ALCIBBUM_84166.tif About 100,000 people live in the Wakatobi Marine National Park, with distinct cultures and ethnics that is interesting in itself. An interesting fact that of the four major islands in the chain, each develops its own customs, culture and art	ALCIBBUM_84277.tif Portrait of a Kaledupan woman shows a distinct and very interesting culture developed in the island. Notice the hair style and ornaments	ALCIBBUM_84200.tif Portrait of the Wakatobian archipelago people in their traditional outfit. Some racial mixtures are also evident in the region. But despite its location in the edge of the Banda Sea and its proximity to the Micronesian-Malay mixture region of Maluku, Wakatobian mostly have lighter skin	ALCIBBUM_84214.tif Portrait of the Wakatobian archipelago people in their traditional outfit. Some racial mixtures are also evident in the region. But despite its location in the edge of the Banda Sea and its proximity to the Micronesian-Malay mixture region of Maluku, Wakatobian mostly have lighter skin
ALCIBBUM_84234.tif Portrait of Wakatobian archipelago people in their traditional outfit. The 'guardian of Tomia'. Note the vibrant color. It is their official / royal color	ALCIBBUM_84237.tif Keris (dagger) wore by the 'guardian of Tomia' soldier. The truth is this archipelago very well known for their iron maker, from where it initially has his name: Tukangbesi Islands (Iron Maker Islands). Keris traditionally wore by the royals and warriors all over the Malay Archipelago	ALCIBBUM_84349.tif A lively dance performed by young girls. Please notice the unique and beautiful combination of woman's long tunic and sarongs with decorative stripes. As we know, the woman's long tunic is the 'classic' (traditional) clothing in the Malay world, thus showing its strong influence in the particular island	ALCIBBUM_84362.tif Another example showing different culture and art from different island in the Wakatobi archipelago. Worth to mention that local people said there is Portuguese influence in this dance, particularly in the foot movements
ALCIBBUM_84396.tif An appealing dance performed by Kaledupan women.	ALCIBBUM_84447.tif The man join and pair with woman	ALCIBBUM_84474.tif Government and NGOs act to educate local people how importance is their sea. Their future (as well as their past and present) lies out there	ALCIBBUM_84479.tif Government and NGOs act to educate local people how importance is their sea. Their future (as well as their past and present) lies out there. Now we have to promote and endorse ecotourism further to play more significant role in Wakatobi

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