Kristian Hansen, a foreign traveller, has been embarking on an extensive journey across the Indonesian archipelago, documenting his experiences and sharing them with the world. His latest adventure took him to the untouched paradise of Sombori Island in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. This article delves into the beauty of Sombori Island and his journey and the unique experiences he had on this enchanting island.
His Journey Begins in Indonesia
Kristian Hansen’s journey to Sombori Island was part of his broader Sabang to Merauke adventure, which has spanned over 900 days. He has travelled across 15 provinces in Indonesia, capturing the diverse cultures, landscapes, and traditions of the country. His journey started from Buton Island, where he first travelled back to Kendari, the capital of South East Sulawesi. From there, he met up with friends from Bank Indonesia who came to pick him up in a boat.
Exploring The Beauty of Sombori Island
Located in the Morowali Regency of Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, Sombori Island is a hidden gem that has garnered attention for its stunning natural beauty, unique culture, and untouched landscapes. Often referred to as the “Next Raja Ampat” of Central Sulawesi, Sombori Island offers a blend of white sand beach, panoramic views, berlian cave, lush trees, and turquoise waters that remind visitors of the famous Raja Ampat in Papua.
The island also features several other attractions, including Dua Darat Island and Dua Laut Island. Dua Laut Island is particularly notable for its “Aquarium Point,” a diving spot where divers can see coral reefs and colourful fish up close. For those seeking relaxation, Koko Island offers a serene atmosphere with swaying coconut trees and clear waters, perfect for spotting small fish swimming around.
Kristian Hansen’s Experience
Upon arriving at Sombori Island, Kristian Hansen and his companions stayed at the homestay Nirvana Resort on Lobing Island, which is located near Sombori. They then travelled to Mbo Kita village in Sombori, where they exchanged old bills for new rupiah bills. This interaction allowed Kristian to share his experiences across Indonesia with the locals and immerse himself in the local culture.
One of the highlights of Kristian’s visit was his interaction with the local bajo family at the famous ‘Rumah Nenek’. Here, he met Pak Sharif, who shared a unique story about catching a whale shark in his net by accident. This encounter not only provided insight into the local way of life, but also highlighted the resilience and resourcefulness of the islanders.
Kristian Hansen also had the opportunity to try local Indonesian cuisine and participate in various tourism activities. He visited the famous Air Kiri beach with the children of Mbo Kita village, where they enjoyed the beautiful scenery and local delicacies. Additionally, he went night fishing and watched the sunrise from Kayangan 2, further enhancing his experience of the island’s natural beauty.
How to Get to Sombori Island
Reaching Sombori Island or Pulau Sombori requires some planning and effort, but the journey is well worth it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get there:
- Fly to Kendari City: The first step is to fly to Kendari City in Southeast Sulawesi province. Kendari is easily accessible via a transit stop in Makassar (UPG), which has non-stop daily flights from Bali or Jakarta. Flights to Kendari can be booked for as low as 800k Rupiah ($50 USD) using flight comparison websites like Skyscanner.
- Travel to Lafeu Harbor: From Kendari, you need to travel to Lafeu Harbor in Bungku Pesisir District. This journey takes about 6 hours by land, and the route terrain can be quite challenging. Once you arrive at the harbor, you can continue your journey by sea.
- Boat Journey: The most common way to reach Sombori Island is by boat. The journey from Lafeu Harbor to Sombori Island takes about one hour by speedboat or three hours by wooden boat. If you choose to travel by sea, you can also consider using a speedboat, which reduces the travel time to 4-5 hours.
- Accommodation: While there are no specific accommodations on Sombori Island, tourists often stay at the Nirvana Resort on Labengki Island, which is located near Sombori. Labengki Island offers a range of accommodations, including beach huts, and serves as a base for exploring both Labengki and Sombori.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sombori Island is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to November. This period offers clearer skies and calmer waters, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving. With its unique attractions and stunning natural beauty, Sombori Island is a must-visit destination for any traveller looking to explore the hidden gems of Indonesia.
Things to do in Sombori Island and What You Should Know Before You Go
1. Explore the Lagoons
The main attraction of Sombori Island is its beautiful blue lagoons, which are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. The sheltered bays and coral reefs make it an ideal spot for marine life enthusiasts. The Five Kings Lagoon is particularly notable, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to spot colourful fish and coral reefs.
2. Visit Khayangan Peak
Khayangan Peak is the main destination on Sombori Island, offering panoramic views of the island and its surrounding coral rock islands. The viewpoint, similar to Raja Ampat, provides a stunning visual experience with turquoise blue waters and colourful reefs.
3. Dive at the Aquarium Point
Dua Laut Island is famous for its “Aquarium Point,” a diving spot where divers can see coral reefs and colourful fish up close. This location is a must-visit for any diving enthusiast, offering an unforgettable underwater experience.
4. Relax on Koko Island
For those seeking relaxation, Koko Island is the perfect destination. The island features swaying coconut trees and clear waters, making it ideal for spotting small fish swimming around. The serene atmosphere of Koko Island provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
5. Experience Bajau Culture
One of the unique attractions of Sombori Island is the presence of the Bajau, Indonesia Sea Gypsies Tribe. Visitors can observe the daily life of this tribe, known for their tough sailing skills, and even learn to swim with the Bajau people who can dive freely. This cultural immersion adds a rich layer to the island’s allure, allowing tourists to experience a part of Indonesia’s diverse heritage.
6. Explore Other Attractions
Other wonderful spots in and around Sombori include:
- Grandma’s House (Rumah Nenek): A scenic spot named after a fisherwoman who kept a whale shark in the water by feeding it for two months before letting it go.
- Diamond Cave (Gua Berlian): A stalactite diamond cave that adds to the island’s natural beauty.
- Hermit Crab Beach: A unique beach where hermit crabs are abundant.
- Prehistoric Cave: A cave featuring ancient handprints, providing a glimpse into the island’s prehistoric past.
7. Hike to Sombori Hill
Sombori Hill on Pulau Kayangan offers breathtaking views from the top of Sombori hill. The hike is relatively short, taking about 5 minutes to reach the viewpoint. The stunning view from the top is not something you get to see every day, making it a must-visit attraction of this small island.
