How to Get to Wakatobi – PELNI Cruise Jakarta–Baubau & Direct Flights to Wangi-Wangi

How to Get to Wakatobi

To reach Wakatobi National Park, travelers can start from Jakarta or Surabaya with flights to Baubau or directly to Wangi‑Wangi Airport. Another option is cruising with PELNI ships from Jakarta to Baubau, then continuing by local ferry to Wakatobi. Early booking helps secure better fares, whether by air or sea, making this journey both accessible and memorable for adventurers seeking pristine islands.

Transportation Options

Transportation to Wakatobi includes direct flights with Batik Air, Lion Air, and Super Air Jet, priced around IDR 2.4–4.2 million. For budget travelers, transit flights via Makassar offer cheaper fares. Sea routes are also popular: PELNI ships connect Jakarta–Baubau with tickets from IDR 650k–2.15M, while ferries from Baubau to Wakatobi cost ~IDR 220k. These varied options ensure flexibility for every traveler’s budget and schedule.

🚢 Cruise (PELNI Ship)

• Route: Jakarta (Tanjung Priok) → Baubau
• Duration: ~3 days
• Facilities: Cabins, restaurants, cafeterias, entertainment areas. Comparable to mid-range hotel amenities.
• Ships Serving Route: KM Nggapulu, KM Tidar, KM Labobar (all operated by PT. PELNI).
• Ticket Prices (Nov 2025):
  • Class 1: ~IDR 2,150,000 (adult)
  • Class 2: ~IDR 1,750,000
  • Business: ~IDR 950,000
  • Economy/Tourist: ~IDR 650,000
• Schedules: Multiple departures monthly (e.g., 6, 10, 17, 23, 26 Nov 2025). Always check PELNI official site for updates.
• Baubau → Wakatobi Ferry: Daily departures ~21:30, ticket price ~IDR 220,000.

✈️ Flights

Jakarta → Baubau

• Transit Option: Jakarta → Makassar (CGK–UPG) then Makassar → Baubau (UPG–BUW).
  • Jakarta–Makassar: ~IDR 600,000–1,200,000
  • Makassar–Baubau: ~IDR 300,000–700,000
• Direct Flights: Available with Lion Air, Batik Air, Super Air Jet.
  • Current price range: IDR 1,995,000 – 4,500,000 depending on season and booking time.

Jakarta → Wakatobi (Wangi-Wangi Airport, WNI)

• Direct Flights: Batik Air, FlyJaya, occasionally Lion Air.
• Price Range (Nov 2025): ~USD 155 (IDR 2,400,000) one-way; round-trip ~USD 276 (IDR 4,200,000).

Makassar → Baubau Ferry

• Duration: ~13 hours.
• Operators: KM Tidar (PELNI), Dharma Kartika 3.
• Ticket Prices (2025): Starting from IDR 220,000 for economy.
• Schedules: Regular weekly departures (Tue/Fri for Dharma Kartika 3).

✈️ Airlines Currently Serving Routes

• Jakarta–Baubau: Lion Air, Batik Air, Super Air Jet, Citilink.
• Jakarta–Wakatobi: Batik Air, FlyJaya, Lion Air (limited).
• Note: Merpati Nusantara and Express Air are no longer operating.

✅ Summary:

• Cruise Jakarta–Baubau now costs IDR 650k–2.15M depending on class.
• Flights Jakarta–Baubau range IDR 2M–4.5M direct, cheaper with Makassar transit.
• Ferry Makassar–Baubau costs ~IDR 220k, 13 hours.
• Direct flights Jakarta–Wakatobi cost ~IDR 2.4M–4.2M.

Here are the Wakatobi tour options you may choose:

Discover the beauty of Wakatobi National Park with flexible tour packages designed for every traveler. Options include snorkeling and diving adventures across Tomia, Hoga, and Wangi‑Wangi Islands, cultural visits to the Bajo Sampela floating village, and scenic land tours to forts, cliffs, and local markets. Whether you prefer a short getaway or a multi‑day island cruise, each Wakatobi tour offers clear itineraries, inclusive facilities, and easy access via flights or PELNI ships. Book early to secure the best prices and enjoy Southeast Sulawesi’s world‑class marine paradise.