Taka Bonerate National Park
Taka Bonerate National Park is home to the third biggest atoll in
the world after Kwajifein in the Marshall Isles and Suvadiva in the
Moldiva Isles. The total area of the atoll is about 220,000 hectares
with coral reefs spreading over 500 km².
The topography of the Park is unique. The atoll consists of a chain
of islands of dry coral and a large flat sunken reef, forming a
large number of islands. The coral islands are interspersed by
narrow, deep, sheer-walled straits. On the coral flats there are
small, deep pools surrounded by coral reefs. At low tide, dry land
is clearly visible, dotted by water flooding into the small pools.
The plant species inhabiting the coastal areas are dominated by
coconut tree (Cocos nucifera), pandan laut (Pandanus sp.), cemara
laut (Casuarina equisetifolia), and ketapang (Terminalia catappa).
Among the more than 261 identified species of coral are Pocillopora
eydouxi, Montipora danae, Acropora palifera, Porites cylindrica,
Pavona clavus, Fungia concinna, etc. Most of the corals have formed
either atolls (barrier reefs) or fringing reefs. They are all
beautiful and in relatively pristine condition.
There are about 295 species of coral fish and several species of
fish which are of high economic value for consumption, like grouper
(Epinephelus spp.), skipjack (Katsuwonus spp.), napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus
undulatus), and surgeonfish (Acanthurus sp.).
Among the 244 species of mollusc are the top shell (Trochus
niloticus), horned helmet (Cassis cornuta), trumpet triton (Charonia
tritonis), green shell (Turbo marmoratus), fluted giant clam (Tridacna
squamosa), and pearly-chambered nautili (Nautilus pompillius).
The species of turtle that have been recorded here include the
hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Pacific ridley turtle (Lepidochelys
olivacea), and common green turtle (Chelonia mydas).
There are 15 islands in Taka Bonerate National Park where visitors
can enjoy diving, snorkelling and marine tours.
Best time of year to visit: April to June, and October to December.
How to reach the Park: Makassar-Bulukumba by bus, 5 hours (153
km); Bulukumba to Pamatata Selayar harbour by ferry, 2 hours;
Pamatata-Benteng, 1.5 hours; Benteng-Rajuni Kecil (the nearest
island) by small boat, 5 hours.
Designated : Minister of Forestry SK No. 280/Kpts-II/92,
a total area of 530,765 hectares
Location : Regency of Selayar (Province of South Sulawesi)
Waters Temperature 28° - 32° C
Salinity 34 - 35 °/00
Weather clearness 80 - 100 %
Drifted oxygen 4.5 - 6.0 ppm.
Low-tide 1 - 1.5 m
Wind speed 33 - 50 cm / second
Rainy season January to March
Dry season July to September
Geographical location 120°54' - 121°25' E; 6°16' - 7°06' S
Park Office: Jl. S. Parman 40, Benteng
Selayar 92812, South Sulawesi
Tel./Fax. : +62-414-21565
Related resources
National park in Sulawesi:
- National Parks in Indonesia
- Bunaken National Park - Manado
- Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park - Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi
- Lore Lindu National Park - Palu, Central Sulawesi
- Wakatobi National park - Buton, Southeast Sulawesi
- Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park - Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi
