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Walena Freedive
A freediver in clear waters

Trip

Freediving & Scubadiving Trip

Choose a coast first, West or East, then see the sites, itinerary, and package for that season. Private / small-group trips.

West Coast (April–October) = freedive only. East Coast (November–March) = freedive & scuba. Private / small-group trips, not mass open trips.

Destination

Selayar Islands

The Selayar Islands sit at the southern tip of Sulawesi, between the South Sulawesi mainland and Taka Bonerate, in the Flores Sea. The main island stretches north–south for about 100 km. Geologically, Selayar continues eastern South Sulawesi with Walanae Formation sedimentary rocks (limestone, sandstone, conglomerate, tuff). Topography: a narrow alluvial coastal plain plus rolling hills to steep slopes (356–657 m), with Mount Bontosikuyu peaking at 607 m.

This trip is private / small-group (meals & lodging planned for 3–4 people), not a mass open trip. Ideal if you want a more personal, focused journey.

Choose a coast

Start with the right season

Pick West or East Coast first. Sites, itinerary, and packages appear after you choose.

April–October · Freedive

West Coast

Switch to East Coast
West Coast of the Selayar Islands

April–October

West Coast

Freedive only

Gentle beaches, white sand, clear water, and plenty of coconut trees. Home to local villages and Benteng town, the main snorkel & dive area, with access to Pasi-Gusung and Bahuluang. Calmer currents in the dry season. Ideal for cave diving, island hopping, and calm conditions, great for open water and intermediate divers.

  • Freedive only · April–October
  • Calmer currents in the dry season
  • Cave diving & island hopping
  • Access to Pasi-Gusung & Bahuluang
  • Great for open water & intermediate

Dive Sites

Dive sites

West Coast order: Balojaha Cave, Makam Karang, Goa Lipang, North Lipang, South Lipang, Bukit Nane (optional).

Beginner

Balojaha Cave (West Coast)

Balojaha Cave (fresh water) · Pasi Island

The name “Balojaha” comes from the local Selayar language. The cave sits on the west coast of Pasi Island, a karst cave with a clear natural pool, formed over thousands of years where seawater and groundwater filter through limestone. Hidden behind coconut forest, it long stayed unknown to outside visitors.

Access

30 minutes from Benteng Pier by jolloro boat, then a 15–20 minute trek

Best time

April–October, 10:00–14:00 for optimal light

Current

Calm, sheltered natural pool, safe for beginners

Characteristics

  • Natural stalactites
  • Clear-water pool
  • Karst limestone
  • Micro ecosystem
  • God rays effect
0–5 m
Depth
25–27°C
Temperature
5–15 m
Visibility

Photo Gallery

Balojaha Cave

Spot Balojaha Cave 1
Spot Balojaha Cave 2
Spot Balojaha Cave 3
Spot Balojaha Cave 4
Spot Balojaha Cave 5
Spot Balojaha Cave 6
Spot Balojaha Cave 7
Spot Balojaha Cave 8
Spot Balojaha Cave 9
Beginner

Makam Karang (West Coast)

Bahuluang Island

Natural calcium carbonate deposition. Sea currents around Bahuluang gather dead coral fragments from all directions into one point, forming a growing, shifting mound, so this “island” never looks the same from year to year.

Access

Overland to Tulungan Pier (40 km from Benteng), then 30 minutes by boat to Bungin Bahuluang Island

Best time

April–October, morning, white coral vs blue sea is most striking in morning light

Above the surface

  • Thousands of white coral skeletons stacked up to 2–3 m
  • Island shape ~200 m, constantly changing

Below the surface

  • Large living, colourful table corals
  • Reef fish
  • Gorgonian fans on the slope
  • An active ecosystem contrasting the “graveyard” above

Safety notes

  • Currents around the coral mound can vary and suddenly strengthen, always check conditions before boat entry.
  • The white coral surface is very sharp, never walk on the mound without proper footwear.
3–7 m
Depth
25–27°C
Temperature
10–20 m
Visibility

Photo Gallery

Makam Karang

Spot Makam Karang 1
Spot Makam Karang 2
Spot Makam Karang 3
Spot Makam Karang 4
Spot Makam Karang 5
Spot Makam Karang 6
Beginner

Lipang Cave (West Coast)

Bahuluang Island

A cave with unique stalactites, coral walls and rock cliffs around it, and clear blue seawater in front of the mouth. Stalactites plus light reflecting off the water create a dramatic photo composition.

