Well, after a month of running around to various locations across Sulawesi, we finally have found a place that we think would be perfect to build Pajoka. As a start we are planning on purchasing a small piece of land along the main beach in Ara. However, the ideal site is located nearby, somewhat excluded from the long beach of nearly perfect white sand.
It is an enclosed cresent of just the same sand. Around it are dramatic rocks which create unique forms. Some look like mushrooms, while other like tripods. Grabbing onto these rocks on all sides is a curtain of greenery, mostly drought tolerant plants. In some areas tree roots ooze off the cliff face extending down to the ground where they take root again.
The site rises rather steeply up to the top of the cliff, however building some bungalows along this area can be imagined. The top of the cliff overlooks the whole private beach, and is covered with some substantial trees. While this beach is only accessible at low tide along the sand, there is another way. There is a crack between the rocks that leads from one section to another, wide enough for a nice boardwalk.
The village of Ara also seems like an ideal candidate for eco-tourism. As of now, the community has not been affected by any types of mass tourism. There are still many artisanal workers, who are skilled in wood working and boat building. The population is about 2000, which is a reasonable size to be able to positively effect most individuals int he community. They also have a wide variety of crops growing in the town, meaning that goods only have to be transported locally rather than from region to region. Finally, it is also close enough to population centres that people who are coming out there do not feel completed isolated (unless they want to!). With a 4 hour drive from an international airport, it is actually surprising that it has not yet been exploited.
There are a couple regional activities to do, such as scuba diving and visiting cultural sites in the area. On site, there are also so things which can be done. I got a chance to get my fins wet and check out the reef. At the north end it was in reasonable condition, although it looked like bomb fishermen had got to it at some point in its past. When the tide is low, there is a great 30 m beach without stones of harmful objects, great for playing on. When the tide is high, this area turns into a perfect swimming area. Sandy bottomed, with nice cool water to ease the heat of the day. Catamarans would be awesome to take along this coast as well, because to both the north and south there are other beaches, along with a few secret coves in between.
Tags: ara, beach, beach front, diving, eco-tourism, ecotourism, Indonesia, property, sailing, snorkeling, swimming, tours, Travel
Leave a reply