Although Bira is the most touristic place I have seen in Sulawesi, it is well worth a visit to explore the gorgeous nearby beaches. The surrounding area is a paradise for anyone who likes to take pictures.
I stayed at Salassa Restaurant & Guesthouse. The restaurant serves the best food I have eaten in Sulawesi and the rooms are ok and very reasonably priced (IDR 170k – August 2018).
The best way to get around is to rent a motorcycle for the time you are there.
A few must-visit places are:
- Bara beach: A perfect white sand beach with plenty of hammocks away from the crowds. It takes only about 15 minutes to get there by motorcycle from Bira beach.
- Tebing Apparalang: It takes about 30 minutes to get there from Bira beach by motorcycle. Apparalang Cliffs are a great spot to take pictures and enjoy the views at the coastline.
- Mandala Ria Beach: This might well be the most stunning beach in Bira: no people, white sand, turquoise water, wooden swings, and you can watch how wooden boats are constructed.
