A tiny island
Round it in fifteen minutes.
A small round island you can walk around in a quarter of an hour, about half an hour by boat from Makassar, with soft white sand, clear water and nearby coral reefs, making it the closest sea escape for the city's people and visitors. Snorkelling is the main activity, with reef starting near the beach, colourful fish and varied coral, and near the island lie Second World War shipwrecks for experienced divers. The island's few households sell grilled fish and coconuts and rent snorkel gear. There is usually no fee to land, but the boat is hired from a jetty near Fort Rotterdam or through a hotel, at a price agreed for the whole trip. Facilities are very basic and shade is scarce. Come in the dry season when the sea is calm, ideally on a weekday. Bring water, food and reef-safe sun cream.
Round it in fifteen minutes.
Fish and coral.
For experienced divers.
Makassar Strait, about half an hour by boat from Makassar
Yes, for a day by the sea, bringing food, water and shade, as services are few. Avoid stormy days in the rainy season.