The Togean Islands, Sulawesi, Indonesia. -Jan. 10, 2001

Position: The Togean Islands, Sulawesi, Indonesia. 0"09" S ---122" E -Jan. 10, 2001

This island group is located just south of the equator. To reach the islands from Banda we traveled 3 days North and then West on the equator. Cruising near the equator was very pleasant; hot during the day but comfortable at night. We found nice weather but no wind. It is strictly motor sailing within 5 degrees of the equator. The island reefs support a rich diversity of marine life, some outstanding beautiful colored fish of all sizes and huge coral. These islands are the only place in Indonesia where you can find all three major reef environments-atoll, barrier, and fringing in one location. We found the best coral for snorkeling on the fringing reefs along the coast. Also the clearest clean beautiful warm water. Seven or more ethnic groups share these islands and are all hospitable.

We saw our first stilt village off of Banggai. We took the tender around the shore and found everyone waving and greeting us with "Hello Mister". The houses were in several rows with walkways built as streets around them. They were smoking coconut meat so the fragrance was permeating the air and not pleasant.

Onward to Wakai, Kadidiri and Palau Taipi. We anchored off the beach from a small six-cabin resort. These neat cabins were on stilts nestled in the palm trees and at the cost of only $5 or $7 with maid service per night. Only a few guests but nice and very picturesque. Snorkeling was great from the boat or from the beach on each of the several islands, including a large square mile reef. The clear clean warm water makes these stop most enjoyable.

There were several fishing villages on nearby islands each with their own mosque. It appears they are mostly Muslins living on these remote islands. There are always large groups of children following us when we go into the villages wanting their picture taken. Our captain had a Polaroid camera that had all the children screaming to be in a picture that he gave to them to keep. A big hit.

A B-24 bomber at the bottom of the sea.
The natives were quick to help us locate an airplane which was ditched in 1944. This bomber was from an air sea rescue squadron on patrol when they had an engine fire. Being unable to return to base they made a perfect ditching close to shore and in only 50 feet of water. The plane floated for an hour after ditching allowing all the crew of 11 to survive. The airplane now rests in clear water with large coral growths covering most the wings and fuselage. Machine guns are still in the turrets and most of the instruments are in the panel. Diving at the site, you can go inside of the waist hatches, and explore among the many colorful fish that are making this their home. The landing gear is down letting you swim under the wings and around the engines. After 50 plus years, one of the many large coral growths on the wing is more than 10 feet across and 6 feet high, very colorful, and in the shape of a large tulip. This unusual find remains in such great condition as this location is hard to reach, no airports and only accessible by a long boat ride. Also few tourists venture to these islands. It is 20 miles from the one resort that we anchored near. Eight or so boats happily observed us with the men smiling and trying to make some conversation. They were serious about showing us THE spot and were rewarded for their efforts.

(Previous Entry | Next Entry)

(Back to Ship's Log)