Access

By sea from Bahuluang Island, the boat docks directly at the cave mouth on the coral wall

Best time

Morning, natural light enters at its best

Characteristics

  • Minimal current
  • Good visibility
  • Many caves to explore
  • Cave rock formations
  • White sand
  • Wide and narrow gaps
2–8 m
Depth
25–27°C
Temperature
10–20 m
Visibility

Photo Gallery

North Lipang Cave

Spot North Lipang Cave 1
Spot North Lipang Cave 2
Spot North Lipang Cave 3
Spot North Lipang Cave 4
Spot North Lipang Cave 5
Spot North Lipang Cave 6
Spot North Lipang Cave 7
Spot North Lipang Cave 8
Spot North Lipang Cave 9
Spot North Lipang Cave 10
Spot North Lipang Cave 11
Spot North Lipang Cave 12
Spot North Lipang Cave 13
Spot North Lipang Cave 14
Spot North Lipang Cave 15

Photo Gallery

South Lipang Cave

Spot South Lipang Cave 1
Spot South Lipang Cave 2
Spot South Lipang Cave 3
Spot South Lipang Cave 4
Spot South Lipang Cave 5
Spot South Lipang Cave 6
Spot South Lipang Cave 7
Spot South Lipang Cave 8
Spot South Lipang Cave 9
Spot South Lipang Cave 10
Spot South Lipang Cave 11
Spot South Lipang Cave 12
Spot South Lipang Cave 13
BeginnerOptional

Bukit Nane (West Coast)

Optional · Polassi Island · not a dive site

Green savanna meets turquoise sea on every horizon, a 360° panorama you only find on Polassi Island, far from the crowds.

Access

Benteng town → Appatanah/Tulungan pier or Patumbukan Port ~40 km overland (60 min) → jolloro boat to Polassi Island ~2–3 hours → Polassi village → light trek ~30 minutes to the summit

Best time

360° panorama · ~5 hours round trip · ~30 minute trek

Notes

  • Optional, outside the standard itinerary. Contact us if you want to add it.

Photo Gallery

Bukit Nane

Spot Bukit Nane 1
Spot Bukit Nane 2
Spot Bukit Nane 3
Spot Bukit Nane 4
Spot Bukit Nane 5

Itinerary

Trip plan

Pick a package below, the schedule may adjust to field conditions.

West CoastApril–OctoberFreedive only

West Coast 3D2N

3 days 2 nights · Season April–October

  1. Day 1

    Estimated arrival around 12:00 noon

    • 12:00Pickup and head straight to the site
    • 13:00Arrive at Balojaha Cave
    • 16:00Return journey while enjoying the sunset
    • 18:00Rest/meal/prayer + briefing for tomorrow
    • 19:00Return and pack for the dive
    • 20:00Rest

  2. Day 2

    • 06:00Morning wake-up and prepare
    • 07:00Travel to Bonetaringan and load the boat
    • 08:00Arrive at the port, load gear, and depart
    • 09:00Dive Makam Karang
    • 11:00Freedive at Liang Lipang Pasir Putih and explore the north side
    • 12:30Enter Lipang Cave
    • 13:00Rest / meal / prayer
    • 14:00Freedive explore the south side of Liang Lipang
    • 16:00Rest and sunset
    • 17:30Return journey with sunset
    • 18:30Head to the port and load gear into the car
    • 20:00Dinner
    • 21:00Return and rest
    • 22:00Share files and sharing session

  3. Day 3

    • 06:00Prepare to leave (for those taking the Selayar–Makassar bus)
    • 08:00Breakfast and free time
    • 11:00Pack and prepare for the flight
    • 12:00Estimated transfer to the airport and goodbye

Notes

  • Bukit Nane is optional, message us if you want to add the hill.
Book / RegisterWhatsApp consult

Package

What is included & not included

Private / small-group trips (3–4 people). Details follow the West or East Coast package.

