: 35 guests ).

There is a Government tax of admission at the Marine Park of US$ 35 per person, payable locally, collected by WaleaD&SR, consigned to the Goverment administration and used for the development of the four villages within the protected area.

PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UPON SEASONALITY



The Resort

If we speak about the facilities that our guests enjoy when they stay in our Resort’s bungalows, we start from here, from these “comforts ” that are now considered so normal in the West that they are taken for granted. In fact, starting from scratch, we have had the chance to appreciate how precious these commodities are, to be conserved with full respect for the surrounding environment, without ignoring the comforts that the best resorts offer their guests. These include sun beds, bath and beach towels, hairdryers and recently also shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion created with the fragrances of flowers, fruits and natural spices, made exclusively for the Walea Dive Resort and chosen by us to offer you moments of real wellbeing for every moment of your day at Walea. Day after day, our dream continues to become reality, in such a way that your wishes can also be fulfilled here during your stay at Walea.” “Everything began with our trips to find the island of our dreams. During the search, which was well off the beaten track, we often came across craftspeople with the most varied skills who were actually true and proper artists. We have so many memories from our incredible trips!

The Cottage

How do you manage to combine comfort, elegance, harmony and a natural feel, without any unnecessary excesses? By placing your trust in famous architects or feng shui experts?

”No, we have carried out this project by living on a daily basis in the cottages that we offer and now, as we are renovating them, we have planned and built the interior design and spaces, inspired by the surrounding environment and making use of the best Indonesian craftspeople.



The result? Only natural materials: wood, stone and glass. Double walls and double roofs to keep the bungalows cool, thus enabling us not to use air conditioning which is unhealthy and very polluting. Last but not least, there is a large hand decorated paved veranda and a bathroom covered in mosaic tiles with water heated by solar panels, because for us the environment is more important than anything else.

As for everything else here, where no services such as electricity, water, waste disposal, fuels or telephone networks are provided by the government or privately, we have used our brains from the word go. We have built a non-polluting dirty water/waste disposal system and a fresh water and fuel supply system that is adequate for our needs, as well as providing the village with electricity generators and satellite communication equipment. Motivated by these things, we have continued developing the Protected Area, a project that we have put our hearts and souls into over the years despite many difficulties and obstacles.

Today, we can finally say that our efforts have paid off, evidence of which are the barrier reef that is more alive than ever and the government of Sulawesi which, as a result of this, has just given us its backing again for the coming years.



The Boutique

Our guests at Walea often used to ask us where they could buy jewellery made of silver and natural stones, those beautiful silks and the batik pareos that are still painted and embroidered by hand... This is how our Boutique started. We got in touch with the craftspeople we had met, and up to this very day we choose and design jewellery, sarungs, silk scarves and other products with them that are ideal to take home as gift ideas or as a souvenir of your trip to Indonesia. Every product in the boutique is made with natural materials and is strictly handmade using traditional Indonesian techniques.

A selection of the best local goods and various items made solely for the Walea Resort, for a decidedly Asian gift... with a touch of Italian taste!”



The Sunset Lounge

“The Aqua Sunset Bar was created to complete our “visionary” idea of Walea. We had no place dedicated exclusively to listening to the waves under a starry sky, with a nice drink in your hand while counting the shooting stars... We had no place where you could concentrate on the colours of the sunset with soft music to accompany the aperitif hour along with snacks and colourful cocktails... For those who like wanting for nothing and enjoying our drinks in the ideal spot, or for people that want to treat themselves to a special night, it is here in fact that we organise, on request, the tempting “dinning under the star ”

This is how the “Aqua Sunset” was created, somewhere between a bar and a lounge, and it is the place with the most atmosphere at Walea.



The Restaurant

The restaurant is Walea’s hub. Here you can find the welcome room, the relaxation area, the kitchen, the dining room and the central bar. Between chatting on the sofas, games of cards, chess, backgammon and looking through books and magazines in different languages, a lot of the time not devoted to the sea is spent going for walks or it is dedicated to body care. The culinary offerings are inspired by the exotic South East Asian cuisine and by the best Emilian/Italian tradition, while the bar serves a wide range of international cocktails, as well as some of our drinks that bring out the taste of exotic fruit and aromatic herbs that are freshly picked on the island.

