For dive fanatics, the name Kadidiri Island
is a familiar leading destination in Indonesia, although it is as yet
still little known outside the diving community. Located at the tip of
the Gulf of Tomini in Central Sulawesi, Kadidiri is one of the islands
in the Togean National Park that contains the wealth of the Coral Triangle.
With white sand beaches and
astonishingly glassy water, Kadidiri’s exotic beauty and charm make it
one of the key tourist destinations of the area. Kadidiri is a paradise
for divers for its stunning underwater landscapes, rich coral reefs and
exquisite marine life. The waters surrounding Kadidiri support over a
thousand species of sea creatures, many of which are endangered and
protected.
The Togean Islands were formed by
volcanic activity, and are covered in dense rainforests, bordered by
ancient coral reef formations. The islands are an extremely remote
paradise, consisting of 56 nearly-uninhabited islands that have managed
to preserve a natural elegance, not yet spoiled by man. The Togean
Archipelago is not easy to get to, but anyone willing to make the effort
will be more than rewarded with everything you would expect from such a
hard-to-reach destination—and more! Ultimate seclusion, endless
relaxation, and superb diving and snorkelling that may very well be the
best found in Indonesia if not the world.
Situated in the Coral Triangle that
stretches from the Philippines and East Malaysia through the Indonesian
archipelago to Timor Leste and on to the Solomon Islands, the Togeans
are the only islands in Indonesia where all major reef types can be
found in one place: atolls, barrier, and fringing reefs.
The reefs are in excellent condition and
sustain an almost impossibly abundant marine life. Parrot fish, banner
fish, moonfish, starfish, blue banded sea-snakes, and spotted stingrays
are just a few of species you may encounter in the ankle-deep waters,
barely a few meters from the coast. For more advanced divers, eager to
head further out to sea, sightings of sea turtles, black-tail barracudas
and blue marlins are fairly common. If you’re patient (or lucky)
enough, the scalloped Hammerhead Shark may even pay a visit. Another
popular dive site is the wreck of an American B24 bomber from WWII. The
plane is for the most part intact, and is home to nudibranchs, lion
fish, and huge schools of jackfish.
As the Togean Islands are part of the
National Marine Park, no fishing is allowed at any of the resorts or
diving areas. Fishing charters can be arranged to take you out of the
“no take” zone, though preferably on a catch and release basis. Spear
fishing is not permitted anywhere in the Marine Park.
Kadidiri’s unique ecology is not limited
to beneath the surface of the water. Beyond the beaches, creatures of
land and air roam freely. The thick forests are habitat to monkeys, pig
deer, Sulawesi hornbill and parrots, just to name a few. If you dare to
venture into the forests by night, you may even spot the giant,
tree-climbing Coconut Crab. Coconut Crabs are the largest living land
arthropods in the world, and have a leg span that can reach up to 3
feet. In 2008, a new species of bird was discovered on the
island—literally living proof of the islands well-preserved environment.
The best time to visit is in the dry season between April and November, during which, visibility can reach up to 40 mete
