Tana Beru

Tana Beru is a traditional Buginese boat-building village in Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi, about 15 km north of Bira. It is the most famous centre for Phinisi schooner construction in Indonesia — the last place in the world where these magnificent wooden sailing ships are still built by hand using centuries-old techniques. The village is scattered along the coast, with wooden hulls in various stages of construction lining the beach.

The Phinisi schooner is a traditional two-masted sailing vessel used by Buginese and Makassarese seafarers for inter-island trade. The construction is done entirely by hand, without blueprints, using traditional measurements and techniques passed down through generations. The UNESCO has recognised Phinisi shipbuilding as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The best time to visit is during the dry season (June–October).

By Plane

Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) in Makassar is about 5 hours by car from Tana Beru.

By Car / Road

From Makassar, take the Trans-Sulawesi highway southeast through Bulukumba to Tana Beru (4–5 hours). From Bira, it's 15 minutes north by ojek or car.

Tana Beru is walkable along the beachfront where the boats are built.

• Phinisi Shipyards: Dozens of wooden schooners in various stages of construction along the beach — from keel-laying to final fitting.

• Master Shipbuilders: Watch the master craftsmen (panrita lopi) shape planks using traditional tools without nails — joints are made using wooden pegs.

• Completed Phinisi Ships: Large vessels up to 30 m in length that will carry cargo across the archipelago.

• Shipyard Walking Tour: Walk along the beach and watch the boat-building process.

• Photography: The traditional shipbuilding against the coastal backdrop is highly photogenic.

• Purchase a Model Phinisi: Local craftsmen produce detailed model ships.

Simple warung near the shipyards serve nasi goreng and fresh fish.

Bottled water is essential. Sweet tea is available at the warung. Tap water is not drinkable.

Limited — most visitors stay in Bira (15 minutes south) and visit Tana Beru as a day trip.

Model Phinisi boats — from small souvenirs (Rp 50,000) to large, highly detailed models (Rp 500,000+). Wood carvings and Buginese handicrafts.

• Bira: 15 minutes south — white sand beaches and snorkelling.
• Bulukumba: 20 km north — the regency capital.
• Makassar: 200 km northwest — the provincial capital.