Bulukumba, Selayar Island and Benteng

VISIT BULUKUMBA REGENCY, SELAYR ISLAND and BENTENG

Before visiting Benteng from South Sulawesi’s mainland, visitors can stop and rest in Bulukumba regency. In the regency dubbed “Butta Panrita Lopi” or boat craftsmen’s settlement, tourists can observe the process of phinisi or traditional wooden boat building that is unique to South Sulawesi.

- is an unspoiled 80 km long slice of paradise in the Coral Triangle, is teaming with rainforest and laced with white sandy beaches

– Housed in a museum in Benteng, the island's main town, is a 2,000-year-old Vietnamese Dong Son drum. To view the drum you need a special key, which your tour guide can organize. The drum is actually a gong; when it's struck, it is said the sound can be heard for miles with perfect pitch and tone. It is the pride of Selayar.

– If you want a canopy of coconut palms, a pristine white sandy beach and a hammock to watch the sunset from, then head just 9 kilometers out of Benteng to a small dive resort run by Bernhard, a most gracious host and manager of Selayar Island Resort.

The resort is on Baloyia Beach and it's the only place you can get pizza and French fries, but don't let that fool you. Bernhard's culinary talents extend to a delightful array of Indonesian dishes also.

ACCOMMODATION IN BENTENG (Selayar Island)

Accommodation normally ranges in Benteng IDR 200.000 – IDR 250.000 (up to 350.000 inc breakfast)

There is also Budget Accommodation available but might be not clean.

Selayar Island Resort: Baloyia Beach, 9 km from Benteng. Bernhard, your German host, provides well-maintained dive equipment, two speedboats and three guides. Offers day tours and diving safaris. www.selayarislandresort.com Email: bernhard@selayarislandresort.com

Syafira Hotel just in the the middle of the town of Benteng,costs Rp 250.000 to Rp.350.000 including breakfast.

Selayar Beach Hotel that has the same rate. it is close the Benteng beach (0414-21617)

Wisma PKK Tana Doang (0414-21545)

DIVING and SNORKELING
The eastern coast is a sport diving area with scenic underwater panoramas featuring diverse coral and marine biota similar to that of Taka Bonerate. With a similar topography, the area is a favorite.

Baloyya Beach is known for its sloping white sand and clear blue water, adorned with varied coral reef underneath. Near the beach are two natural caves and several islets. Situated south of the western coast of Selayar, Baloyya is only about 9 kilometers from Benteng. Jammeng, a tourist village not far from Benteng, is also a convenient place for relaxing. Aside from the undersea beauty, the area boasts a cascading waterfall.
A sightseeing tour of Benteng, with coconut trees lining its coastal fringe, is particularly enjoyable. The city is a producer of snacks made of melinjo and kenari nuts and also grows citrus fruits. The process of making the snacks by hand is fascinating to observe.


I HAVE NOT TRAVELLED AROUND BULUKUMBA, SELAYAR AND BENTENG. THE INFORMATION IN THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN COLLECTED THROUGH A NUMBER OF WEBSITES, AGENTS AND TOUR OPERATORS WHICH I CONTACTED. FOR THIS REASON I CANNOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS ARTICLE.