Holiday in Sulawesi: Adventure Between Rainforests & Pristine Beaches
Tailor-Made and Individual Vacation in Sulawesi
Hey travelers,
It's great to have you here! Are you excited about the many breathtaking adventures that Sulawesi has to offer you? This Indonesian island of Sulawesi is full of surprises - from dense jungle with numerous endemic animal and bird species, to active volcanoes and colorful coral reefs with bizarre sea creatures to secluded bays with white sandy dream beaches and the simply unmistakable death cult of the Toraja. Come and discover Sulawesi with us.
We have put together some travel examples for you here to give you an idea of what is possible. Whether you're looking for thrills, want to sample the local cuisine, or just want to unwind, we've got you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Discover the wonders of Sulawesi. Can't find 100% what you're looking for? Then write to us and we will offer you a tailor-made tour program.
Sulawesi Travel Packages
Sulawesi South: Selayar Dive Resort - Selayar Island
Selayar Dive Resort, Soth Sulawesi: Secluded and at one with nature in a dreamlike setting, the small, family-run holiday resort with just 9 bungalows offers an exotic jungle feeling with diving and snorkeling on the private beach.
- Hotel category:
Wooden bungalows in typical local style - Location:
Island of Selayar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia - Board basis:
Full board: breakfast, lunch (2-course menu), dinner (3-course menu) and drinking water all day. - Facilities:
Functionally and practically furnished - Location:
Location directly on white sandy beach with private beach section - Transfers:
Fridays from/to Makassar airport or Makassar downtown hotel (departure 8:30 am/ arrival 3:30 pm): € 160,- per person & way / € 320,- solo traveller per way
other days of the week: € 700,- per person & way / € 1.400,- solo traveller per way
Go on a discovery:
The Selayar Dive Resort on the island of Selayar is an idyllic island resort in southern Sulawesi. With only 9 bungalows, it offers a holiday with a lot of peace and privacy. And last but not least, the presence of the German owner also contributes to the noticeable authenticity and family atmosphere of the small resort. The spirit of discovery in balance with relaxation is what is on offer here. The tropical rainforest surrounding you with local endemic species exudes an exotic jungle feeling and a beautiful reef on your doorstep as part of the coral triangle invites you to discover an enchanting underwater world.
Your expectations:
You like small, remote, somewhat hidden places because they combine the feeling of seclusion and security for you. You would like to leave the stress of everyday life behind you and also like to explore new territory. And the combination of jungle and sea is just right for you. The sounds of the jungle and the sound of the sea, relaxing on the private beach... let yourself be inspired here, at the Selayar Dive Resort :-)
What you will find here: Complete privacy and seclusion, pristine nature with endemic species as well as fantastic diving & snorkeling.
What you won't find here: Other resorts, nightlife options, ATMs.
What can you do during your stay at Selayar Dive Resort?
Nature experiences
- Combine your diving or swimming holiday at the Selayar Dive Resort, for example, with our Labengki & Sombori Island Tour in Central Sulawesi...
- ...or with our Toraja Highlights Tour in South Sulawesi before or after your stay at Selayar Dive Resort.
- Take a hike through the tropical rainforest that surrounds the resort and meet tarsiers and bear cuscus.
- Go on a short excursion and visit the nearby cave with its enchanting stone formations and the resident bat colony.
- Or visit one of the few island villages in the surrounding area.
- Enjoy the fascinating underwater world while snorkeling along the house reef..
Diving
- Diving in Sulawesi means: great, colorful coral reefs with lots of fish, but thanks to the black volcanic sand, also dark, soft gravel bottoms with “critters”, extraordinary, sometimes brightly colored small creatures that hide in the dark sand.
- In front of the resort there is a cliff with overhangs and caves, densely covered with hard and soft corals and home to numerous marine life: giant clams, eagle rays, nudibranchs, turtles and sometimes even dugongs.
- Selayar Dive Resort offers a unique diving experience: nighttime fluorescence diving where the reef glows in spectacular colors.
- PADI courses can be held at the resort upon request.
Book now!
