Togian Islands, Indonesia

I'm going to Suluwesi in mid-July. I already have Lembeh, Bunaken, and a liveaboard planned to the Northern islands. Anyway, I still have time to spare and was wondering if anyone here has been to the Togian Islands? If so, is it worth the LONG trip? Also, how many days would you stay there? Thanks for your help.

I do not know the islands you talk of but I thoroughly recommend anyone to take an extra week from North Sulawesi and go to Raja Ampat. I'm sure others on this forum will endorse that.

http://www.divernet.com/travel2/0406rajaampat.shtml

I'd absolutely endorse John's comments about Raja Empat, which has spectacular dives and incredible biodiversity. And there are flights from Manado to Sorong (daily, I think), so the logistics wouldn't be bad for you. The northern hemisphere summer isn't the optimum season in R4, but might be ok. Max Ammer's place operates year-round, of course, but most of the liveaboards doing R4 operate between November and the end of March, when sea conditions are calmer and the incidence of precipitation and clouds a bit less.

I've never been to the Togians. Supposed to be interesting, but are rarely visited by divers, especially in recent years. There has been a lot of political unrest and serious violence in central Sulawesi, particularly in the area around Palu. You might be able to reach the Togian's by boat from Gorontalo. I'd be interested to hear what the Togian's are like. Supposed to have spectacular corals, or at least did once upon a time.

(Note to JB: the Togian islands are located in Tomini Bay, on the eastern side of Sulawesi, formed by the long west-to-east northern arm of Sulawesi and the stubby little arm sticking out towards the Maluku. Not too far from Banggai Island, just a bit south, home of the eponymous Banggai Cardinalfish (Pteropogon kaudemi), supposedly endemic to that island and to the Lembeh Strait, but which has now shown up at Secret Bay in Bali, possibly a result of the commercial trade in aquarium fishes.)

[A P. kaudemi that is far, far from home]

Frogfish (Robert Delfs)

I'll definitely consider Raja Amput as well. I got off to a bad start though. The CONTACT form on the website isn't functioning (www.papua-diving.com). Do either of you have an up-to-date email address for the Kri Eco Resort? I prefer not to use a travel agent.

Apparently a direct boat to the Togians leaves from Gorontala once per week. It's 12 hours, not including the trip from Manado, so I'm still looking for some strong positive feedback about the area before I jump onboard. Has anyone been there???

i'm leaving to Walea (togians) in August. not in time for you but i can tell you there's a plane from Manado to Luwuk and once there a run by van to the cost where we get a rapid boat to the islands....maybe this can help you. Look at www.walea.com, nice and tastefull dive resort at the togians (or togeans).

Nice corals and some pelagic life.

(Note to JB: the Togian islands are located in Tomini Bay, on the eastern side of Sulawesi, formed by the long west-to-east northern arm of Sulawesi and the stubby little arm sticking out towards the Maluku.)

I knew you’d know! But I got an atlas too!

Regards to the best,

JB

I'll third John and Robert on R4.

And, if anyone would have a wealth of knowledge about Indonesia, Robert is your man. Astounding the amount of information he has.

Cheers

Todd