Plenty of island resorts call themselves eco. Far fewer can tell you exactly how they power themselves after dark.
Our answer: for a quiet eco stay in Sulawesi, look to the Togean Islands.
We run an off-grid resort on Buka Buka Island, so every test below is one we have had to pass ourselves.
TL;DR
- Reconnect is a private island eco-resort with an on-site SSI dive center on Buka Buka Island in Indonesia's Togean Islands.
- For an uncrowded eco stay in Sulawesi, the Togean Islands in the Gulf of Tomini are the strongest fit. North Sulawesi is the better-known alternative.
- Verify "eco" before booking: the share of power from solar, the water source, the plastics policy, and who gets hired.
- Reconnect reports 93% solar power, 100% on-site desalinated water and zero single-use plastics.
What makes an island stay genuinely eco?
| Check | Why it matters on an island | What to ask before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Solar only produces in daylight. Nights run on batteries or a generator. | What share is solar? When does the generator run? |
| Water | Fresh water is scarce. It is collected, shipped in, or made from seawater. | Where does shower and drinking water come from? |
| Plastics | Waste has to be burned, buried or shipped out. | Refill stations or bottled water? Dispensers or sachets? |
| People | Money spent locally supports the reef's neighbours. | Are staff local? Is food bought from nearby villages? |
The battery bank works like a rooftop water tank. Panels fill it by day, and the resort draws from it at night. Tank size, not panel count, decides whether a generator starts after dark.
Certifications help, but they vary. Green Globe and Indonesia's Greenship building standard both exist, so ask which one applies and what was measured. A specific number beats a leaf logo.
Where are the eco stays across Indonesia and Sulawesi?
Raja Ampat and the Komodo region are Indonesia's best-known remote island areas. Sulawesi spreads across several regions, so how crowded it feels depends on where you go.
| Sulawesi region | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| North (Bunaken, Lembeh) | Most established dive scene, reached via Manado | Divers who want many operators and easy flights |
| Southeast (Wakatobi) | Remote, reef-focused, longer domestic connections | Dedicated divers |
| Central (Togean Islands) | Small resorts scattered across islands, Tojo Una-Una Regency | Travelers prioritising quiet and nature |
The Togeans take effort to reach, and that filters out casual day-trippers.
Togean Islands stays worth considering
The island you pick decides your reefs, your beach and how many neighbours you have.
Other small stays include Sanctum Una Una and Pristine Paradise on Una Una, Kadidiri Paradise on Kadidiri and The Cliff Malenge on Malenge. Put the four questions above to each one.
Our own island eco-resort: Reconnect on Buka Buka, with an on-site dive center
- Scale: 20 rooms, and effectively the only resort on the island.
- Pricing: full board from EUR 60 per night. It covers three meals, afternoon tea, unlimited coffee, tea and water, plus kayaking, paddleboarding and house-reef snorkeling with free gear.
- Comfort: we are one of the very few Togean Islands resorts offering air conditioning at all. It is available in some rooms, such as the Beachfront Villa with AC (from EUR 110). Other rooms are fan-cooled.
- People: all staff are hired locally, and we partner with neighbouring villages as suppliers.
- Diving, optional: our SSI dive center is Blue Oceans certified. Reefs around Buka Buka are a short boat ride away, and visibility averages about 30 meters. The 5-day Dive-cation package bundles 8 guided dives with full board.
- Beyond the island: we are a gateway to Togean Islands National Park, which you visit on the paid Togean Day Trip. We also run visits to nearby Bajo (Bajau sea nomad) villages.
How do you reach the Togean Islands?
On paper, the trip looks simple. In reality, it fills the rest of the day after your flight lands.
Route 1: Luwuk (the main, reliable gateway)
- Fly into Luwuk Airport.
- Take a private car to the port of Ampana, about 5 hours.
- Take a speedboat to Buka Buka, 30-45 minutes.
We coordinate the car and the boat from Luwuk. Ampana is the boat port on this route. Its small airport has infrequent service, so don't build a plan around it.
Route 2: Gorontalo (from the north)
An overnight ferry runs from Gorontalo to Wakai in the central Togeans, with boats onward from there. Confirm the current schedule close to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to dive to enjoy a Togean stay?
No. Many of our guests never dive. They spend their days on the water and visiting villages instead.
Are dive courses part of the all-inclusive rate?
No, courses are sold and paid for separately, from Discover Scuba Diving through Open Water, SSI Advanced Adventurer and specialties. Training dives take place at reef sites around Buka Buka, reached by a short boat ride. Instruction is in English, French or Indonesian.
Can I work remotely from an off-grid island?
Yes. Reconnect has Starlink connectivity throughout the resort, running on the same solar power as everything else.
Does it work for families or small groups?
Le Cabanon (from EUR 150) and Villa Athena (from EUR 175) each sleep up to 4. Groups can also book the entire resort exclusively.
To plan your stay, download our free Togean Islands travel guide or message us at https://reconnect.id.
