BENTENG, SELAYAR/TAKA BONE RATE

 06 07' 13" S

120 26' 35" E

Benteng which being the capital of Selayar Regency  is a bustling small town with becaks competing on narrow streets with motorcycles and cars. It is the ideal jump off point for exploring Taka Bone Rate which is the third largest corral atoll in the world (the largest being Kwajelein in the Marshall Islands). Although cruising yachts have been coming to Taka Bone Rate on their own for for years, this year is going to be the first time that the Selayar Regency is making an efforts to officially welcome the fleet of Sail Indonesia.

Although this place nowadays is considered  far from beaten track,  for centuries Selayar was part of the ancient trading route owing to being strategically located.  This place is known by another name which is translated literally means a place to pray as those ancient sailors needed all the help they could get before they embark on their voyage.It was a logical place for ancient traders to stop, resting, replenish, repair the boat and waiting for the right condition to sail either eastward or westward. Some historic artifacts have been found  dating back to 14th Century when traders passed through this part of South East Asia

Selayar  island is a fascinating place owing to unusual rock formations with caves, waterfalls, beautiful deserted beaches. The east side of the island is sparsely populated and still heavily covered with rain forest. 

This the forest where Tarseus monkey which is considered the smallest monkey in the world can be found.

The welcome ceremony will be held in main public square (The Plaza Marina))which is the pride of Selayar local. It is borders with sea side which is a popular area with the locals.

ANCHORAGE AREA

Anchorage area is just off Plaza Marina at 06 07' 13" S and 120 27' 29" E. Dinghy can be landed on the beach in the front the Plaza.

ATM

The nearest one (BRI) is about 200 meters from the landing.

MARKET

There are many shops just short walking distance from the landing Traditional (Bonea Market) market is about 3 km away.

FUEL/WATER

Fuel and fresh water will be made available from truck near the landing.

COMMUNICATION

Telkomsel and Indosat works fine here.  WIFI will be made available at the Plaza

POINT OF INTERESTS


TAKA BONE RATE
If there is one good reason to come to Selayar Regency, visiting Taka Bone Rate should be the one. This is the third largest corral atoll in the world after Kwajelein in Marshall Island and Suvadiva in Maldives. It covers the area about 220.000 ha. There are about fifteen islands inside this National Park.All the islands tend to be low lying islands no higher than 4 meters in elevation.

There are about 526 fish species, 242 corral species, 112 macro algae, 34 kind of birds and other sea creatures as sea turtles, dolphins, whales etc found within park bounderies.  About five thousand people live in the area who make their living as fisherman.

At the moment there is no commercial resort in the area. Access to the area is one of the reasons. It wouldn't come as surprise if few years down the road this area could become a major destination in Indonesia.

Beside Taka Bone Rate there are other places worth visiting in Selayar Island itself such as waterfall, pristine beaches and also some historical sites and objects. One of them is in the form gong. This gong reputedly was made at 11th Century in Vietnam. 
It was used during official ceremonies by the local ruler. It went missing and finally recovered in the last century. Is is located n Matalang, which is about 4 km from Benteng.

              Fishing village

Selayar is well known place where traditional wooden boats are still being build the old fashioned way.

One of many pristine beaches of Selayar

EVENTS

Selayar Regency is preparing a number of events during the visit. There will be Official Welcome Ceremony.  Followed later with series of event such as traditional dance performance, trip to some historical places. gala Dinner also will be in the Agenda. Details will be posted here once it is confirmed.