Tanjung Bira Beach

Tanjung Bira is a popular beach community at the very end of the south-eastern tip of Southern Sulawesi.

Understand

Many Indonesians travel here in the weekend when the town springs to life. Mid-week you will have the place almost to yourself.

Get in

There is only one road in and out of Tanjung Bira, after all, this is the end of the line. From Makassar there are cars that depart from Terminal Malengkeri, leaving for Tanjung Bira when full and costing from 80,000 to 100,000 Rupiah (2017). From the bus terminal in nearby Bulukumba there are vans that depart for Tanjung Bira when the driver feels that he has enough passengers.

Get around

Most things in Tanjung Bira are within walking distance. If you want to travel further then there are plenty of ojek (motorcycle) drivers around.

See

Making a pinisi boat in Tanjung Bira

You may see the traditional wooden shipbuilding, pinisi.

Do

A moray eel in the waters of Tanjung Bira

There is great swimming and snorkelling even diving, and a nearby island to visit. Snorkelling gear will cost 50,000 Rupiah for the day.

Buy

The only ATM in the area is 2 km back up the road, near the ferry.

Eat

Naturally the cuisine is seafood oriented, but vegetarian options also exist (e.g. gado gado).

Drink

Drink fresh coconut water.

Sleep

There are many guesthouses, losmen, penginapan and wisma. The cheapest are between 100,000R and 150,000R, but may not come with bathrooms or air conditioning. The closer you get to the beach, the more expensive the room.

• Resort Tanjung Bira, ☏ +62 812-4296-5500. This is the top end accommodation in the area, located right on the beach. Triple 900,000R. King 1,500,000R. (updated Apr 2017)
• Wisma Sunggu Minasa, ☏ +62 852-5546-1098, +62 821-9297-6141. A new guesthouse 300m from the beach but with nice rooms, bathroom and air con. Ani and her family are very friendly and accommodating. 100,000R-150,000R (2017). (updated Apr 2017)
• Salassa Guesthouse, ☏ +62 812-4265-672. A well-established guesthouse 200m from the beach. In front there is a restaurant with good food and drinks, though prices are now rather high. 150,000R-200,000R (2017). (updated Apr 2017)

Go next

• To the south, Selayar Island.