Sombori Island in Central Sulawesi offers beautiful Raja Ampat-style panoramas, exotic caves, white sand beaches, and the typical hospitality of the Bajo Tribe.
Sombori Island, located in Menui Kepulauan District, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, is a tourist destination famous for its captivating natural charm.
Surrounded by small islands with towering karst cliffs and turquoise sea water, Sombori Island offers an unforgettable holiday experience. Dubbed as “Miniature Raja Ampat,” this island has attracted the attention of local and foreign tourists.
The attraction of Sombori lies in the unique combination of underwater nature, hidden caves, white sand beaches, and the culture of the Bajo people who live in harmony with nature.
The Charm & Main Attractions of Sombori Island
As a conservation area, Sombori Island combines the beauty of the sea, land, and cultural richness.
Tourists who come will be greeted by clear blue-green sea water and rows of small islands with dense trees. Here are some interesting spots on Sombori Island that are worth visiting:
1. Kayangan Island
Kayangan Island is the perfect place to enjoy sea views and complete recreational facilities. Visitors can stay in villas, enjoy karaoke, or just relax while enjoying the scenery.
The island is also a great location for snorkeling, where tourists can see the underwater beauty of Sombori which is rich in coral reefs and marine life.
2. The Peak of Heaven
It would be incomplete to visit Sombori Island without stopping at Puncak Kayangan, which is one of the best photo spots on the island.
It only takes about 5 minutes on foot to reach the peak, where visitors can enjoy the panorama of the open sea and the cluster of islands from a height. In the past, this peak was a stopping place for fishermen before continuing their journey.
3. Koko Island
Koko Island offers white sandy beaches that are ideal for relaxing and enjoying the tranquility. Located about a 15-minute boat ride from the center of Sombori Island, this island is a great place to enjoy the sunset or simply enjoy seafood that you can grill on the beach.
4. Diamond Cave
Diamond Cave is one of the must-visit spots on Sombori Island. This cave is named ” Diamond” because its stalagmites and stalactites sparkle when hit by flashlights, creating a stunning atmosphere.
This cave is a favorite for tourists who love prehistoric nature adventures with artistic and photogenic rock formations.
5. Left Water Beach
Air Kiri Beach, located 10 minutes by boat from the center of the island, has high cliffs that are perfect as photo backgrounds.
The name of this beach comes from the habit of fishermen who take water from the cliff crevices using their left hands. This beach offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning cliff views, making it an ideal place to relax.
6. Two Seas Island
This small island is home to around 30 fishing families. This island not only offers beautiful white sandy beaches, but also interesting snorkeling areas.
Visitors can enjoy the underwater beauty near the shoreline or explore further for a more exciting challenge. Interaction with local residents provides valuable experience about the life of traditional fishermen in this area.
7. Grandma’s House
This wooden house is one of the interesting points on Sombori Island, located between the route from Air Kiri to Koko Island.
This house used to be occupied by Nenek Indong, a local resident who is now deceased. Nenek’s house is an iconic photo spot and provides a touch of local history for visitors.
Access to Sombori Island
Sombori Island is located in Mbokita Village, Menui District, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi. To reach Sombori Island, tourists can rent a speedboat from Morowali with a travel time of around 2 hours.
The speedboat rental fee ranges from IDR 4 million to IDR 5 million per group, considering that sea transportation is the only access to this island.
Various Interesting Activities on Sombori Island
Sombori Island offers a variety of interesting activities, especially for nature and adventure lovers:
- Snorkeling and Diving : The underwater beauty of Sombori is very captivating with its pristine coral reefs and diverse species of fish. Tourists can snorkel near the beach or dive in deeper areas for a more challenging experience.
- Cave Exploration : Diamond Cave is the main attraction for tourists who want to explore the beauty of prehistoric nature. The uniqueness of the rocks inside the cave creates a memorable experience, especially for nature and photography lovers.
- Photography : Every corner of Sombori Island offers stunning and photogenic views. From Kayangan Peak to the white sand beaches, all places here are a heaven for photography enthusiasts.
Facilities & Tips for Visiting Sombori Island
As a destination that is not yet crowded with visitors, facilities on Sombori Island are still limited. However, tourists can choose tour packages offered by several travel agents, which generally include tours to Sombori Island as well as the nearby Labengki Islands.
To get the best experience while vacationing on Sombori Island, here are some tips that you can apply:
- Visiting Time: The best time to visit Sombori Island is during summer or long holidays, when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm.
- Use a Travel Agent: Using a travel agent can make your trip easier, especially when it comes to arranging transportation and accommodation.
- Prepare a Camera and Comfortable Clothes: Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture beautiful moments and wear clothes that are suitable for outdoor activities.
- Prepare Your Health: The journey to Sombori Island is quite long, so make sure your body is fit so you can enjoy all the activities there.
Sombori Island in Morowali is a hidden paradise that captivates with its pristine natural beauty. Known as the “Miniature Raja Ampat,” this island offers stunning underwater charm, exotic beaches, sparkling caves, and the friendliness of the Bajo people who still maintain their traditions.
Plan your trip to Labengki Island and discover an unforgettable experience amidst the exotic natural beauty of Central Sulawesi.
