Travel Guide

How to Get to Bira & Back to Makassar

Bara Cabana is on Bara Beach, about five hours by road from Makassar. There is no airport in Bira, so everyone arrives the same way — down the length of South Sulawesi by car or bus. Below is what each option actually involves, and roughly what it costs.

Prices are the operators' own and can change — we check them every quarter.

Complete route guide with Google Maps

Official sources

Ferry schedules and prices change. For the current timetable, check the operator directly: asdp.id · @upt_asdp_bira

Compare Options

Choose Your Way to Bira

Experienced options to pick you up and drop you off right at your destination.

Recommended

Private Transfer

Travel Agent - Professional Driver

Direct transfer service from the airport or anywhere in Makassar to your hotel in Bira.

~5 Hours

One-Way IDR 950,000 / car (one-way)

Round-Trip Ask us for a round-trip rate

Full Details & Info

Pros

Professional, experienced driver
Air-conditioned, comfortable vehicle
Direct airport pickup available

Cons

Higher price than other options
Booking required at least 1 day ahead

Pickup & Drop-off

Available at Makassar Airport and citywide
Drop-off straight to your hotel door in Bira

Book early to secure availability, especially during holiday season.

Route on Maps

Private Transfer

Local Driver

Experienced local drivers ready to take you wherever your trip requires.

~5 Hours

One-Way IDR 1,250,000 / car (one-way)

Round-Trip IDR 2,500,000 / car (round-trip)

Full Details & Info

Pros

More affordable pricing
Driver knows the local terrain well
Negotiable for special needs

Cons

Vehicles vary and aren't always standardized
Limited English from the driver

Pickup & Drop-off

Available in Makassar and Bira
Consult with us for recommendations

Confirm the price and pickup point before the trip begins.

Route on Maps

Budget-friendly options with regular schedules from Malengkeri Terminal, Makassar. Prices are the operators' own and can change — we check them every quarter.

Budget

Public Transport

Public Kijang

Shared Toyota Kijang for up to 7 passengers, departing on a semi-scheduled basis.

4–6 Hours

IDR 200,000 – 250,000 / person

Full Details & Info

Pros

Most budget-friendly price
Frequent departure schedule
Can stop at several points

Cons

Departs only once fully loaded
Less comfortable for long trips

Pickup & Drop-off

Departs from Malengkeri Terminal, Makassar
Drops off at the nearest point toward Bira

Arrive at the terminal early to avoid a long wait.

Route on Maps

Fixed Schedule

Public Transport

Public Minibus

A faster, professional minibus service along a scenic coastal route.

4–6 Hours

IDR 250,000 / person

Full Details & Info

Pros

Faster than the Kijang
More reliable departure schedule
Passes a scenic coastal route

Cons

Limited luggage capacity
Slightly pricier than the Kijang

Pickup & Drop-off

Departs from Malengkeri Terminal, Makassar
Can drop off directly in the Bira area

Book your ticket a day ahead to secure a seat.

Route on Maps

Cheapest

Public Transport

Public Coach

Public bus from Malengkeri Terminal at the most affordable price.

5–6 Hours

From IDR 150,000 / person

Full Details & Info

Pros

Most affordable price
Large, reasonably comfortable coach
Regular daily schedule

Cons

Longest travel time
Many stops along the way

Pickup & Drop-off

Departs from Malengkeri Terminal, Makassar
Drops off at Bulukumba terminal, continue by local transport to Bira

Keep small cash on hand for onward transport from the terminal to Bira.

Route on Maps

Full flexibility to explore Bira and its surroundings with your own vehicle.

Ask Us

Vehicle Rental

Car with a Driver

We do not hire out self-drive cars, but we can arrange a car with a driver for the day.

On Your Own Schedule

Ask us

Full Details & Info

Pros

Full freedom to set your own schedule
Explore surrounding attractions freely
Economical for groups

Cons

A valid driver's license is required
The road to Bira can be challenging

Pickup & Drop-off

Available in Makassar and Bira
Consult with us for recommendations

Fill up your tank before leaving Bulukumba. Use Google Maps or Waze.

Route on Maps

Flexible

Vehicle Rental

Rental Motorbike

Rent a motorbike for full flexibility to explore Bira and its surroundings.

On Your Own Schedule

IDR 80,000 – 120,000 / day

Full Details & Info

Pros

Full freedom to set your own schedule
More economical and nimble on narrow roads
Great for solo travellers

Cons

A valid motorbike license is required
Less comfortable in rain or over long distances

Pickup & Drop-off

Available in Makassar and Bira
Consult with us for recommendations

Wear a helmet and jacket, and fill up your tank before leaving Bulukumba.

Route on Maps

Good to Know

The Bira Entrance Fee

Tanjung Bira is a designated tourism area, so there is a small government charge to enter it. You pay once, at the post on the road in, and the fee includes basic travel insurance — keep the receipt, because it is also your insurance proof. If you book a transfer through us, we will ask the driver to settle it for you, so there is nothing to work out at the barrier.

Per Person

Child, including insuranceRp 6,000

Adult, including insuranceRp 16,000

Foreign visitor, including insuranceRp 41,000

Per Vehicle

MotorbikeRp 5,000

Private carRp 10,000

Bus or minibusRp 15,000

Rates as posted at the entrance gate, checked August 2026. Government charges can change without notice.

Step by Step

Makassar → Bira Travel Route

Follow the step-by-step route guide to Bara Cabana, easily and precisely.

Makassar

Depart from Malengkeri Terminal or Makassar City.

Makassar → Bulukumba

Overland journey by private or public vehicle, about 5 hours to Bulukumba.

Bulukumba / Terminal

Transit at the main road junction toward Tanjung Bira.

Terminal → Bira

Coastal route toward Bira, roughly a 30–45 minute drive.

Bara Cabana, Bira

Welcome! Check-in starts at 14:00, and our team will be there to greet you.

Getting to Bara Cabana

How to Get to Bira & Back to Makassar

Choose Your Way to Bira

Travel Agent - Professional Driver

Local Driver

Public Kijang

Public Minibus

Public Coach

Car with a Driver

Rental Motorbike

The Bira Entrance Fee

Makassar → Bira Travel Route

Makassar

Makassar → Bulukumba

Bulukumba / Terminal

Terminal → Bira

Bara Cabana, Bira

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