And there’s more: homemade ice-cream, fresh fruit frappés and shakes as well as soft drinks and isotonic ones for people who do not like alcohol, or top quality local beer and the delicious wine made with Australian grapes that seems to have been made expressly for the tropical climate.

So that you want for absolutely nothing, we could not be without the espresso machine, for the best coffee and cappuccinos prepared in the finest Italian tradition. Running the restaurant personally, we have tried to combine the traditional excellence and flavour that has made Italian cuisine famous throughout the world with the exotic flavours of South East Asia.



Our culinary philosophy, since we are hundreds of miles from shopping centres, is based on reviving real genuine cooking and so we are against everything that is pre-cooked, in a buffet or cooked in the microwave.

The staff have followed Simona’s instruction’s to the finest detail, to provide good homemade bread, biscuits to go with every tea or coffee during the day, fresh handmade pasta, pizza, homemade ice-cream, desserts and recipes in the finest Italian tradition handed down from mother to daughter in the family restaurant on the Costa Smeralda.

However, for the Eastern style dishes and the incredible fish-based combinations where quality and lightness are essential factors, the kitchen staff have followed Luca, whose very personal technique has become refined over years of passion for cooking.

I would say that my role, however, is crucial: I am Walea’s official taster. No recipe is approved that has not been tested by my taste buds!

Lele, Walea Dive Resort.

Under Star Dinner

It is known that food is important for people who know how to enjoy life, and although this resort is famous for the treasures that can be found beneath the surface of the sea, the cuisine has also earned a respected place in the holiday memories of guests from all over the world. Especially from the time when the perfect setting was created to exalt even more the deliciousness of the dishes that we prepare you. In the Sunset Lounge, it is possible to reserve the “Dinner under the stars” for a special occasion and also for the joy of tasting fresh handmade pasta and grilled lobster listening to the sound of the sea, under a starry sky that gives us shooting stars every night.

This dinner allows us to unleash our creativity: in addition to the flavours, the colours and sounds become one complemented by the atmosphere, with candles, stars and soft music for an unforgettable evening.



The Spa



In a peaceful setting, between the sea and the sky, ARIA Spa is the place to be at one with your body and to feel what wellbeing really means.

 

This is the place where the scents of frangipani and wild orchids soothe our most sublime sense, smell. The oils and incense permeate everything, while the expert hands of masseuses reactivate the energy blocked by tension and contractures, invigorating your tissues and restoring your circulation. Quality has been chosen in the ARIA Spa, like in the small boutique. The best and most effective types of traditional Indonesian massage, recipes for which have been handed down from generation to generation, have been chosen, along with the finest oils and natural essences with which they are practised. Few treatments, but well done. However, the natural products, the essential oils and the atmosphere of serene beauty are not ingredients that can perform miracles if the massage is not efficient and professional. This is why the right staff has been chosen for their experience and passion for the traditional regions of Indonesian massage: Bali and Manado.

These are some of treatments on offer at the Walea Dive Resort :

Scent of the Earth The main oil is Jasmine, which is sensual and positive, is beneficial for the lymphatic circulation, nourishes your skin and gives a general sense of wellbeing to the body and mind thanks to its aromatherapeutic properties. Indonesian Among the essences that make up the base of this massage practised for centuries in Indonesia, is mint which with its invigorating and energising properties gives the massage an intense, vitalising sense of wellbeing. It stimulates circulation, eliminates energy blocks and removes tension.

After the sun
This massage has a very cooling effect thanks to the properties of Aloe Vera gel, which is a very effective moisturiser, able to ease the pain caused by sunburn, make a natural tan more long-lasting and refresh the skin which will stay moisturised longer.

Awakening the senses
This special massage applies the technique of reflexology on the hands and feet. With the same oil base as the Indonesian Massage, therefore stimulating and invigorating, it revives the organs of our body through specific points on the hands and feet, to then end up being a beneficial treatment for the lower and upper limbs. It eases pains, and makes stronger and harmonises our body by restoring the flow of blocked energy.

