In 2006,
the Togian Islands were designated a
National Marine and Forest Reserve,
the largest in Indonesia.
Located in the Tomini Gulf, the
Togians are a picturesque
archipelago of 56 islands and
inlets. The islands were formed by
volcanic activity from the still
active volcano, Gunung Cholo on
UnaUna Island, which is 18 kms north
of Island Retreat, and can be seen
from our cottages. Island Retreat is
30 kms south of the
Equator. The islands are
covered with lush rainforests and
surrounded by ancient coral reef
formations. Sea temperature averages
30 degrees C, and in perfect sea and
weather conditions (which is often),
the average underwater visibility is
up to 45 meters – perfect for
snorkeling and diving.
Both the
terrestrial and marine ecosystems
teem with exotic wildlife – some
which are endangered species.
The reefs and coastal areas provide
habitats and breeding areas for
hawks-bill turtles, the green
turtle, and the dugong. Togian
forests and skies are inhabited by
exotic creatures such as the Togian
Macaque, the babirusa, the
red-crested hornbill, and hanging
parrots.
Within
this tropical paradise, 37 villages
provide bright spots of gaiety and
cultures of several ethnicities,
including the Bobongko, Togian,
Saluan, and the Bajau.
Although you may see some satellite
dishes occasionally, many of the
local people still practice the
lifeways of their ancestors.
Fortunately, the relative isolation
of the Togian Islands has preserved
much of the ancestral ways.