Buton Selatan – Coral Reefs and Bajo Fishing Villages on the Flores Sea
Buton Selatan (South Buton) Regency lies in Southeast Sulawesi province, at the southern tip of Buton Island. The regional capital is Batauga. South Buton sits where the Flores Sea and Banda Sea meet, with pristine coral reefs and the stilt-house villages of Bajo (sea nomad) fishing communities defining the landscape.
Attractions and Activities
Coastal coral reefs offer excellent snorkelling and diving – colourful coral gardens and hundreds of tropical fish await underwater. Bajo fishing villages with their stilt houses built over the sea are a unique sight – Bajo communities have lived on the ocean for generations. White-sand beaches around Batauga are quiet and untouched. Inland, limestone caves and small waterfalls can be explored on hiking trails.
Culture and Cuisine
A blend of Butonese and Bajo culture characterises the region. Traditional Bajo fishing methods (free-diving, spear fishing) date back centuries. Cuisine is built on fresh sea fish – parende (spiced fish curry), kasuami (cassava flatbread), and grilled squid are local favourites. In Bajo villages, dried fish and sea cucumber processing is an important economic activity.
Public Safety
South Buton is a safe, quiet region. You can move around Bajo villages and Batauga freely at night. Use reliable local fishermen for sea excursions; watch the weather and currents. Healthcare is very limited – the nearest hospital is in Baubau (approx. 2 hours by car).
Practical Information
Approximately 2 hours south of Baubau by car. The nearest airport is Baubau Betoambari. The best time to visit is April to October. Accommodation: a few simple guesthouses around Batauga.