Like other parts of eastern Indonesia, Sulawesi has amazing natural beauty. It is famous for Mount Latimojong, Mount Bawakaraeng, and marine tourism. Its beaches are renowned for their beauty, natural state, and cleanliness. When in Makassar, tourists can visit many beaches, one of which is Samalona Island, a stunning island with breathtakingly clear seawater.
Have You Heard Samalona Island?
Samalona Island is a marine tourism destination approximately 2-3 kilometers from Losari Beach in Makassar, South Sulawesi. This small island offers natural beauty with white sand, clear seawater, and stunning snorkeling and diving spots.
Samalona Island in Makassar is ideal for snorkeling due to its stunning and fascinating underwater scenery. For those who enjoy diving, at a depth of 30 meters, visitors can see a sunken ship said to be a remnant from World War II.
Interestingly, during the 15th century, Makassar served as an international trade port. This port was a hub for the trade of various Indonesian spices, such as nutmeg and cloves, which were highly sought after by many nations.
It is no wonder that at that time, the port of Makassar became a trading hub or meeting point for many countries such as Macau, the Philippines, Cambodia, Siam, Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan. As a result, many Dutch people from that era lived in Makassar for a long time and spread out to various islands.
How to get to Samalona Island
Getting to Samalona Island is very easy. From Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, tourists can head to the center of Makassar City and proceed directly to Fort Rotterdam via one of the ferry routes. Tourists can choose between Popsa Pier or Kayu Bangkoa Pier, both approximately 2-3 km away.
If departing from Kayu Bangkoa Pier, near Losari Beach in Makassar, the journey to the island takes approximately 30–40 minutes by boat or ferry. Several types of boats are available for traveling to Samalona Island.
- Public boats with a fare of around IDR 25,000 per person.
- Group boat with a fare of IDR 200,000–IDR 300,000 per boat.
- Private boat with a fare of IDR 300,000–IDR 500,000 per boat.
Operating Hours
This beautiful island with white sand and green seawater is open 24 hours a day, except in bad weather, when the crossing will be canceled.
Entrance ticket and accommodation
Entrance to Samalona Island is free. Tourists only need to pay for a boat rental to get to the island. For those who want to do water sports such as banana boating, a banana boat can be rented for IDR 150,000 per unit.
For those who wish to stay on this peaceful island, there are simple accommodations owned by locals in the form of guest houses. Accommodation rental prices start at IDR 200,000 per night. You can choose accommodations according to your needs.
Facilities on Samalona Island
- Public toilets and bathrooms
- Prayer room
- Food stalls
- Amusement rides
- Snorkeling and diving equipment rental
- Accommodation
- Camping area
- Trash disposal facilities
- Parking area
Activities In Samalona Island
There are several exciting activities that tourists can do when visiting Samalona Island, including:
1. Snorkeling
The first activity you can do on Samalona Island is snorkeling. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the underwater world, from coral reefs to colorful fish, at spots like Nemo Point, which has a depth of 2–12 meters.
For those who wish to snorkel but did not bring snorkeling gear, you can rent it here, and even rent diving equipment, priced around IDR 50,000–IDR 100,000.
2. Diving
Diving is another exciting activity on Samalona Island. You can explore diving spots around the lighthouse at depths of 3–24 meters. In this area, you can also see turtles and beautiful coral reefs. However, remember that you must already have a diving certification to dive. This is for your safety and security.
3. Photo hunting
Samalona Island has extraordinary beauty, from its pristine white sand to its clear turquoise sea. It would be a shame not to capture it in photos or videos.
You can take photos on the white sandy beach with the blue sea and coconut trees in the background. While enjoying fresh coconuts or seafood that the locals make, you can make your vacation photos even more stunning.
5. Culinary
Your visit to a tourist destination would not be complete without tasting the local cuisine or food made by the locals. Try coastal specialties such as grilled fish and crab at a local restaurant owned by the locals. It will surely be an unforgettable experience.
