Buton and Muna – the secret islands of Sulawesi: a practical guide for independent travelers
I spent about 10 days on Bouton and Moon next door, and I didn't get to see everything. This is one of the most interesting places. IndonesiaAmazing waterfalls, mysterious caves, exotic beaches and – importantly – almost zero tourists compared to Bali or other popular destinations. And yes, there's a Kaimbulawa tribe living on Bouton with unusually blue eyes, and I met and photographed two people from that tribe during my trip.
How to get there
The most convenient option is to fly to the main city of Baubau (code BUW). Flights from Bali or Jakarta usually go with a transfer to Makassar (UPG code). The Makassar-Baubau flight takes a little more than an hour; there are not many options yet, but the prices are quite reasonable - check the options on Skyscanner.
An alternative route is a fast ferry/speed boat from Kendara to Baubau. This is a large speed boat, departures twice a day, the road takes about 6 hours.
You can also swim to Budton from neighboring islands, for example, from Moon or Huakatobi.
How to get around the island
The bud is large, but most of the main attractions are concentrated in the southern part – this simplifies logistics.
You can rent a car or a motorbike and drive yourself; the roads are generally in good condition, and there are practically no traffic jams outside the cities by Indonesian standards.
It is even more convenient to hire a driver with a car: he knows the local road features, travel time and where it is better to stay for views. A boat is required to visit small islands and secluded beaches.
Upon arrival in Baubau, there is always a taxi at the airport; there are Grab and Maxim apps in the city (the latter with a large number of drivers here).
Hint: a local guide greatly facilitates the organization of the boat, will tell you safe trails and help you meet the locals - with him the trip will be more interesting and safer.
The main impressions (an example is a sea trip to Siompa)
One of my first trips was a boat tour, which I started from Batuaga, about 30 minutes south of the city. In half a day we visited two small islands near Buton - Livutonkidi and Siompu.
Livutonkidi – an almost uninhabited island with snow-white sand, a circular beach and calm water – is ideal for swimming. My guide climbed the coconut palm and got fresh coconuts right for us.
- On Shiompa, we went to Napang Sangia beach, at the foot of the limestone cliffs. From there, a short trail leads to the top: the climb takes about 15 minutes and requires caution on a single wooden staircase, but the path is generally safe. From above, there are dramatic views that remind me of Nusa Penida in Bali or Krabi in Thailand – only here it is almost exclusively yours, without the crowds of tourists.
Useful notes
South of the island - concentration of the best places to visit, plan the base closer.
For excursions to small islands, book a boat in advance through a local guide or hotel.
If you want to meet with the Kaimbulawa tribe or access hidden locations, contact your local guide: they know where and when possible and help with translation and respectful communication with local communities.
Source of information: personalguide
You'll be met in Indonesia.private guidesAnd they'll offer you a copy.individual toursehtravel agenciesIndonesia offers its services and organizes tours and interesting excursions for travelers.
Read other texts:
"Phuket or Bali"? What to choose?