" Possibility of packages or personalised treatments. "



The Hydrotherapy


 

Immediately after the massage area, in the middle of a terrace that looks out onto a gorgeous landscape, is set the hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy bath, covered in mosaic tiles and filled with the purest seawater, the continual recycling of which means that no type chemical product has to be used.

It can comfortably fit 12 people and has powerful jets that create a myriad of bubbles by channelling the seawater, to combine the energy of movement with the beneficial properties of thalassotherapy.

It is not only a beauty accessory, but a real source of wellbeing and good health that is for you to use at any moment of the day.
There is no better place to say goodbye to the stress, chaos and worry of the city.



The Sea Up The Skin

Seawater is an element that revives all our senses: it has its own smell and flavour, it relaxes or awakens us with its sound and it hypnotises us with its intense colours and transparency games. However, it is only when we dive into it that we feel the “THE SEA” sense of touch in all its essence and strength.

When we think about the sea, at once we recall the light shiver on entering it, the absence of weight when floating in it and the salt on our skin. People who love the sea know these feelings well, which they sorely miss when they are a long way from it...



If we add to these things its crystal clearness, the wealth of life that makes every dive a new and different adventure, made up of meetings, colours and ravines where you only need to look carefully and curiously to discover a small world that is as silent as it is full of creatures that nobody imagined existed, if we imagine all this in one go then… you’re in Walea!!!

The features of this marine microclimate are unique and therefore precious: here there is a combination of unfathomable depths (that cannot be found in the interior part of the archipelago) with an average surface temperature of 29 degrees, a large gulf that surrounds hundreds of square kilometres of sea thus protecting it from the violence of ocean currents, and the equator that crosses the gulf all the way along it.



The result: all the shapes and colours of a barrier reef with few equals in the world and its rich and multicoloured habitat of small and sought-after creatures that can be found there, and also the possibility to find in the shallows a wide range of pelagics such as sharks, mantas etc.

All this in one holiday.....



The Snorkeling

Walea is not only a paradise for scuba divers and underwater photographers in particular.
At Walea anyone who loves the sea has a thousand opportunities to observe forms of sea and terrestrial life that are impossible to see in more touristy places.

As far as the sea is concerned, our jetty is the ideal starting point to go snorkelling in safety.



The house reef is never exposed to strong currents and at any time of the day it is the endless source of encounters with all types of tropical reef fish, starting with Ettore, our barracuda, and the fed school of carangidae that has made the jetty their favourite refuge.

Both to the right and the left, the barrier reef stretches for hundreds of metres, with large sponges and soft and hard corals that compete for all the inhabitable spaces, entirely covering the underwater surface of the point of Walea.
It is possible to explore the whole area swimming, on foot or in a canoe, but you absolutely must go at least once to the Point of Desires.



During the day, you can also choose to join small scuba diving groups that go out in a boat to do dives on the dozens of reefs that surround the park, or to organise a boat with only snorkellers and a guide.



The Dive Centre



The Walea Dive Center is the only Padi Five Stars (nr.6141) in all of Central Sulawesi. This is Emanuele’s territory, known to everyone as Lele, the founder with Luca and Simona of the Walea Dive Resort, having become part of the adventure immediately after discovering the place.

All the dive center’s activities (PADI school, dives, snorkelling and trolling) are organised and managed by him, assisted by local guides that are very expert in looking for the small and rare creatures that inhabit Walea’s sea. The languages used are Italian and English.



With the center, it is possible to do PADI courses from the OPEN WATER to the DIVEMASTER (reserving is recommended) and to hire the necessary equipment for snorkelling and also for scuba diving and trolling.

For scuba diving, the dive centre has 20 complete Mares outfits (jacket and double nozzle with gauge), fifty 11.5 lt. aluminium tanks WITH INTERNATIONAL VALVE and four boats built and fitted especially for dives.
All the boats are made of fibreglass and, thanks to their powerful engines, enable us to reach the diving spots in a few minutes.

Next to the compressors, two very modern ultra silent Bauer Miniverticus, there is a large shaded area where there are tubs with fresh water that help the staff to rinse your equipment every day and to then leave it to dry, and for underwater photos and videos to take care of their invaluable equipment.

If you like going underwater and you love learning new things while having fun...Walea really does have a lot to offer you!