Selayar Dive Resort: Exotic jungle, deserted beaches, untouched underwater world and -almost- no other person in sight - welcome to the Selayar Dive Resort! Enjoy nature and let yourself be enchanted - immerse yourself in another world, far away from civilization.
Location and amenities:
Selayar Dive Resort is located at the southern tip of Sulawesi, on Selayar Island, whose landscape is characterized by rock formations, caves and waterfalls. In the west of the island there are a few original fishing villages. The eastern side is mostly covered with rainforests.
The diving resort was independently designed and built on a one-kilometer-long white sandy beach. Nature played a crucial role in the design: perfectly embedded in the paradisiacal backdrop, the bungalows cannot be seen from the sea. Only when you get closer can you see the bungalows between the shady trees, which were built at large distances from each other and offer guests a high level of privacy.
The diving resort includes 9 individual bungalows in two categories. All bungalows have a fan, a minibar, a desk with numerous sockets for charging electronic accessories, a western-standard bathroom and two sun loungers on the beach. The cozy 7 standard beach bungalows were built from high-quality natural materials in a traditional style. Thanks to the generous spacing, every couple of guests enjoys a piece of private beach directly in front of their own bungalow.
The larger 2 Deluxe Beach Villas offer a little more comfort and also have a cozy seating area and air conditioning inside. The semi-open, spacious outdoor bathroom can also be accessed from the outside, which is particularly practical after diving, snorkeling or sunbathing on the beach in order to reach the shower directly. Particularly noteworthy is the private beach in front of your own bungalow door. Thanks to the large window fronts, the sea, the palm trees and the white sandy beach can be seen from everywhere from the bed.
Electricity is available 24 hours. The power supply and diving compressors are located a good distance from the resort to ensure a high level of tranquility. Limited WiFi (at the jetty) available temporarily.
Occupancy: max. 3 persons
Restaurant:
The half-open restaurant is also located directly on the beach, nestled between palm trees and trees. It is the heart of the complex and the most important meeting place to exchange ideas or end the day in company. With a bit of luck, there will be cocktails mixed by the chef himself.
The kitchen prepares dishes from Asian and international cuisine. Freshly caught fish and Indonesian delicacies are offered here as well as steak or dark bread. At lunchtime there is usually light, vegetarian cuisine and tropical fruits. In the evening we serve a 3-course meal with soup, fish or meat and a delicious dessert. Nutritional wishes are implemented in the best possible way
Diving:
The diving center right next to the restaurant is equipped with rental equipment, a drying room, emergency oxygen and other diving and snorkeling accessories. The house reef, a densely overgrown cliff with overhangs and numerous species of fish, can be explored individually by divers and snorkelers at any time. All other diving spots are in immediate vicinity. The furthest spot is a maximum of 30 minutes from the resort by dive boat.
About 5 minutes away there is a great 45 m high cliff, which is not only inhabited by numerous nudibranchs and turtles, but also offers some underwater caves. And in about 10 minutes you can reach Sharkpoint, which is home to both gray reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks, which often patrol here. This diving spot is also an ideal place to spot large marbled rays, tuna, Napoleon fish or eagle rays passing overhead.
A total of 3 speed boats are available for diving and snorkeling trips, although there are no fixed excursion times. The team follows the tides to provide the best possible underwater experience. Service is very important: the guests' diving equipment is prepared, assembled and, if requested, washed by the resort staff.
IMPORTANT:
- It is necessary to take out diving insurance that covers the costs of pressure chamber treatment and return transport.
- Selayar Dive Resort is only open from October to May. Due to weather and current conditions, diving would not be possible during the remaining months.
PRICES VALID FROM 01.01.2026 - 31.12.2026
*Special cancellation terms apply: Accommodation costs are due in full immediately upon booking.
Open from OCTOBER to MAY each year.
Minimum stay: 7 nights
TRANSFER
- Transfer from Makassar (UPG): latest departure at 7:30 AM from UPG to Bira in air-conditioned minibus (4-5 hours).
- Upon arrival in Bira, pickup by resort's own speedboat and journey to resort (2.5 hours).
