Tweet

The third biggest in the world

With an area of 530,765 hectares, Taka Bone Rate is the biggest atoll in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, and the third biggest in the world after Kwajalein Atoll and Suvadiva.

The atoll consists of separate table reefs enclosing a lagoon filled with massive reefs. The atoll has around 20 islands, six of which are inhabited. There are 15 islands for diving and snorkelling.

 

The atoll is of major ecological importance, with rich marine and bird life. The national park is considered to contain some of the world's highest marine biodiversity. According to the Indonesian Department of Forestry the atoll has 261 species of coral, 295 species of coral fish, 244 species of mollusca and other species such as hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Pacific ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), and green turtle (Chelonia mydas).

 

Taka Bone Rate is administered as part of Selayar Regency, South Sulawesi province. The atoll is located in Flores Sea, southeast off the coast from the southern "arms" of Sulawesi Island and to the east of Selayar island. It is located west of Wakatobi islands and far north of Komodo island across the Flores Sea.

The the nearest large city is Makassar, from where it can be reached in about 16 hours by boat.

 

The natives of the atoll are the Bonerate people. They traditionally trade for fishery sea products from the Bajau in exchange for freshwater and other land suply. The Bonerate are predominantly Muslim, although with strong elements of traditional beliefs.

They speak the Bonerate language, a Celebic language, and like most languages of Indonesia part of the greater Austronesian languages. Their closest linguistic relations is with people in the neighbouring Buton, Wakatobi and Muna Island in Southeast Sulawesi. Most also speak Indonesian.

Home | About | Photo's | Investment | Diving | Contact Us | Links
E-mail: [email protected] | http://www.takabonerate.net