Sambori Island in Morowali is a hidden paradise with exotic natural beauty and stunning beaches, perfect for a tranquil tropical holiday.
Indonesia is known for its stunning natural beauty, and one of the hidden gems worth exploring is Sambori Island in Morowali.
The island, which offers such enchanting natural scenery, is now starting to be known as one of the favorite tourist destinations for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the sea without the crowds.
This article will discuss in full the attractions, access to Sambori Island, ticket prices, fun activities that can be done, and the facilities and accommodations available on this beautiful island.
Attraction & Charm of Sambori Island
Sambori Island is often referred to as a “hidden paradise” because of its pristine beauty and far from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism. One of the main attractions of this island is its clean white sandy beaches and clear turquoise sea water.
For snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, the waters around Sambori Island are an ideal place to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. The well-preserved coral reefs and various species of colorful tropical fish make the diving experience on Sambori Island very impressive.
Apart from that, this island is surrounded by towering green hills, providing the perfect view for tourists who want to climb or just enjoy the sunset from above.
The silence and peace of Sambori Island makes it the perfect place for those who are looking for an escape from their daily routine and want to be one with nature.
Another uniqueness of Sambori Island is the existence of a traditional fishing village that still maintains local customs and culture. Tourists who visit this island can interact with the local community, learn about their lives, and taste traditional seafood dishes.
Location & Access to Sambori Island
Sambori Island is located in Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi Province. Although its location is quite remote, access to Sambori Island is not difficult. There are several routes that tourists can choose from, depending on the starting point of departure.
If you are departing from Jakarta or other major cities, a flight to Maleo Airport in Morowali is the best option.
After arriving at the airport, the journey continues by land to Bungku Harbor which is about 2 hours away. From the harbor, tourists can take a motorboat for about 1 hour to reach Sambori Island.
For tourists who want to enjoy a more relaxed trip, the sea route from Kendari can also be an option. From Kendari Harbor, there are ships that sail to Morowali several times a week.
Although this trip takes longer, around 5-6 hours, the experience of enjoying the beautiful sea view will make the trip enjoyable.
Sambori Island Ticket Prices and Operating Hours
Currently, Sambori Island is still considered a natural and not too commercial tourist destination, so visitors do not need to pay a special entrance ticket to enjoy the beauty of this island.
However, the costs that need to be prepared are for transportation to the island and renting a boat if you want to explore the small islands around it.
Usually, tourists who come to Sambori Island use local tour services that offer complete travel packages, including transportation from the port, accommodation in simple lodgings, and food while on the island.
The price of this tour package varies, depending on the facilities provided, but ranges from IDR 500,000 to IDR 1,500,000 per person.
Sambori Island itself does not have specific operating hours because the island is open all the time. Tourists are free to come at any time, but it is recommended to visit during the dry season, which is between April and October, to get the best experience while exploring the beauty of this island.
Various Fun Activities to Do on Sambori Island
Sambori Island offers a variety of interesting activities that visitors can do. Here are some exciting activities that you should not miss:
1. Snorkeling and Diving
The waters around Sambori Island are famous for their pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life. For those of you who like snorkeling or diving, don’t forget to bring diving equipment or rent it from local services.
Diving in the depths of Sambori Island’s waters will take you to an underwater world full of color and beauty.
2. Hill Climbing and Trekking
For nature lovers, climbing the hills surrounding Sambori Island is a must-try activity. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy stunning views of the island and the ocean, especially at sunset.
3. Sailing and Island Hopping
In addition to Sambori Island, there are several small islands around it that can be explored. You can rent a local fishing boat to go around and enjoy the beauty of the islands. Each island has unique characteristics, from white sand beaches to charming snorkeling spots.
4. Interact with Local People
The fishing village on Sambori Island is a great place to get to know the coastal community better. You can join in their daily activities, such as fishing or preparing local specialties. This is a soul-enriching experience, especially for tourists interested in local culture.
5. Nature Photography
With its spectacular natural scenery, Sambori Island is a perfect place for photography enthusiasts. Whether it is a view of the sea, hills, or portraits of the daily life of the local people, every corner of this island presents a beautiful view to be captured.
Facilities & Accommodation on Sambori Island
As a natural destination, the facilities on Sambori Island are not as luxurious as more developed tourist attractions. However, there are some basic facilities that can be used by visitors.
Around the beach, there are several simple lodgings managed by local residents. These lodgings are usually traditional stilt houses with sufficient facilities for a comfortable overnight stay. Although simple, the friendliness of the locals will make your stay more memorable.
For food, you don’t need to worry because locals usually offer food packages in the form of fresh seafood processed traditionally. However, if you have special food preferences, it is advisable to bring your own supplies, especially snacks and drinks.
Public bathrooms with basic facilities are also available, although they are limited. Therefore, if you plan to visit for a long time, be sure to bring adequate personal equipment.
Sambori Island does not yet have a stable electricity network. Usually, local residents use generators for lighting at night. If you plan to stay for more than one day, it is advisable to bring a power bank and enough electronic equipment.
Sambori Island in Morowali is the perfect tourist destination for adventurers who want to enjoy the natural beauty that is still pristine and far from the crowds.
With a variety of exciting activities that can be done, such as snorkeling, diving, climbing hills, to interacting with local residents, a vacation on Sambori Island will definitely provide an unforgettable experience.
Although the facilities are still limited, the natural charm offered by this island is very alluring, making it worthy of being one of the best marine tourism destinations in Indonesia. So, are you ready to explore Love Island?