Most guests come to Bara for the beach in front of the hotel, and then find they have an afternoon spare. These are the two places we send people to first. Neither needs a full day.
Apparalang
A limestone cliff rises above exceptionally clear water, with a staircase leading down to a platform below. It is a popular spot for cliff jumping — the water beneath is deep — and there is enough marine life to make the climb down worthwhile if you bring a snorkel.
About thirty minutes by car from us.
- Go early or late. Morning or late afternoon is better — for the light, and for the crowds.
- Check the tide before you go down. Always worth doing here.
- The stairs are the walk. It is a descent and a climb back up, so flip-flops are not the best idea.
Titik Nol Kilometer
The southern tip of Sulawesi, marked by a monument shaped like a phinisi. A wooden walkway runs along the cliff, there is a glass bridge, and 77 steps down.
Fifteen minutes from us, so it is the easier of the two to fit into a half-day.
It has a separate entrance fee, which is not covered by the Tanjung Bira area fee you already paid on the way in.
Getting to both
You have two sensible options.
Rent a motorbike. The coastal road is well surfaced and the ride is a large part of the pleasure. The rate includes helmets for two, and we can deliver the bike around the Bira area. You will need a valid ID, a motorbike licence, a deposit, and to be at least 18.
Ask us to arrange a car. Better if there are several of you, or if you would rather not ride.
Either way, one thing holds: plan to be back before dark. The road is good, but there is no street lighting once you are near Bara.
If you have a full day instead
Both of these sit on the same stretch of coast as several other places worth stopping at — quiet beaches, a cave, and the boatyards where phinisi are still built by hand. Ask at reception and we will put a route together with you rather than sending you off with a list.
