With an area of 530,765 hectares which has an atoll expanse of 220,000 hectares, Taka Bone Rate meaning 'coral islands over sand' is the biggest atoll in Indonesia,[1][4][5] and Southeast Asia,[6] and the third biggest in the world after Kwajalein Atoll and Suvadiva.[7]
The atoll consists of separate table reefs enclosing a lagoon filled with massive reefs.[5] The atoll has 21 islands, eight of which are inhabited. There are 15 islands for diving and snorkeling.[1] The main island is Tinabo Island with 1.500x500 meters square and white smooth sandy beach as baby powder. Tinabo Island is 4 hours sail by rental boat from Benteng in Selayar Island. The best month to visit is March till mid-May and mid-September till December.[8]
Demography
Tourist area in Taka Bonerate National Park
The natives of the atoll are the Bonerate people.[9] They traditionally trade for fishery sea products from the Bajau in exchange for freshwater and other land supply. The Bonerate are predominantly Muslim, although with strong elements of traditional beliefs.
The atoll is of major ecological importance, with rich marine and bird life.[7] The national park is considered to contain some of the world's highest marine biodiversity.[11] According to the Indonesian Department of Forestry the atoll has 261 species of coral, 295 species of coral fish, 244 species of mollusc and other species such as hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Pacific ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), and green turtle (Chelonia mydas).[1]