Protected Area

Walea Protected Area - Sulawesi, Indonesia

This map will allow you to explore the 200 square kilometres of sea which constitutes the protected area in Walea from close up. The area was established in 2003 after years of sheer effort to obtain legal recognition of the financial and personal effort we made. Thanks to this effort, this part of the Toigan archipelago was saved from the scourge of illegal fishing using bombs and poison which unfortunately happens all over Asia. Thanks to the cooperation of the Indonesian maritime police, the programme for making the population (above all the new generations) aware of the situation and as to how they can protect their environment from pollution and try to anticipate problems which progress will cause to their ecosystem. As in all properly managed protected areas the use of gloves is prohibited and your cooperation in checking your equipment during dives is indispensable, so as to be able to guarantee this incomparably unspoilt sea to continue prospering, as well as ensuring that in this location the human factor is a positive element which brings benefits to the ecosystem and not only destruction and pollution, as unfortunately happens in most tourist areas all over the world.

Sound Of Nature

Another sense that is revived when it comes into contact with the nature of Walea is hearing. The complete absence of roads and vehicles and also of motor boat traffic makes the dense, golden forest that stands high behind the resort the real star of the soundtrack of a stay at Walea. At any time of the day or night, in the comfort of a bungalow or walking around, you can hear the sounds of the sea merging with the rustle of the leaves of the age-old trees and the animals that inhabit them. We can start with the sky where so many species and different sizes of birds, with their exotic colours, mark the time of day with their songs, and then move onto the tiny night monkey called Tarsius or the coconut lobster. Then there is the couscous marsupial which, if you have the patience and luck, it is possible to spot among the branches, not to mention the small flying dragons of tokai geckos and monitors that, undisturbed during the hottest hours, poke their heads out of the forest looking for food. The island is also inhabited by babirussas (a species of wild boar) and by very colourful wild cocks, which are very sought after for illegal fighting, but it is almost impossible to see them because they only live in the deepest and most isolated part of the large forest that covers all of Waleabahi. Another interesting point worthy of note because it is so rare: no mobile phone ringtone will ever disturb, for example, the crickets and cicadas that, at dawn and dusk, celebrate the sun rising and later its farewell.

TANJUNG KRAMAT (POINT OF DESIRES)

you go through the forest behind the village to arrive at the long and untouched beach on the other side of the hill. From here, after at most a half-hour walk you reach the furthermost point of Tanjung Kramat (Cape of Mystery or of Desires) which is the thin stretch of sand that forms the extreme point of the island of Walea. Here, on the breathtaking small hill that overlooks the whole mouth of the large Gulf of Tomini, it is possible to see the sacred place where, even today, the locals still go to meditate and, having made some offerings, believe that their wishes will be fulfilled.

The stretch of sand that divides the inner part of the gulf from the open sea is usually just touched by two different sea currents that meet... what better place to cool off after the walk, rocked and massaged gently by the sea?

Towards 12.00, the restaurant staff will bring the lunch just cooked by our chefs and which will all be served directly on the small beach under the shade of the trees beneath the Point of Desires. No plastic cups or plates, because everything must be in harmony with the timeless beauty of this corner of paradise. Return by boat in the afternoon.





FULL DAY ON THE DESERTED ISLAND

There is another strip of land that faces the ocean at the end of the large Gulf of Tomini. It is a tiny atoll, which can be walked around in fifteen minutes. On the edge of the lagoon of white sand and crystal-clear water, the reef drops sheer to unfathomable depths, the only wall of earth covered with corals of unthinkable shapes and sizes, standing alone to take on the ocean and its majestic inhabitants. It is an excursion not to be missed for scuba divers and snorkellers, and for anyone that wants to spend a real day on a truly out of this world “deserted island”, but everything is laid on for you.

In fact, as well as the scuba diving guides, the restaurant staff is at your service on this fully equipped little island to prepare the famous plate of spaghetti (freshly cooked and al dente) followed by other fresh delicacies of the day, served under the shade of the awning on the table made naturally from the sand.





VISIT TO THE LOCAL VILLAGE

If you have arrived as far as Walea, it is undoubtedly worth taking a walk in the fishing village situated on the same island but only accessible by boat, where, surrounded by the curiosity of the locals and the happy smiles of the children, you really realise in what corner of the world the Walea Dive Resort was built.

