Courtesy of Reconnect Private Island ResortReconnect welcomes guests with a tranquil beachfront, crystal-clear waters, and direct access to some of Indonesia's most spectacular diving experiences.
When Thomas Despin arrived on Buka Buka Island full-time in 2019, there was little more than a half-finished hut and a bucket shower. Today, his vision has become Reconnect Private Island Resort & Dive Center—a thriving, solar-powered retreat at the gateway to Indonesia’s spectacular Togean Islands.
Hidden in Central Sulawesi, Reconnect offers something increasingly rare in modern travel: genuine discovery. Located on a private island surrounded by pristine Coral Triangle reefs, the resort was built over seven years as an alternative to mass tourism—one that prioritizes sustainability, community and meaningful experiences.
Today, Reconnect runs on 93 percent solar power, produces its own fresh water, and is built largely from locally sourced hardwood. The resort welcomed its first guests in 2020, and in 2024, Despin became an Indonesian citizen, a decision that reflected his commitment to the country where his wife is from, where his daughter was born and where he built his future.
Courtesy of Reconnect Private Island ResortA pristine white-sand beach and crystal-clear lagoon invite guests to unwind between dives, where untouched tropical beauty meets world-class underwater adventures.
A Combination of Remoteness and Comfort
Reconnect is the only resort on Buka Buka Island, offering 20 thoughtfully designed accommodations ranging from fan-cooled glamping huts to air-conditioned one- and two-bedroom villas and beachfront bungalows. Every stay includes full-board dining, with menus accommodating vegetarian, vegan and other dietary preferences.
One of the biggest challenges of visiting the region is getting there, but the Reconnect team coordinates transfers from Luwuk, Ampana and beyond, helping guests navigate the journey from arrival to departure. Guests staying seven nights or longer also receive complimentary boat transfers from Ampana.
The Togean Islands are a paradise within the heart of the Coral Triangle, home to the most biodiverse marine life found on the planet. Yet unlike more famous destinations such as Raja Ampat or Komodo, Reconnect’s guests often have entire reefs to themselves.
Courtesy of Reconnect Private Island ResortIndonesia’s vibrant reefs are home to towering barrel sponges, dramatic coral overhangs, and exceptional biodiversity, creating unforgettable underwater encounters for divers of every experience level.
One of Indonesia’s Last Truly Uncrowded Frontiers
More than 30 dive sites have been identified around Buka Buka Island, with many only a few minutes from the resort. Among the island’s signature sites is Survival, known for its healthy coral gardens and frequent pelagic encounters. Space X offers dramatic underwater topography. Angel’s Window captivates divers with a striking swim-through framed by brilliant blue water, while Bima Sakti showcases vibrant reef life and exceptional biodiversity. Wrong Entry rewards adventurous divers with surprises around every corner. Prefer shore diving? The house reef and wall provide ideal conditions for beginners, snorkelersand relaxed dives.
Schools of barracuda and jackfish sweep across the reefs, while Napoleon wrasse, turtles, blacktip reef sharks and eagle rays are frequent visitors. Dolphins are regularly spotted around the island, often accompanying boats during excursions.
Water temperatures average a comfortable 86°F (30°C) year-round, and thanks to the resort’s equatorial location, diving is possible in every season. Conditions remain excellent throughout the year. Reconnect’s private diving philosophy ensures a personalized experience, with a guide-to-diver ratio of just one to four. The onsite dive operation also offers instruction, including Discover Scuba Diving.
Courtesy of Reconnect Private Island ResortBeyond world-class diving, Reconnect offers peaceful moments above the surface, where guests can paddle crystal-clear lagoons and experience the untouched beauty of Indonesia's tropical paradise.
Beyond the Reef: Topside Fun
Although diving is a major draw, Reconnect also caters to non-divers and families. Guests can kayak, paddleboard, island-hop, trek to nearby lagoons, or simply relax on the resort’s long beach and private jetty. A jungle gym, volleyball court, table tennis and board games provide entertainment for all ages. Families appreciate the calm, shallow water in front of the resort, while babysitting services allows parents to enjoy a dive or spa treatment. Balinese massages can be arranged either in-room or beside the beach.
The philosophy behind Reconnect is simple. Visiting Indonesia does not have to mean Bali. There is another model—smaller, more remote, locally rooted and professionally run. For divers, couples, families and adventurers willing to venture beyond the ordinary, Reconnect is one of Indonesia’s last undiscovered marine destinations.
2026 Readers Choice Awards In Scuba Diving magazine’s 2026 Readers Choice Awards, Indonesia won 11 awards in its region, including No. 1 Best Overall Dive Destination and No. 1 Best Macro Life. Discover the iconic boat and shore dive sites in the Togean National Park that are visited by Reconnect’s onsite dive operator.
Contact Info
Phone/WhatsApp: +62 812 460 913 46
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @reconnect.island
