Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about visiting Reconnect on Buka Buka Island

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Here

  • How do I reach Buka Buka Island?

    Fly to Luwuk Airport (LUW) from Jakarta or Bali. We arrange private car transfer to Ampana (5 hours), then private boat to Buka Buka Island (30 minutes). Total journey time is 8-10 hours.
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  • How long is the journey from Europe?

    From major European cities, expect 20-24 hours total travel time including connections. Most guests fly to Jakarta (CGK) or Bali (DPS), then take a domestic flight to Luwuk the next day or same day depending on connections.
  • Do you arrange transport?

    Yes! We can help organize everything from any island or airport in Sulawesi: private car pickup, driver details sent 24 hours before arrival, boat coordination, and emergency WhatsApp support throughout your journey.
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  • What if I miss my flight?

    Contact us immediately on WhatsApp (+62 851 9000 8518). We'll help rearrange your car and boat transfer. There are multiple daily flights to Luwuk, so we can usually accommodate same-day or next-day alternatives.

Booking & Pricing

  • What's included in the room rate?

    All rooms include full-board accommodation with 3 gourmet meals daily, unlimited coffee/tea/water, afternoon tea and snacks, 24/7 electricity (with AC in some rooms), WiFi, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and assistance with transport logistics from any airport or island in Central Sulawesi
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  • Do you require a deposit?

    We require full payment at the time of booking via Stripe (secure credit card processing). This ensures your dates are confirmed.
  • What's your cancellation policy?

    Cancellations made 3 months or more before arrival receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 3 months before arrival are non refundable. Options to reschedule or find a replacement guest might be available under certain circumstances, at the resort's discretion. We understand travel plans change, so contact us to discuss your situation.
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  • Do you accept credit/debit cards ?

    Yes! We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Amex via Stripe. Final price is in IDR, but we accept transfers from any major currencies using Stripe. Payment is processed securely online.
  • Is there a minimum stay?

    No strict minimum, but we recommend 5-7 nights to fully enjoy the island and make the journey worthwhile. Most of our guests stay this long.

On the Island

  • Is there WiFi?

    Yes, we have WiFi available in common areas and rooms. It's satellite-based so speeds are moderate (suitable for email, messaging, light browsing). Perfect for staying connected without being glued to screens.
  • Is electricity 24/7?

    Yes! We're 93% solar-powered with battery backup, ensuring 24-hour electricity for AC, lights, device charging, and hot water. This makes us unique compared to most Togean Islands resorts.
  • Can I charge my devices?

    Absolutely. All rooms have European-style power outlets (230V). If you're from the UK or other regions, bring a universal adapter. USB charging ports are available in most rooms.
  • What's the water situation?

    We produce our own fresh water via solar-powered desalination. Unlimited safe water for showers, drinking, and daily use. It's one of our sustainability features we're most proud of.
  • Are meals included?

    Yes! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, plus afternoon tea and unlimited coffee/tea/water throughout the day. Meals are served buffet-style with Indonesian and international dishes.
  • Do you have vegetarian or vegan options?

    Yes. Let us know your dietary requirements when booking, and our kitchen will prepare suitable meals. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs.

Diving & Activities

  • Do I need diving certification?

    Not at all! We offer discovery dives for beginners. If you want to get certified, our SSI-affiliated dive center offers Open Water courses right here on the island.
  • Can I learn to dive at Reconnect?

    Yes! We have SSI-certified instructors who teach beginner to advanced courses. The calm waters and diverse marine life make it an ideal place to learn. Check our diving page for course details.
  • What if I don't dive?

    No problem! Snorkeling is spectacular here. You can also kayak, explore the island, relax on the beach, island hop, or simply unwind with a book. There's plenty to do for non-divers.
  • What activities are included?

    Kayaking, snorkeling gear use, island walks, and beach lounging are all complimentary. Diving, dive courses, and special excursions (island hopping tours) are available at additional cost.

Weather & Seasons

  • When is the best time to visit?

    April to November is the dry season with calm seas and excellent diving visibility. December to March is shoulder season with occasional rain, but still diveable and less crowded. Water temperature is 27-30°C year-round.
  • Can I visit during rainy season?

    Yes. The rainy season (Dec-Mar) brings short afternoon showers, not constant rain. Diving is still excellent, and you'll enjoy fewer tourists and lower rates. Seas can be slightly rougher for boat transfers.
  • What's the water temperature?

    27-30°C (81-86°F) year-round. A 3mm wetsuit or rash guard is sufficient for diving. Snorkelers can go in just swimwear.

Practical Info

  • Do I need a visa for Indonesia?

    Most European nationals can enter Indonesia visa-free for 30 days, or obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for 35 USD (extendable to 60 days). Check your specific country's requirements before traveling.
  • Is it safe for solo travelers?

    Absolutely. Indonesia is generally very safe, and Buka Buka Island is extremely peaceful. We have many solo travelers, especially women. Our staff is attentive and the small island community is welcoming.
  • Is it family-friendly?