In fact, you only leave the natural atmosphere of the hotel facility once and you understand how little this archipelago is touched by the frenetic progress that now affects the entire planet.



In these places so far from the large cities, there is no poverty but simplicity of life. Every member of the community has their own house and the means to support themselves, from fishing or farming, and all the houses have their doors open, ready to welcome anyone that wishes to enter with a cup of tea and a smile.

Taking advantage of their cheerful nature to shoot films or take photographs, you can really take some unforgettable photos and create a picture of the authentic life of these serene people, without any touristy pretence.



How To Arrive From Indonesia

The simplest and surest way to arrive is on Monday or Saturday by Batavia Air from Makassar to Luwuk, that is the closest reachable airport in the area.
Makassar also known as Ujung Pandang is the largest city on the island of Sulawesi and its airport is connected to the main important cities of Indonesia, to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, so you can chose the itinerary that fits better for you, according to your budget and days of holidays.

Walea Dive&Spa Resort can be reached as follows:

• Any flight to Makassar
• Batavia flight from Makassar to Luwuk every Saturday and Monday (12,15-13,40)
• Transfer by private car from Luwuk to Pagimana (90 min.) and by fast boat from Pagimana to Walea (75 min.)
• Expected arrival at around 17.15 the same day, dinner and overnight
• Stay at Walea Dive Resort
• Transfer after breakfast (9:00 am) from a Walea to Pagimana and Pagimana to Luwuk
• Batavia flight from Luwuk to Makassar every Saturday and Monday (14,15-19,10)
• International connection

How To Arrive From Europe

The companies that provide the best route to Luwuk via Jakarta or Surabaya are Emirates and Singapore Airlines.
FIRST PROPOSAL VIA EMIRATES:

• Emirates from Europe to Jakarta (via Dubai) on Friday or Sunday, overnight stay in Jakarta
• Batavia flight from Jakarta to Luwuk (via Surabaya and Makassar) every Saturday and Monday (07,15-13,40)
• Private car transfer from Luwuk airport to Pagimana harbor (90 min) and transfer to Waleabahi Island by fast fiberglass speed boat (75 min).
• Arrival at Walea D.R. at around 17,30 of the same day, dinner and overnight
• Stay at Walea Dive Resort
• Return transfer after breakfast (9,00) from Waleabahi to Pagimana by speed boat and by car to Luwuk
• Batavia flight from Luwuk to Jakarta (via Makassar) every Saturday and Monday(14,15-19,10)
• Emirates (Dep: CGK at 0:15, Arr: DXB at 5:30)
  

SECOND PROPOSAL VIA SINGAPORE AIRLINES:

• SINGAPORE AIRLINES from Europe to Jakarta or Surabaya on Friday or Sunday, overnight in Jakarta or Surabaya
• Batavia flight every Saturday and Monday from Jakarta to Luwuk (via Surabaya and Makassar 07,15-13,40) or via Surabaya to Luwuk (via Makassar 09,20-13,40)
• Private car transfer from Luwuk airport to Pagimana harbor (90 min) and transfer to Waleabahi Island by fast fiberglass speed boat (75 min).
• Arrival at Walea D.R. at around 17,30 of the same day, dinner and overnight
• Stay at Walea Dive Resort
• Return transfer after breakfast (9,00) from Waleabahi to Pagimana by speed boat and by car to Luwuk
• Batavia flight from Luwuk to Surabaya (via Makassar) every Saturday and Monday (14,15-17,05)
• Singapore Airlines (Dep: SUR to SIN at 18,40)
  

OTHER COMPANIES FLYING FROM EUROPE TO JAKARTA (OR DENPASAR – BALI):
KLM (direct flight from Amsterdam), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Etihad Airways
(via Abu Dhabi)


How To Arrive From Asia

MORE OPPORTUNITIES VIA KUALA LUMPUR
A very good connection from the most important cities of Asia and Europe to Makassar is via Kuala Lumpur where the low cost company Air Asia have direct flights to/from Makassar (attractive route for those who are concerned to reduce costs and to adapts to a route with overnight stays).

