Donggala regency in Central Sulawesi is blessed with a magnificent, pristine beach in Banawa district, about 40 kilometers from the provincial capital of Palu.

Tanjung Karang beach, which to locals is just a white sandy beach, was known 20 years ago only as a resting place for local fishermen after a tiring day at sea.

There was no access to the area then despite the beautiful white sandy beaches, teeming with coconut farms, spreading along the coast.

But now, the beach has become a popular tourist destination frequented by residents from Palu and surrounding areas. In holidays especially, it is overrun by local as well as foreign tourists, mostly from European countries.

Visitors are willing to come to the area now thanks to good access, as it takes only 30 to 45 minutes by car from Palu. Even without its crystal clear waters and pristine V-shaped beach, its natural panoramic view would be breathtaking.

From the beach, Donggala city, about 3 kilometers away, is clearly visible, as are part of Palu and villages along the western coast of Donggala.

The night view is even more beautiful with the colorful flickering lights and the beam from a lighthouse at the corner of the cape.

Visitors can also enjoy the vast view of Palu Bay and Makassar Strait, where ships berth and depart from Pantoloan Port and traditional fishing boats crisscross the bay area.

At least 200 cars and motorcycles enter the area daily during holidays, according to Muhammad Ikhsan, a ticket attendant at the entrance to Tanjung Karang beach resort.

The number has risen sharply, especially since the Central Sulawesi provincial administration proclaimed a five-day working week in April last year.

"The highest numbers of visitors are recorded on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, when the number can reach into the thousands," he said.

To accommodate the needs of visitors, most of whom are families, local residents have built and rented out dozens of simple lodges made of wood and thatch.

Rates are reasonable, ranging between Rp 100,000 and Rp 300,000 per day. Each cottage has a bedroom, a terrace and a bathroom. Lodge operators offer tourists a range of meal options -- mostly seafood -- such as grilled fish, fried squid and roast lobster.

For drinks, they serve coffee, tea and sarabba, a local drink made of ginger and palm sugar with condensed milk, as well as banana fritters.

Visitors can also sample food, drinks and snacks at modest cafes located around the cottages.

At Tanjung Karang, there is an upscale resort equipped in the fashion of an upmarket hotel. The resort, called Prince John, is operated by a German businessman based in Palu.

The owner has also furnished it with a yacht and diving gear, mainly catering to foreign visitors.

Others seek different diversions.

"I don't want to go diving today. I don't need to rent a yacht to cruise around Tanjung Karang. I just want to rent an inner tube for Rp 3,000 and goggles for Rp 10,000 from Prince John to go snorkeling," said a local visitor, Muhammad Rizal.

After snorkeling, he described the beauty and wonder of the coral reefs and colorful fish darting over and in between the coral.

"I wished I had touched the fish because they were very close to me, and at times they even brushed my hands. It was a wonderful feeling," said Rizal.

In a recent conversation with The Jakarta Post, Donggala Regent Habir Ponulele said the beach had been designated as one of the best tourist resorts for developing the regional autonomy in the regency.

One of the advantages, said Ponulele, was its close proximity to Palu.

"Foreign visitors need not go to any trouble to reach the site. The moment they arrive, they don't need to rest but straight away can go diving and snorkeling," Ponulele said.

The beach has been chosen as one of the venues for the World Culture Festival, scheduled for Nov. 7 this year.

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