10x Togian Islands must-visits

wim, chill, eat, sleep, and repeat! The lifestyle on the Togians is as blissfully simple and uncomplicated as you could ever wish for. Your days filled with lounging in crystal-clear waters, tropical jungles, and the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen. From dipping your toes in the sand to snorkeling right in front of your accommodation! Life on the Togians is, let’s say, NOT wrong at all.

But there’s even more! From snorkeling in the colorful coral reefs, diving in the most beautiful places, paying a visit to the traditional Bajau villages, to swimming with jellyfish! Curious about what you absolutely must not miss? Read on quickly!

Jellyfish Lake | Mariona Lake

It’s perhaps one of the most exceptional snorkeling spots in the world. At Jellyfish Lake, you can, as you’ve already guessed, snorkel with jellyfish. It’s super cool and completely painless because the jellyfish can no longer sting. Over the years, the jellyfish have changed into friendly creatures. They no longer have any natural predators in the lake and, therefore, no longer need their tentacles. The lake is genuinely full of jellyfish. Thousands swim gracefully around you. A bit strange at first, but perhaps one of the most unique things I’ve ever gotten to do. Absolutely do it!

Visit a traditional Bajau village

There are approximately 25,000 people living on the Togian Islands, a large part of which belongs to the Bajau population. They are also known as the Sea Gypsies. The Bajau people live and thrive on the water. They learn to fish from an early age, which they do by swimming to the bottom and patiently waiting for a fish. They can easily reach 12 meters deep and stay underwater for a few minutes, without aids. Very impressive. A visit to a traditional village is absolutely worthwhile. The people, and especially the children, receive you with open arms.

Spotting Hornbills

On one of the islands, you can spot a group of Rhinoceros Hornbills every evening returning from the jungle. You stand on a large hill during sunset, waiting for the birds to fly over. They literally come from everywhere.

Diving, Diving, and More Diving!

Although Bunaken on Sulawesi is particularly known for its beautiful diving environment, you can also have amazing dives on the Togian Islands. The most unique dive spot is definitely Una Una. Here you will find giant fish, such as Groupers and Napoleon fish, and you have the chance to spot sharks and turtles.

Snorkeling

From tiny seahorses, giant rays to dolphins; the underwater world of the Togeans is teeming with life. From your beach, you can often dive into the water and spot the most unique fish. However, a snorkeling trip is also a top recommendation. You stop at the most tropical beaches which you often have all to yourself.

Chilling on Karina Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Togian Islands is Karina Beach. A visit to this beach is definitely worth it. We visited Karina Beach during our trip to JellyFish Lake and enjoyed a delicious lunch here.