Bulukumba

Bira

Bira is a very small place on the most southern tip of West Sulawesi. Besides beautiful beaches and crystal clear water, there's not a lot to do there, but than again this is what makes it interesting. There's a possibility to do some good diving here for experienced divers, but prepare to grab deep in your pockets as they charge 70€ for 2 dives (end 2004). Due to 'Idul Fitri' (Muslim celebration in November) we decided not to go to the nearby islands, judging from Bira and the stories we heard, they must be very interesting.

Further westward on the southern coast in the Bira Cape is Bulukumba, another sea resort 153 kms from the provincial captal. Here visitors can view the building of pinisi schooners and other boats on the white sandy beaches.

Malino

A mountains resort, which lies on the slopes of Mountain Bawakaraeng approximately 2500 feet above the sea level, 71 kms from Ujung Pandang, Malino has a cool climate and serene countryside amid a forest of pine trees.

2 km away is the Takapala waterfall, a cool climate and perfect place where hardworking business men can get new strength and fresh ideas for their activities when they return to the city.

A morning walk through the forest of pine trees just outside the village is a refreshing and most enjoyable experience.

Sungguminasa

Formerly the seat of kings of Gowa about 11 kms from Ujung Pandang, is the old palace of wood standing on stilts facing the town square across the administration office. Now the Ballalompoa Museum, weapons and costumes of royalty are on display in glass cases, The royal regalia which includes a stone-studed gold crown weighing 15,4 kgs can be seen only on special request.

SOUTH SULAWESI

South Sulawesi province comprises the narrow southwestern peninsula of this orchid-shaped island, which is mainly mountainous. The seafaring Bugis dominant the southern tip, whereas the northern part of South Sulawesi is inhabited by the Torajas whose unique culture rivals that of the Balinese. Famed for their seafaring heritage and Pinisi schooners for centuries, the Bugis posses to the present day one of the last sailing fleets in the world.