Aurora K Enjoy the beauty of Samalona Island in Makassar, a tourist destination with white sand, snorkeling, banana boat, and stunning sunset views.
Samalona Island is one of the favorite marine tourism destinations in Makassar, South Sulawesi, which offers tropical natural beauty and stunning underwater experiences.
This small island located in the Makassar Strait has extraordinary attractions, ranging from soft white sandy beaches, crystal clear sea water, to an underwater ecosystem rich in coral reefs and diverse marine biota.
Located only about 2 kilometers from the center of Makassar City, Samalona Island is the perfect holiday destination for relaxing, snorkeling, and enjoying the sunset.
About Samalona Island
Samalona Island is a tiny island with an area of only about 2.34 hectares. Although small, this island is a prima donna in Makassar, attracting the attention of local and international tourists.
Located on the west side of Wajo District, Samalona can be easily seen from the main beaches in Makassar, including from Fort Rotterdam which is only about 500 meters away. This island is also equipped with a lighthouse as a boundary marker for ships wishing to anchor.
Samalona’s natural beauty and pristine ecosystem make it a popular destination among marine tourism enthusiasts. Here, tourists can find clean beaches, swaying coconut trees, and calming views of the blue sea.
The presence of soft white sand and clear sea views is the perfect backdrop for visitors to capture beautiful moments on this island.
The Beauty & Attraction of Samalona Island
Samalona Island offers a variety of unique attractions that make it a must-explore destination. Here are some reasons why Samalona Island is a favorite holiday destination:
1. Exotic Beach with White Sand
The beach on Samalona Island has soft white sand with a slight creamy hue that creates a beautiful contrast with the clear blue sea water. The sea water around this island is so clear that the seabed can be clearly seen from the surface.
The gradation of the sea, from light blue on the shore to dark blue in the deeper parts, creates a very stunning view. This view is even more beautiful when the sun is shining brightly, and the atmosphere is even more perfect when accompanied by a fresh young coconut drink.
2. The Beauty of the Underwater World
The main attraction of Samalona Island is the beauty of its underwater world which is still preserved. Here, tourists can snorkel or dive to enjoy the view of coral reefs rich with various types of colorful fish and other marine biota.
The marine ecosystem is like a giant aquarium that can be directly enjoyed by divers. The clear water allows sunlight to penetrate the depths, creating dramatic light effects underwater.
In addition, divers can also find the remains of shipwrecks from World War II which are now part of the underwater beauty of Samalona.
3. Fun Activities with Banana Boat
Besides snorkeling, visitors can also enjoy exciting activities such as banana boat. Traveling around the island on a banana boat is a fun experience, especially if you are on vacation with friends or family.
This ride is quite safe, and each banana boat is equipped with a guide who will ensure safety during the trip. This banana boat can accommodate up to six people at once, making it suitable for groups who want to enjoy the excitement on the water.
4. Exploring Dutch Heritage in an Ancient Villa
On Samalona Island, there is a Dutch heritage villa building that is now a historical tourist attraction. This villa used to be a residence for Dutch colonists who settled on this island.
Although the villa is now neglected, the building remains a witness to history and a special attraction for tourists who want to see the heritage of Makassar’s past. However, tourists can only see this villa from a distance because access to the building is not allowed.
Route and Access to Samalona Island
Samalona Island can be reached from Makassar City with fairly easy access. Tourists can head to the pier near Losari Beach, where there are many sea transportation service providers to Samalona.
To cross to the island, visitors must rent a boat or speedboat, which costs between IDR 150,000 and IDR 300,000, depending on the agreement and number of passengers. The trip from the pier to Samalona Island only takes about 30-40 minutes.
Entrance Tickets and Operating Hours
To visit Samalona Island, there is no entrance fee, so tourists only need to pay the boat rental fee. There are two types of boats available, namely boats for groups with rates of around IDR 200,000 – IDR 300,000 and individual boats for IDR 25,000 per person.
The island is open 24 hours a day, but weather conditions and other factors can affect the island’s operating hours.
Interesting Activities on Samalona Island
Samalona Island offers a variety of interesting activities to do:
1. Snorkeling
Diving and seeing the beauty of the underwater world firsthand are the main activities that can be done on this island. Tourists can rent snorkeling equipment at the available rental places.
2. Hunting for Interesting Photo Spots
Samalona’s natural beauty makes it a perfect place for photo hunting. White sandy beaches, coconut trees, and blue sea views make for a beautiful backdrop for your memorable photos.
3. Enjoying the Sunset
Samalona Island is an ideal place to enjoy spectacular sunset views. At dusk, the orange sky will be reflected on the surface of the sea, creating a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying time with your loved ones.
Facilities Available on Samalona Island
Samalona Island is equipped with quite complete facilities for tourists. There are public toilets and prayer rooms, as well as several food stalls serving typical Makassar dishes, such as fresh grilled fish and traditional snacks.
Tourists can also rent diving and snorkeling equipment at the available rental center. For those who want to spend more time, there are simple accommodations run by local residents, which offer comfort with a tropical island feel.
Samalona Island offers a complete marine tourism experience, from white sandy beaches, underwater beauty, to stunning sunset views. This destination is an ideal choice for anyone seeking tranquility and adventure in tropical waters.
With its exotic natural charm and adequate tourist facilities, Cinta Island is not only attractive to local tourists, but is also a magnet for foreign tourists who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Indonesia.