- For return journey, speedboat departs from resort at 7:00 AM latest towards Bira.
- Upon arrival in Bira, pickup and onward journey in air-conditioned minibus with arrival in Makassar (UPG) at 3:30 PM earliest.
- For Friday to Friday stays: Airport/Hotel in Makassar - Selayar Dive Resort
EUR 160 per person each way for 2 people | EUR 320 each way for 1 person - For stays on all other days except Friday: Airport/Hotel in Makassar - Selayar Dive Resort
EUR 700 per person each way for 2 people | EUR 1.400 each way for 1 person
TRADE FAIR SPECIAL:
10% off Fan Bungalow and pre-booked dives
Booking period: 17.01.2026 – 01.03.2026
Travel period: 27.02.2026 – 08.01.2027
DELUXE BUNGALOWS:
- 340 EUR Double or single occupancy/ Night
The 2 deluxe bungalows are located directly on the beach with a veranda and sea views. They are 75 m2 and have a double bed, sofa, air conditioning, shower with hot water and toilet.
STANDARD BUNGALOWS:
- 230 EUR Double occupancy/ Night
- 170 EUR Single occupancy / Night
- 105 EUR for 3. Person at Triple occupancy
The 7 standard bungalows are slightly smaller at 42 m2. But like the deluxe bungalows, they are located directly on the beach and have a double bed or two single beds, ceiling fan, bathroom with hot water and western toilet.
The prices shown include full board: breakfast, lunch (2-course menu) and dinner (3-course menu) as well as drinking water around the clock.
DIVING
- 69,- EUR single dive, guided
- 110,- EUR diving day with 2 boat dives, guided
- 10,- EUR per piece/ day on dive rental equipment
Price includes tank and weights.
Subject to change without notice. Increased prices may apply during Indonesian holidays such as Ramadan or Idul Fitri. Our terms and conditions apply.
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Selayar Dive Resort, Sulawesi: Deluxe bungalow with hammock
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Selayar Dive Resort, South Sulawesi: White sand beach with jetty views
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South Sulawesi, Selayar Dive Resort: Standard Bungalow with Sunbeds
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Double Bed Deluxe Beach Bungalow - Selayar Dive Resort, South Sulawesi
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Deluxe Beach Bungalow with Sea View - Selayar Dive Resort, South Sulawesi
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Deluxe Beach Bungalow Bath at Selayar Dive Resort, South Sulawesi
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Selayar Dive Resort, Sulawesi: Interior view
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Standard Beach Bungalow - Interior with Sea View, Selayar Dive Resort, Sulawesi
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Bath Standard Beach Bungalow, Selayar Dive Resort, Sulawesi
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Selayar Dive Resort, Sulawesi: Restaurant in lantern light
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Buffet dinner at Selayar Dive Resort Restaurant, Sulawesi
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Selayar Dive Resort, South Sulawesi: Restaurant with bar and sea views
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Bat cave in the area of the Selayar Dive Resort, Sulawesi/Indonesia
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Monitor Lizard at Selayar Dive Resort, South Sulawesi
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Tarsier in the area of Selayar Dive Resort, South Sulawesi
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Selayar Dive Resort Diveboat
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Resort view from jetty: Selayar Dive Resort, Sulawesi
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Selayar Dive Resort in South Sulawesi: White sandy beach with bungalow
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Selayar Dive Resort in South: Diver at coral reef
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Sulawesi, Selayar Dive Resort: Diver at coral reef with ray fish
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Selayar Dive Resort, Sulawesi: Diver next to hard corals with sea turtle
Arrive, Unwind, and Discover the Beauty of Indonesia
Your vacation in Sulawesi typically begins with a flight to Makassar or Manado, Sulawesi's two major cities. From here, a world of possibilities opens up for your Sulawesi journey. Makassar Airport is recommended if you want to start your Sulawesi tour from the island's south, visiting places like the Toraja Highlands or the remote regions further east. Manado Airport is perfect if you want to combine your vacation in northern Sulawesi with, for example, a tour to the Minahasa Highlands and Tangkoko Nature Reserve along with diving excursions.