West Coast 3D2N

April–OctoberFreedive only

Sites covered

  • Gusung Island, Balojaha freshwater cave / underwater cave
  • Bahuluang Island, Makam Karang (FS)
  • Bahuluang Island, Liang Lipang White Sand (crystal clear FS)
  • Bahuluang Island, North Liang Lipang rock (FS)
  • Bahuluang Island, South Liang Lipang rock (FS)
  • Bahuluang Island, Lipang Cave (land explore)
  • White Sand sunset
  • *FS = Freediving Spot

Includes

  • Car transport throughout Selayar
  • Land documentation (Sony full-frame A7R3 + 50mm prime)
  • Aerial documentation with DJI Mini 4 Pro drone
  • Video documentation
  • Photo editing
  • Professional underwater camera (Sony full-frame A7C2 + 14mm f1.8 G Master wide)
  • Underwater photographer service
  • Underwater videographer service
  • 3 meals a day for 3 days for 3–4 people + trip snacks
  • Welcome meal at a signature Selayar culinary spot
  • Homestay: 2 rooms for 4 people for 2 nights
  • Free to request any content style during dives
  • Freedive instructor, guide, boat crew, and safety
  • Homestay facilities: AC, WiFi, washing machine, gear rinse area, drying space, shared kitchen
  • Boat transport to 2 islands

Not included

  • Personal snacks / extras
  • Anything not listed in includes
  • Flight / sleeper bus tickets

Pricing

Trip pricing depends on group size and package choice. Contact us for a quote.

Book / RegisterRequest a WhatsApp quote

Access

How to get here

Three ways to reach the Selayar Islands: pick what fits your schedule.

By roadFerryWest Coast
Route to the Selayar Islands from Makassar. Land and ferry route: Makassar to Bulukumba to Pelabuhan Bira, ferry to Pamatata, then Benteng. After arrival on Selayar, the destination area is the West Coast.

Guide

Meet Your Guide

Profile photo of Wafiq Salman, Walena trip guide

Your guide

Wafiq Salman Arrosadi

Molchanovs Freediving Instructor & SSI Divemaster

Hi, I'm Wafiq Salman, a professional ocean guide with a Bachelor's degree in Marine Science from IPB University. As a certified Molchanovs Freediving Instructor and SSI Divemaster, your safety and skill progression are my top priorities. I combine my deep knowledge of marine ecosystems with professional underwater photography and videography to ensure you don't just explore the blue safely, but also bring home breathtaking memories of your journey.

Credentials

  • Bachelor of Marine ScienceIPB University
  • Molchanovs Freediving InstructorDepth & Pool
  • Junior Freediving Instructor
  • SSI Divemaster
  • EFR, Primary & Secondary CareFirst Aid, CPR, O2
  • Underwater Photographer & Videographer

150+

Logged dives

SSI

Divemaster

Marine

Science

Custom trip

Have a dream destination beyond Selayar?

Walena can help plan your custom trip. Message us now and we’ll walk through the details together.

Chat on WhatsApp

Testimonials

Stories from Selayar trips

Experiences from freedive and private trip guests.

  • Julia Adam

    Freedive Trip

    “The service was outstanding! From start to finish, the accommodation was really well managed. Also respect for the time discipline, the whole rundown ran smoothly. Photos, video footage, and the editing were seriously good. What stood out most was the guide, I felt looked after and supported throughout the trip. Next time I’ll definitely join another trip with you!”

  • Ana Robinson

    Private Trip

    “Thanks a lot for an amazing trip. I came all the way from Surabaya just to join a private trip with you. Totally satisfied, throughout the trip I felt safe, comfortable, and really happy with the beauty of every spot. The results were insane too: great photos, great videos, and tons of files. Wait for me for East Selayar!”

  • Hanifah Rahmadila

    Freedive Trip

    “During the trip with Kak Wafiq, I was really happy with the whole journey. I enjoyed it and felt comfortable the entire time. He’s easygoing, very supportive, and generous with sharing. Every time he takes a shot, I trust the result will look great.”

  • Lucky Adriyani

    Freedive Trip

    “Ocean practice was guided and not overcrowded, so I could focus and had plenty of time to train further. Plus the documentation was excellent.”

  • Eky

    Freedive Trip

    “The photo and video results were excellent, and so was the editing. 100% satisfied.”

FAQ

Questions about the trip

What people often ask before joining a trip.

Ready to explore Selayar?

Private / small-group trips. Itineraries are ready, pricing is confirmed in consult. Register interest or ask about the next dates on WhatsApp.

Join Trip / Ask Dates

Register first, then we continue with a consult. Trip pricing depends on the package and group size.