Tanjung Karang Beach: Idyllic Paradise in Indonesia
Last Updated on November 1, 2021
On a recent trip to Indonesia with Indonesia Tourism, I discovered some of the most beautiful and unknown little pockets of heaven I have ever seen. One of them was idyllic paradise Tanjung Karang Beach which is on the tip of Palu Bay.
Tanjung Karang Beach
Located on the island of Sulawesi, Palu Bay is about 1 hour from Palu city. Palu is actually the capital of Sulawesi with only 335,000 people living there. I say that with surprise as it doesn’t really feel like a city compared to most Asian capitals I have been to.
This place is totally worth driving for an hour to see. Away from the mass tourism that you see in Bali, the water is clean, the locals are friendly and most importantly it’s quiet. You can access the beach through the Prince John Dive Resort where you can also stay if you want to spend some time here – plus you can also hire the dive gear to explore underwater life.
Did I mention having a Bintang whilst sunbathing on one of their sun loungers looking out onto a white sand beach? Did I just convince you?
The dive resort is the only dive centre located within the area of 300km. They have 15 bungalows that will suit every type of person that comes to stay (deluxe, comfort and relax) and the prices range from €70 – €220 (family suite). So as you can see, it’s reasonably priced for a magical island getaway. The equator is only a few km from this place so do expect it to be stinking hot. You will definitely need a swimming costume though!
Make sure you take a wander through the little village beside the resort too. The buildings are colourfully painted and have some real character to them. Even the toilet blocks are beautiful! This place has a real island feel to it.
If you follow the beach right to the tip you will find an older man hiring out dive gear BUT he also sells the best knickknacks I have seen in years. Coconut heads! He carves the coconuts into a face shape and draws eyes and a mouth, and uses glasses and earrings to make them look more realistic.
How to get to Tanjung Karang Beach
There are 2 daily flights from Jakarta to Palu that you can take, then you will have to arrange transport to Tanjung Karang Beach. It is a 2 and a half hour flight to get to Sulawesi from Jakarta.
If you are staying at the resort then they can organise transfers to and from the airport for you (€80), otherwise hire a scooter and explore this part of the island by bike! Hiring a scooter is a brilliant way to further see and experience a bit more of the local villages firsthand – plus you can stop whenever you like and see some spots tourists wouldn’t normally see. You can easily buy petrol on the side of the road from local stores. It is usually kept in Coke and alcohol bottles so don’t freak out when they start pouring it into your scooter!
The ride to the beach may take you by surprise: you will go past one of the largest ports in Indonesia, so be prepared as you will see a lot of rubbish and poverty around this area. I was worried on the way there that we would be taken to a beach filled with rubbish and pollution but it was totally the opposite once we actually arrived as you can see.
Typical prices in Palu
Accommodation for the Prince John Dive Resort (based on 2 people):
Relax Bungalow | 88,00 € |
Comfort Bungalow | 115,00 € |
Deluxe Bungalow | 132,00 € |
Family Bungalow (Maximum 4 people) | 176,00 € |
The best thing is the prices above include breakfast, afternoon tea and cake, unlimited water and dinner! If you’re a single person you will get a discount of 25% on the accommodation prices too.
Diving costs if you’re hiring from the resort:
From the beach, you can catch a boat to some of the most speciose diving sites in the world.
BCD | €3 |
Regulator | €3 |
Wetsuit | €3 |
Mask & snorkel | €3 |
Fins | €3 |
Complete diving equipment | €12 |
Snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) | €5 |
Underwater light (for one night dive) | €5 |
Dive Computer | €5 |
1 dive including bottle and weights | €29 |
Half day tour boat trip (1 dive) | + €7.50 |
One day tour boat trip (2 dives) | + €15 |
Package 6 dives | €171 |
Package 10 dives | €274 |
Don’t you agree with me that this place is a piece of idyllic paradise? Bali is one of my favourite places in Indonesia, but after coming here I think it might be my second favourite Indonesian island now (sorry, Bali). Make sure you discover this place before everybody else does!
Other articles you will love:
- 12 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Indonesia 2019
- Top 5 Beautiful Villas in Canggu, Bali
- The Top 10 Best Things to do in Bali
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Rhonda Albom
Wow, Palu looks like a piece of paradise. Thanks for introducing me to it. I love the crystal clear water, colourful buildings, and the personality you brought into it all with the coconut heads.
Anne
Looks absolutely gorgeous
LeAnna Brown
THAT WATER!!! We only did Bali when we went to Indonesia and now I absolutely can’t wait to see more of the country and get off the tourist path. We are divers so this looks like it could simply be paradise for us!
WyldfamilyTravel (@wyldfamtravel)
looks amazing and certainly somewhere we would like to visit. 220 euro a night for a family may be out of our budget but i am sure families who could afford it would be more than happy with this place
Anita Hendrieka
WyldfamilyTravel (@wyldfamtravel)Yes, the resort is a little pricey compared to most Indonesian places but there are plenty of little huts that you could stay in if you asked the locals. 🙂
Bob
Haha, I love the Best Western sign. The beach looks fabulous I could definitely see myself spending some quality time there.
Anita Hendrieka
BobIsn’t it great ;p
Tamara Elliottt
Such a good tip! I’ve never been to Bali (but would love to!) so good to know there are still some quiet, unspoiled places away from the crowds
Anita Hendrieka
Tamara ElliotttYes this is definitely an unspoiled paradise!
anto
Looks very colorful, reminds me of the Dutch Antilles in the Caribbean 🙂 they also have the colored houses there!
Anita Hendrieka
antoAh how amazing! I love coloured houses 🙂
Cristina
It looks so beautiful, I love the views and the colourful buildings. Great pictures and super informative post.
Happy travels,
Cristina
Anita Hendrieka
CristinaThank you 🙂
Hannah Finch
Your little bungalow is so cute! And the water is crystal clear too. I’ve only been to Bali in Indonesia so far and although I like it, it’s not an idyllic paradise lie this!
Anita Hendrieka
Hannah FinchI know it’s such a little paradise!
Megan
Looks amazing! I spent two weeks in Bali & Lombok and I wish I had more time to explore more of Indonesia. This makes me want to go back and add to that list.
Anita Hendrieka
MeganYeah there’s so many beautiful spots in Indonesia. I loved Lombok and Bali!
evan kristine
Indonesia is beautiful beyond words!
Anita Hendrieka
evan kristineOh it totally is!
bethan343
wow this looks so fab!!! Its really making me want to go!!!!
lifeinbigtent
Just came back from Sulawesi – but have been in another part 🙂 But vry similar places found in Maluku islands 🙂 Hatta island – my paradise island so far 🙂
Nelson Mochilero
Indeed an idyllic paradise!
Wonderful pics. This is a great post with valuable info.
I want to be there 🙂
Anita Hendrieka
Nelson MochileroThanks for reading! 🙂 It sure is a beautiful place to be