As we all know, Bali, Indonesia is the most popular holiday destination for tourists from all over the world. With its vibrant culture, delicious food and natural beauty everywhere, the Isle of the Gods is worth a visit. Combine that with the fact that it’s an affordable destination with options to suit every budget, and it’s easy to see why Bali is so popular.
Although Bali is a beautiful island, its popularity attracts too many tourists to the area. Unfortunately, the beautiful beaches of Bali are full of rubbish right now. Travelers book the best accommodations fast and the best tourist spots are packed. Areas such as Ubud, Kuta, and Canggu are busy and busy, with frequent traffic jams that can put holiday plans in the way.
Fortunately, for nature lovers looking to experience Indonesia’s lush jungles, picturesque beaches and world-class hospitality, there’s another option: the Bang Gai Islands.
Bang Gai Islands
Bang Gai Islands is a beautiful choice. An unspoilt hidden gem, the archipelago doesn’t have the hordes of tourists seen in Bali.
The archipelago is located in the eastern part of Central Sulawesi Province and consists of more than 100 islands. Most of them are small and uninhabited. In order to reach the Bang Gai Islands, one has to fly to Luwuk Bubang Airport and then take a boat to their desired island.
The two largest islands in the group are Peleng and Banggai. While homestay is the most common form of accommodation on these two islands, there are also several hotel options. Hotel Banggai is one of the most modern options. It is located on Bang Gai Island, which is the largest town on Bang Gai Island.
What to do in Bang Gai Islands
The Banggai Archipelago is the ideal destination for adventurers, backpackers and travelers who love a different experience and exploring untouched nature. Opportunities abound for hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing and incredible views.
snorkeling or scuba diving
Two of the favorite activities for tourists visiting the heavenly Bang Gai Islands are snorkeling and scuba diving. A barrier reef in the clear turquoise waters surrounding the island is home to more than 600 species of marine life, including the famous endemic endangered species for which the archipelago is named.
The small but beautiful Banggai cardinal fish does not live anywhere else in the world. It attracts divers from near and far. Eels, turtles, rays, squid and sharks are among the many other aquatic species one may encounter while diving. Wildlife enthusiasts can also go bird watching, looking for species such as flycatchers, warblers and lorikeets.
Meet the Bajau Laut tribe
Another unique experience in the Bang Gai Islands is visiting the Bajau Laut, the last remaining sea nomadic tribe in Indonesia. As one of the oldest ethnic groups in Southeast Asia, they live in houses on stilts high above the ocean. They are perfectly adapted to this lifestyle and are professional divers and fishermen. Guided tours take visitors to the villages of Bajau Laut, where they can experience the tribe’s unique culture and way of life.
Visit Banggai Palace
The Banggai Islands are part of what was once known as the Kingdom of Banggai. It was a smaller kingdom under the Ternate Sultanate, ruled by its own king. Today, Bang Gai Palace remains standing as the residence of the king and an important center of government. Over the years, local officials have restored and preserved the historic palace to preserve its original appearance. Visiting guests may spot liveried gatekeepers in traditional dress and armed with spears guarding the red-carpeted entry staircase.
Admire the cascading waterfalls, shop at the market and eat authentic Indonesian food are additional experiences that visitors to the Bang Gai Islands can enjoy. The islands are rich in a delicious variety of sweet potatoes, fresh seafood, cloves and coconuts. From Peleng or Banggai, you can set out by boat to explore other islands in the beautiful Banggai archipelago.
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