Samalona Island

Samalona Island is one of a group island from 11 islands which has a 2,34 hectare round Shape Island. Located near Makasar city, known as Ujung Pandang the capital of South Sulawesi, there is a small resort. It is situated at about 6,8km from Makasar shore.

This island is much known as a snorkeling and diving site which is overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water. The coral are spread out surrounding islands built the great scenic of a marine park. Samalona has about 20m shallow reef Surrounding Island which makes this place as a favorite area for scuba divers and snorkelers. Sunrise and sunset are a great moment to be left when you you’re enjoying the holiday on this island.
There are two ideal diving locations surround this island, one in the east side of island and the others in north side of island. Nearly everything can be found at Samalona. Ray fish, giant sea turtles, sea snakes, napoleon fish and other small colorful fishes.
Near Samalona Island in 30m depth, there is a sunken bomber ship, Lancaster Bomber, which already turned to be a coral as a new habitat for a thousand small fishes. Samalona territorial waters are remains as a World War II Location.
Samalona is barely a degree above the equator and thus tropical. The "Rainy Season" from October to mid April, brings frequent rains, sometimes in storms lasting for several days, which make the air nice and cool but also reduce visibility or sometimes make rough waves. The "Dry Season" from May to October, when temperatures climb to 35° and visibility reaches a maximum.
Samalona Island can be reached by a rental boat from POPSA quay and it takes only 20 to 30 minutes. The rental rates of boats around Rp. 250.000 to Rp. 750.000 for daily charter and depend on the deal with the boat owners.

by Reni Anggreaini
Picture by fedroza