Garuda Indonesia launches Makassar-Selayar route

Selayar, home to Taka Bonerate National Park, which was added to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2015, is now more accessible following the opening of Garuda Indonesia's latest route from Makassar to the regency, both in South Sulawesi.

Officially launched on Monday, the new service is available three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday using the ATR 72-600 aircraft, which can accommodate 70 passengers.

The GA 7856 flight departs from Makassar at 2:10 p.m. local time and arrives in Selayar at 3 p.m. Meanwhile, the return GA 7857 flight is scheduled to take off from Selayar at 3:35 p.m. and land in Makassar at 4:15 p.m.  

"Selayar has a lot of potential in tourism, especially marine tourism [...] such as Taka Bonerate National Park. Hopefully, this new service can ease access for visitors looking to reach the destination," said the national flag carrier's marketing and IT director, Nina Sulistyowati, in a statement.

In addition to Selayar, Garuda Indonesia also flies to Palopo from Makassar three times a week as part of its South Sulawesi operations. (kes)