Beyond this, the island impresses with its diverse landscape that makes every vacation unforgettable:
- Majestic volcanoes rising above deep green valleys, inviting extensive hiking—especially around the town of Tomohon—and offering spectacular views
- Dense jungle areas with rivers and exotic plants, home to numerous endemic animal and bird species
- Extraordinary lakes, some with floating houses, others with harmless jellyfish, and some simply completely untouched and crystal-clear, taking viewers' breath away
- Pristine beaches along the rugged coastline, inviting extended beach walks and easily combined by boat
Popular Travel Routes
For your vacation in Sulawesi, you can choose from various travel routes—depending on what you'd like to focus on.
A classic round trip through Sulawesi leads from Makassar in the south via Tana Toraja, then continues to the Minahasa Highlands and Tangkoko Nature Reserve in the north, all the way to the dream beaches of the offshore islands around Manado.
Flights between regions are regular, though not always punctual, so even a two-week Indonesia vacation in Sulawesi is enough to experience some highlights of this large island.
We've put together some travel examples here to give you an idea of what's possible. Whether you're looking for thrills, want to sample the local cuisine, or simply want to unwind and relax — we have just the right thing for you. So, what are you waiting for? Discover the wonders of Sulawesi.
Can't find exactly what you're looking for? Then write to us, and we'll offer you a tailor-made tour program.
Sulawesi Tour with Local Guides: Discover Traditions and Ways of Life
A guided Sulawesi tour with local guides opens doors to hidden treasures. These guides know every corner and lead you to places you'd never find on your own. The cultural centerpiece of any round trip in Sulawesi is Tana Toraja in the mountainous highlands. Here, a unique culture awaits you that is truly unparalleled, expressing itself in ancient and—from our perspective—unusual traditions like the death cult, as well as in its unique architecture—architectural masterpieces from ancient times.
Rantepao serves as the starting point for cultural discoveries. From here, you'll take excursions to burial sites and experience Toraja rituals. Your guide explains the spiritual significance and helps you respectfully visit traditional villages. The drive through the spectacular landscape is already an adventure—past rice terraces and through small villages where time stands still.
In Sengkang on Lake Tempe, you'll experience traditional fishing life. A boat trip to the floating houses shows you a completely different side of Sulawesi. And in the Minahasa Highlands, centered around the flower city of Tomohon, you'll find not only ancient mysterious burial sites but also traditional craftsmanship. Take the opportunity during your visit to the region to sample the delicious local coffee at one of the coffee plantations, or come when the spectacular International Tomohon Flower Festival takes place to enjoy the unique flair of this region to its fullest extent.
Relaxation in Island Paradise: Sulawesi Holidays in Idyllic Resorts
After the adventures of your Sulawesi tour, cozy beachfront resort hotels offer the perfect relaxation for the rest of your Sulawesi vacation. Manado in the north is famous for first-class resorts and proximity to world-class diving areas. Your Sulawesi holiday here becomes the perfect mix of relaxation and underwater adventure. The resort hotels organize daily boat trips to the best spots. Unlike in Bali, you'll still find truly untouched stretches for relaxed beach walks. Additionally, the resort hotels will pamper you culinary-wise with both traditional meals and international cuisine.
However, you won't find modern accommodations everywhere. The regions still untouched by tourism don't have this to offer. Here we'll find you a place with a host family, in one of the often lovingly—though very simply—furnished homestays. This also makes it possible to visit special highlights like Lake Tempe, the islands of Labengki & Sombori, or the Togean Islands and Banggai Islands.
Jetzt Sulawesi Reise buchen: privat, geführt und individuell Book Your Sulawesi Adventure Now: Private, Guided and Personalized
We plan your Sulawesi vacation entirely according to your travel style. Want maximum flexibility? Then our privately guided tours are exactly right for you. You determine the route and pace according to your wishes, while we handle the complete organization.
Book your individual Indonesia journey with us in good time to secure the most beautiful hotels and resorts. We're also happy to organize domestic flights for you. We recommend planning at least two weeks for a Sulawesi trip to get a proper insight into the culture, nature, and beaches.