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Makassar (UPG)
AK 586 12:50 16:15 (1 3 5 7)
Makassar (UPG) - Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
AK 587 16:50 20:00 (1 3 5 7)

AIRLINES COMPANIES FLYING FROM EUROPE TO KUALA LUMPUR:
Malaysia Airlines (direct flight from Rome or Frankfurt), Emirates (via Dubai), Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Air Asia (direct flight from London)

WE ARE AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR PACKET UPON REQUEST BY THE CITY OF PREFERRED ARRIVAL AND/OR DEPARTURE (TO/FROM DENPASAR, SURABAYA, MAKASSAR OR JUST TO AND FROM LUWUK AIRPORT)



FAQ

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT WALEA ?
With regards to the weather we are exactly on the equator and surrounded by a large gulf with reasonably high mountains which create a barrier for most of the bad weather arriving from the North, West and South. This means that our micro-climate is more or less constant the whole year round, there is little rainfall which moreover is concentrated after sunset, and there is a calm sea and little wind. It is not surprising that we are open all year round.
This is why there isn’t a time of year which is “better” than the others. Even diving visibility is always good, and since there are 200 square kilometres of sea just for us we can choose the area in which the conditions are ideal.

Even the currents are not affected by the seasons, which gives the possibility of seeing large and small pelagic fish. It’s the tide, the moon and the rivers on the coast which affect the currents; depending on the amount of rainfall they pour a large or smaller quantity of freshwater into the Tomini gulf. Thus, the currents are tied to a monthly, not a yearly cycle.

IS WALEA ALSO SUTIABLE FOR THOSE WHO DON’T DIVE ?
Our clientele is very varied, with a single common denominator: they all love the sea and places where nature still rules: no roads, no machines, no mobile phones; only the 30 people who represent the resort’s maximum capacity in terms of the number of guests have access to the snorkelling and diving activities in more than 200 square kilometres of sea.
However, on land there are plenty of services: for example I can mention the following: our renowned cuisine; the spa with numerous types of massage and a large tub for hydro-massages which is open all hours of the day; excursions which we organise to discover this corner of paradise; candle-lit dinners at the Sunset Bar under the stars with fresh pasta, lobster and a lot more.

Apart from scuba diving enthusiasts we have many guests who enjoy snorkelling, and every day they can join the boat party of divers to explore the numerous reefs which are abundant in the protected area. Among the guests there are even newly weds and simple travellers in search of beauty and peace.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO FISH IN THE WALEA PROTECTED AREA ?
In Walea it’s possible to practice downrigger fishing; one of our boats is specifically equipped for two fishermen. However, it’s not possible to fish from the shore or from the wharf since the entire area the resort is located in is a reproduction area and it’s therefore forbidden to fish within 500 metres of the barrier reef. If you’re interested it’s also the possibility to go fishing for a few hours with a local fisherman in his “prahu” (a type of boat) for light trolling fishing; however, this option obviously depends on the locals, although normally we always find someone who is willing by paying them a modest sum that we agree on a spot basis.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO PAY BY CREDIT CARD AT THE WALEA RESORT ?
The Walea price list is in Euros, so the most convenient way to pay is in Euros in cash. We do, however, accept American dollars and Indonesian Rupees. We accept the following credit cards: American Express, Mastercard and Visa, but in this case payment is made in local currency.
Since the satellite connection doesn’t permit electronic payments (the transaction is instead carried out manually) we do not accept electronic cards if the name, card number and other data are not embossed.

It is possible to exchange money for Rupees at the resort, to pay for excess baggage and the airport taxes required on the return flight.

WHAT KIND OF ATTACHMENTS ARE MOUNTED ON THE DIVING CYLINDERS?
Our diving cylinders are made from aluminium and have INTERNATIONAL standard attachments; if your supplier has given you DIN attachments you will need an adapter.

HOW CAN I CALL HOME ONCE I’M AT THE RESORT?
In Walea we have 2 different satellite connections which permit us to be permanently connected by phone to the rest of the world. We use a satellite “channel” which also allows us to communicate via fax or e-mail (but not via Skype), as well as connecting us to the web in a slow but safe way.

It’s not possible to use mobile phones or personal computers to access the web; instead it’s necessary to use the satellite systems available to the resort.

The price is subject to change. Please  contact us for more information.