Tana Beru is a coastal village situated in South Sulawesi province, 176 km from Makassar. It is renowned for its shipyards where dozens of vessels, including the famous Pinisi, line its beaches awaiting completion. But what truly captivates visitors is the craftsmanship of artisans who construct these boats using neither plans nor nails, screws, or bolts during assembly. To witness the mastery of these skilled craftsmen, head to Tana Beru beach.

History

While officially the construction of the first boat in South Sulawesi dates only to the 20th century, a legend inscribed in the Galigo—a sacred Bugis manuscript—traces the first shipbuilding in this part of the archipelago back to the 14th century.

This epic recounts the story of a prince who, after years of wandering, returned home only to fall deeply under the spell of his twin sister. Since such a union was forbidden, to console the prince, the king sent him to China to find a wife who resembled his sister. For this, the prince asked the most skilled artisans to build him a vessel sturdy enough to endure such a long voyage.

Once the ship was complete, the prince sailed to China and found a wife. But unwilling to see his sister again, whom he had come to love, the young man resolved never to return to his homeland. Yet as years passed, the prince grew homesick. He decided to return to sea and sail back. However, during the crossing, he was caught in a terrible storm that shattered his ship. The unfortunate prince did not survive, and the wreckage of his vessel scattered across several places, notably Ara, Tanjung, Bira, and Tana Beru.

Today

Today, shipbuilding using ancestral techniques continues to define the reputation of Tana Beru village. The craftsmanship of these artisans has been transmitted through oral tradition from father to son across generations. This is why construction proceeds without any plans, guided solely by the eye. Furthermore, the assembly of boat parts is done without nails, screws, or bolts—yet the vessels that emerge from this shipyard possess remarkable durability.

Although Tana Beru is relatively small, it is the largest shipyard in the entire region. Approximately fifty boats leave its workshops each year. These vessels have facilitated the exchange of merchandise from the archipelago to the coasts of Africa and Australia.

Beyond the shipyard, the village itself, with its narrow streets lined by palm trees and wooden houses, is equally worth exploring. As you wander these charming lanes, you're sure to encounter children eager to pose for photographs.

Climate

Tana Beru experiences a tropical humid climate with consistent temperatures. The area has two distinctly defined seasons: a rainy season from November to April, and a dry season from May to October. The dry season is the ideal time to visit.

Tana Beru is located 176 km from Makassar, capital of South Sulawesi province . It is accessible by car, with the journey taking between 4 to 5 hours.