Exciting new diving destination in Bira, South Sulawesi

Unspoiled reefs, beautiful beaches, untouched paradise. Dont miss the opportunity to visit Pantai Bira.

Bira has some great diving and unlike many dive locations has very few divers, have the reef to yourself everyday.

Wether you are experienced or a beginner Bira has diving for everyone. For those who like to see big fish we have dramatic walls with a healthy amount of, rays, tunas, baracudas, tunas and no shortage of sharks, we see whitetips most days plus other bigger sharks regularly. Our healthy reefs have pristine coral and visibility is normally 20 to 30m and water temperature around 27C to 30C. In the months of August and September it does get a little colder, 24 to 26c but this is the best time of year to see the bigger fish like Mola Mola, hammerheads, mantas. The reefs of Bira Beach and Bara Beach have Green and Hawksbill Turtles and Schools of Bumbhead Parrotfish.

There is gentle sloping reefs with excellent macro life for the small creature enthusiast, Nudis, Pipefish, Frogfish, Scorpionfish, Cuttlefish and Mantis Shrimp and Pigmy Seahorse are regualar sightings. For experienced and adrenelin seekers we have an amazing Sea Mound and the famous drop off Tanjung Bira with Giant Travelles, Nepolians Wrasse and Tunas of often much more. For beginners we have easy gentle reefs where you will see turtles, rays, morays even in the shallow water. So for those looking to dive somewhere different with great diving and uncrowded reefs why not try Bira

Bira is a small village about 190km away from Makassar (the capital of Sulawesi) has great beaches and no nightlife, the evening is normally a dinner and a few drinks in one of the restaurants. Though it does get busier on Saturday evening and Sunday daytime with domestic tourists getting away from Makassar for the weekend. But dont expect any big parties! The local Indonesians are very friendly and always appreciate the chance to get a photo taken with you in.

To get away from it all Bara beach is a little piece of paradise, a walk or bike ride about 3km away, a beautiful coconut lined beach with very few people on. Opposite Bira beach about 20mins boat ride away is Liukang Island, even quieter than Bira, just two small villages with a small population. A great place to swim snorkel explore. There is no roads here so explore by foot. A lovely beach with one of our favorite warungs on as well. Around Liukang has some great diving too so we are known to stop and the beach for some grilled fish and a cold beer after a hard day at sea!

Around Bira it is great to hire a scooter and explore, there isnt much traffic around so just ride around and you will find some amazing views and you will find some amazing views beaches and wildlife. Very quickly around Bira you will get used to cows and goats wandering wild plus the occasional wild pig or monkeys crossing the road! So have your camera ready at all time!

One of the highlights in Bira is to see the Village of Tanah Beru (meaning New Land) about 18km from Bira where they build the traditional Phinisi Boats right on the beach.. These are the traditional style fishing boats that are popular in Indonesia, many of the luxury boats you see in places like Komodo are built right here. Most of the time if you ask you can climb on and see them being built.

Many people ask about the currents in Bira. Being Indonesia, Bira does indeed have currents from time but not nearly as strong and other destinations around. We are careful to pick where and when we go to sites to make sure they are safe. Most of the time the currents are gentle and easy to manage. Our team are experienced in the local waters and make sure you will be comfortable. For those who like drift diving there are a few great sites that we go and visit! But there are always comfortable options every day. The currents in Bira are very manageable, like most dive destinations not all sites are suitable for all levels. Safety and enjoyment are number one at Bira Dive Camp.