Cape Bira

Cape Bira is the South-eastern tip of Sulawesi, and is home to undeveloped powdery white sand beaches and clear seas teeming with coral gardens and fish. Snorkelers and divers should head out to the offshore Goat Islands which are famed for their large marine creatures, most notably the whale shark.

The district is known as Butta Panrita Lopi or “Land of the Phinisi Schooner” for its long tradition in traditional ship building. These seafaring vessels are thought to have been hand crafted in this area since the 14th Century, and are the pride of the Bugis people. There are several dry-docks on the coastal road between Makassar and Cape Bira where Phinisi Schooners are in various stages of construction.