Taka Makassar sandbar: a crescent of sand that needs low tide, and when King Cirox 2 calls

The sandbar exists on the tide's schedule, not the boat's. At low tide a crescent of white sand sits in open water, ringed by reef at 1 to 5 metres; at high tide it can be covered, and there is nothing to walk on. Know that before you plan a photograph on it.

Around the sand is shallow reef, 1 to 5 metres deep, with a mild current. That depth suits almost everyone: first-time snorkellers, children in life jackets, and anyone who found Manta Point's drift hard work. Allow 30 to 60 minutes in the water.

Taka Makassar is also why the afternoon order on several routes is flexible. The crew pairs it with Manta Point and swaps the two with the tide and the current, so you reach the sand when it shows and the drift when it works. Read the table below for depth, level and the busy months, then pack for sun.

There is minimal shade on the sand and none on the water. Three things go in your bag for this stop: a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and a shirt you can swim in. Fins are the fourth, because the boat lends masks and snorkels and nothing for your feet.

The run from Manta Point is short, 20 to 30 minutes, which is barely long enough to rinse a mask. On the 3D2N a snack comes between the two stops. Use it to drink water, because by Taka Makassar you have climbed Padar, walked with the dragons and swum two sites since breakfast.

Bring your camera in a dry bag if you want the sandbar from the water's edge. The open-trip documentation crew carries a GoPro and a drone, and from the air the whole crescent fits in one frame. The leg times below show how much of the afternoon is spent moving.

Taka Makassar is printed on three routes. The 3D2N open trip puts it last on day two, after Pink Beach, Manta Point and a snack, before dinner aboard. The 4D3N and the 5D4N place it on day three, after the Gili Lawa trek and Manta Point, with Siaba to follow.

The 2D1N charter route does not print it; guests on the 2D1N open-trip fare finish at Manta Point on day two and do not continue to it. If the tide makes the sandbar the better stop on the day, the crew can propose it in place of Manta Point. The full-day sample route does not come this far.

On the open trip, the cheapest way to stand on Taka Makassar is a Gresik bunk on the 3D2N at IDR 3,350,000 (≈ USD 206), one of four in the main-deck share cabin. A private double costs IDR 4,300,000 (≈ USD 264) per person. For a whole-boat charter of up to five, the 3D2N is IDR 47,500,000 (≈ USD 2,914). Pick your route from the itinerary below and check the departure date.