Liukang Loe Island: A Hidden Paradise Opposite Bira Beach
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| Liukang Loe Island |
Liukang Loe Island is located opposite the
Bira beach, about 30 minutes to reach it by motor boat. This island is one of
the favorite spots for snorkeling and diving in Sulawesi Island where travelers
could enjoy the exoticism of coral reefs and various reef fish. Most travelers
snorkel around this island because the depth of the snorkeling spot is only
about 3-5 meters and the water flow is more calm while the best diving spot are
on the Kambing island.
The name of Liukang Loe means surrounded by
water. There is also another version where the word Liukang comes from Liu
Liukang (Makassarese language with Konjo dialect) which means black wood and
Loe means a lot. According to the local story, the island was grown with a lot
of black wood in the past.
The area of the Liukang Loe island is around
5.67 km2 with the length of costal line about 3 km. The territory of the island
is mostly composed of coral and hilly. Around the hilly area is exploited by
inhabitants for livestock and plantation.
Liukang Loe Island was firstly inhabited in
1940 by 2 people who each inhabited the Ta' Buntuleng village in the north and
Pasilohe village in the west. The population of these two villages is around
650 people with 203 family heads where most inhabitants work as fishermen and
the rest make sarong weaving and coral crafts.
Travelers could also dive in the turtle
conversation around Liukang Island, sunbathe and relax on the beach or explore
Ta' Buntuleng village while seeing activities by locals, children learning in
primary and secondary schools and keep walking for about 30 minutes to Pasilohe
village through plantation and livestock area.
In the Ta’ Buntuleng village, there are
several guest houses for travelers who want to overnight while enjoying the
calm and peaceful atmosphere in the Liukang Island Loe. Therefore, you should
not forget to include Liukang Loe island in your bucket list when you are in
Bira beach.