Buka Buka Island (id:Pulau Bukabuka) is a small island in the Molucca Sea. Part of the Togian Islands, the island is administered as part of Indonesia's province of Central Sulawesi, in the regency of Tojo Una-Una, district of Ampana-Tete, village of Tete B.
The island is home for various endemic protected species such as Coconut Crabs, Bear Cuscus, and has a well preserved reef.
Part of the island is occupied by a sustainable resort called Reconnect Island Resort.[1][2][3]
Access
Buka Buka Island is located 30 minutes away from the closest town of Ampana, and can be accessed by boat, usually provided by Reconnect, the local eco-resort operating on the island.[1] To get there, travelers need to board a local plane from Palu, which is a 45 minutes flight available every Monday and Wednesday morning.[1] Alternative routes consist in taking a car from: Poso (4h), Luwuk (5h) or Palu (8h).
Economy
Cleanliness of Buka Buka Island is now preserved as a collaboration effort between Reconnect and local villagers of the Tete B Village.
Traditionally, Buka Buka Island has been used by Bajau villagers to farm coconuts and produce copra, mostly relying on uncertain market price to make a living. It is only recently that the island became popular as an eco-tourism destination, after French entrepreneur Thomas Despin started to work together with local government and villagers to develop a sustainable resort called Reconnect.[1] The project attracted both national[4] and international[2][5] coverage, and the island is now one of the main attraction in Central Sulawesi, both for local and international travellers.