6. Learn about the local culture
This island is rich in culture and history. If you stay overnight, you can chat with the locals and listen to stories or learn about the island's history. Remember that many Dutch citizens once occupied Makassar City. This place is said to have been one of the vacation spots for the Dutch.
7. Camping
Samalona Island also has camping areas, so if you plan to stay overnight, besides at a guesthouse, you can enjoy camping by the beach. You can ask the management or local residents about the camping locations. Make sure not to set up camp in prohibited areas. You can also rent camping equipment around the island.
If you want to have a barbecue, you can contact the local management. Alternatively, if you want to have a bonfire, make sure you have obtained permission from the management unless it has already been provided by the management there.
Those are some activities you can do when visiting Samalona Island in Makassar.
My Incredible Experience Visiting Samalona Island
I first visited Samalona Island between 2012 and 2013, when its facilities and accessibility were still very limited. It was not as good or complete as it is now, which is managed very well. But this lack of facilities made the experience of traveling to this beautiful island so memorable.
Imagine that at that time, we had to cross using a simple boat for about an hour without any life jackets. Plus, it was cloudy with fairly large waves. The journey was truly amazing, but it became a thrilling and fascinating story. Remember, it was nerve-wracking. Fortunately, we were still granted smooth sailing and safety.
Upon arriving at Samalona Island, the boat owner contacted some locals. We were going to rent snorkeling gear. I had an unpleasant incident at that time. I dropped the gear while snorkeling, so I had to replace it. Please do not follow my example; be more careful.
Upon arrival, I was truly amazed by its beauty. What the boat owner said was indeed true. The sand was spotlessly clean and white, with no black spots. The seawater was crystal clear, blending beautifully with shades of blue and turquoise. The sunny weather when we arrived added to the charm.
The coral reefs were even clearly visible from the boat. Colorful fish swam around, almost reaching the shore. Snorkeling at just 1-2 meters deep already revealed their beauty. Imagine diving, it must be paradise.
Chatting with the local community, we learned that the locals also refer to this island as Spermonde Island. The island holds much history related to the Dutch. It is said that many Dutch people once lived in the Sulawesi region. There was even a villa on the island over a hundred years old and built by the Dutch. Unfortunately, the villa was destroyed by time, so we didn't see it.
We also bought lunch from the locals and rented snorkeling equipment. Most of the menu consisted of seafood. When we visited around 2012 or 2013, the island was still sparsely populated. There were only a handful of houses.
Samalona Island is one of the most beautiful islands I have ever visited in Indonesia. If I had the opportunity to visit Makassar again, I would revisit it.
Tips for visiting Samalona Island
Here are some essential tips to know before visiting Samalona Island:
- Bring cash, as not everything on the island is digital yet.
- Be careful with snorkeling gear. If you are using snorkeling gear, be extra cautious to avoid falling. Besides dropping my snorkel, I also remember a friend whose fins fell off, they were expensive back then, which was heartbreaking.
- It is safer to bring your snorkeling gear, as it saves on rental costs and is more hygienic. Since snorkels are used in the mouth, imagine using someone else's used snorkel. Even if it is washed, it is still not safe. At that time, I did not bring my snorkeling gear, so I had no choice but to rent it.
- Check the weather conditions before departing to ensure it is safe and not the rainy season.
- Visit during the summer or sunny weather, and stay overnight to catch the most beautiful sunset. Avoid visiting during the rainy season or bad weather.
- If you plan to stay overnight, bring mosquito repellent.
- Bring personal items like sunblock, favorite snacks, and medications, as no shops sell these items there.
- Make reservations in advance for the boat, especially during weekends or holidays. This way, the price is predictable, and availability is clear.
- To save costs, you can join other tourists in sharing the boat rental fee, making it more economical.
- In the snorkeling area of Samalona Island, there are some spots with sea urchins, so be careful not to get pricked by them.
That is my experience visiting Samalona Island. The management is now much better than when I first visited. Has anyone else visited the beauty and charm of Samalona Island? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section.
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