    Yes! Families with children are welcome. The shallow waters are safe for kids to swim and snorkel. We can arrange family rooms and child-friendly meals. Note: children must be 10+ for diving courses.
  • What should I pack?

    Light, breathable clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, a light rain jacket, and any personal medications. We provide towels, snorkeling gear, and beach essentials. Don't overpack — island life is casual!
  • Do you have medical facilities?

    We have a basic first aid kit and trained staff. For serious medical issues, the nearest clinic is in Ampana (1 hour by boat + car). We recommend travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
  • Can I work remotely from the island?

    Sort of. We have WiFi, but it's satellite-based with moderate speeds. Good enough for emails and messages, but video calls may be choppy. It's a great place to disconnect and recharge, though!

About the Togean Islands

  • Where are the Togean Islands?

    The Togean Islands (also spelled Togian Islands) are a remote archipelago of 56 islands in the Gulf of Tomini, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. They sit almost exactly on the equator, between Ampana on the mainland and the city of Gorontalo. The archipelago is part of Togean Islands National Park and is known for pristine coral reefs, three different reef types (atoll, barrier and fringing), and very low tourist density compared to Bali or the Gili Islands.
  • Are the Togean Islands worth visiting?

    Yes — if you want untouched nature, world-class snorkeling and diving, and a real escape from mass tourism. The Togeans are one of the last places in Indonesia where you can dive a healthy reef with almost no other boats around, see jellyfish lakes, walk on uninhabited white-sand islands, and meet the semi-nomadic Bajau sea people. The trade-off is that getting there takes effort. If you value authenticity over convenience, it's absolutely worth it.
  • How do I get to the Togean Islands?

    The most reliable route is: fly into Palu (PLW) or Luwuk (LUW) in Central Sulawesi, then take a road transfer to Ampana (4–6 hours from Luwuk, 10 hours from Palu), and finally a boat to your island. From Ampana, public ferries serve some islands a few times per week. For Buka Buka Island, we coordinate a private speedboat transfer (about 2 hours) so you don't have to rely on the ferry schedule. See our full access guide for routes, timings and prices.
  • When is the best time to visit the Togean Islands?

    The best months are March to October, with the calmest seas and clearest underwater visibility typically from April to June and September to October. November to February is the wetter season with occasional stronger winds, but it can still be a beautiful time to visit and the islands are even quieter. The Togeans sit on the equator, so the temperature stays around 28–32°C year-round.
  • Togean Islands vs Raja Ampat — which should I choose?

    Raja Ampat has the highest marine biodiversity on Earth and is the right choice if diving is your only focus and budget is not an issue. The Togean Islands offer 70–80% of that underwater experience at roughly half the cost, with much easier logistics from western Indonesia and far fewer dive boats per site. The Togeans are also more relaxed above water — better for travelers who want to combine diving and snorkeling with beach time, island hopping and culture, rather than a pure dive trip.
  • Togean Islands vs Gili Islands — what's the difference?

    The Gili Islands (near Lombok) are easy to reach, have nightlife, lots of restaurants and a backpacker scene. The Togean Islands are remote, quiet, and almost entirely undeveloped, with no roads, no nightlife and very few resorts. Snorkeling and diving in the Togeans is significantly better and far less crowded. Choose Gili for convenience and social atmosphere; choose Togean for nature, privacy and an off-grid feel.
  • Is there internet in the Togean Islands?

    Connectivity in the Togeans is generally limited — most islands and villages have only weak mobile data, and many resorts have no WiFi at all. Reconnect is one of the few places in the archipelago with a Starlink satellite connection, providing reliable WiFi across the resort. It's good enough for messaging, emails and light remote work, with video calls possible when the weather is calm.
  • Do I need cash in the Togean Islands?

    Yes. There are no ATMs and no card terminals on most islands, including Buka Buka. Withdraw Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) at an ATM in Palu, Luwuk or Ampana before your boat transfer. At Reconnect you can settle your room and meal package by card or bank transfer in advance, but extras like dives, drinks and tips are paid in cash on the island.
  • What is there to do in the Togean Islands besides diving?

    Plenty. Snorkeling on shallow house reefs and coral walls, swimming in jellyfish lakes, visiting Bajau sea villages built on stilts above the reef, exploring uninhabited islands by boat, kayaking, sunset cruises, and simply slowing down on a hammock between two coconut trees. The Togean Islands are as much about disconnecting as they are about underwater activities.
  • How many days should I spend in the Togean Islands?

    Given the long travel time to get in and out, we recommend a minimum of 4–5 nights on the islands. 7 nights is the sweet spot for most travelers — enough time to dive or snorkel multiple sites, do a Bajau village or jellyfish lake excursion, and still have lazy beach days. Stays of 10 nights or more work very well for divers, remote workers and anyone wanting a true reset.