TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The on-and-off, silent island, electricity out everytime dark arrives, and the limited access to the "civilization" are what making Togean Islands, Central Sulawesi perfect for a getaway.

If we are going to visit Togean Islands, one of heavenly places in Indonesia for divers, we have to be mentally prepared to be cut off from the city lives. Togean is indeed nested in secluded area in Tomini Bay, under the “head” of Sulawesi island. To be precise it is located between Gorontalo and Poso.

It’s a long trip to get to Togean, either from Gorontalo, Luwuk or Palu. From these three towns, travel distance is around 9 to 11 hours by land, sea or air.

Tempo had a chance to visit the island as oart of PT Pelni survey team on May 10 to 13. The state-owned sea transportation company is planning to open marine tourism package in the island this year.

The tour package includes tourist accommodation in the ship during the trip so that there is no need to book hotel rooms. Therefore, the company is improving its room service standard.

Pelni’s ship will sail from Bitung harbor, Manado, North Sulawesi. From there, the ship will go to Gorontalo and to Wakai, Togean Island, and anchor in Poso harbor. From Poso, the ship will return to Manado via the same route.

To get into the Pelni tour package, tourist can go from Bitung or Gorontalo which can be reached by air or by land. It takes around eleven-hour cruise from Gorontalo to Wakai and around 15-minute ferry trip from Wakai to Kadidiri Beach.

However, the wonderful view of Togean nature is worth the long trip.

ISMA SAVITRI