There is no need to doubt the natural charm of Southeast Sulawesi Province. There are many interesting and beautiful things that can be found when visiting here, one of which is Ria Kolaka Beach. Kolaka Regency itself is located near the sea, so it is blessed with a row of beautiful beaches, ranging from brown sand to white and even black.
Also known as Cocoa City Beach, this marine tourism is one of the most popular in the Kolaka area , especially as a place for young people to hang out. However, visitors with family groups and children also appeared to be decorating the beach. At certain times there are also foreign tourists from abroad.
The number of visitors usually increases when Sundays arrive, or during long holiday seasons such as holidays, Christmas, and the end of the year or the beginning of the new year. If you are curious about the beauty of Kolaka beach, see the full review below.
The Attraction of Ria Kolaka Beach
The archipelago is indeed blessed with many beaches on various islands, and this is the attraction of Cocoa City Beach that makes it a shame not to visit when you are in Southeast Sulawesi:
✦ Popular Hanging Places
Especially for young people, coming to Cocoa City Beach is guaranteed to be fun because there are lots of young people hanging out here. When else can you hang out with the expanse of blue sea and brownish sand?
The sound of the roaring waves combined with the natural landscape will give a sensation of calm, peace, and can even restore the good mood that was lost. Cocoa City Beach is perfect for unwinding from the hustle and bustle of busy cities and noisy vehicles.
✦ Panorama of Mountains and Hills
Apart from the expanse of sea that refreshes the eyes, Kolaka Beach also offers a panoramic view of hills that look lush from a distance and the majestic mountains of Kolaka Regency. This natural panorama seems to bewitch the eyes of those who see it. It’s not surprising that this popular beach is almost never empty of tourists, including on weekdays.
✦ Evening Sun View
Another attraction of Ria Kolaka Beach that tourists cannot resist is the serene sunset view. The coolness of the beach air in the afternoon coupled with the orange sky creates a romantic feel and is suitable for viewing with loved ones. This is why in the afternoon the number of beach visitors will become busier.
Address, Location Route and Entrance Ticket
Cocoa City is not difficult to find because there are road signs when you almost arrive at the tourist attraction. Tourists simply prepare digital maps to find the route to Jalan Taman Laut.
Ria Beach is in Sea Village which is part of Latambaga District, Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. Road access to the beach is not difficult and can be passed by various types of vehicles, from motorbikes, cars, trucks, to tourist buses.
If most beaches are in mountainous areas and require passing through steep, winding roads, Cocoa City Beach is actually near an intersection, making it strategic. This means that the access road to the beach already uses smooth asphalt.
Interesting Activities to Do
There are many interesting and fun activities that can be done while at Ria Kolaka Beach. Here are some of them:
1. Sunbathe
This typical beach activity is suitable to do at Cocoa City Beach because tourists can enjoy the natural beauty around them. However, so that your skin doesn’t get sunburned, it’s best to do sunbathing at the right time, such as in the morning before 10 o’clock.
It’s even better if you can come early to sunbathe between 6-8 am when the sunlight is rich in vitamin D.
2. Photo hunting at Ria Kolaka Beach
Coming to a natural tourist spot as beautiful as this, it would be a shame if you didn’t take photos at the same time. There are many beautiful spots that can be a backdrop for selfies or group photos.
The best view is of course in the afternoon before sunset, namely at dusk. Don’t worry, it won’t cost you anything to bring a professional camera to take photos here. Another spot that is no less cool is the Chocolate Monument and the large Cocoa City writing in one corner of the beach.
The existence of the Chocolate Monument is what makes Ria Kolaka Beach nicknamed the Chocolate City (Cocoa City). At the end of the monument there are ripe chocolate beans of super jumbo size. This monument has a height of around 4-5 meters, and the left and right sides are decorated with leaves.
3. Culinary
Don’t worry about starving, because Cocoa City Beach has many food stalls that serve a variety of dishes ranging from snacks to heavy menus. Don’t forget the typical snacks from Kolaka Regency which are made from chocolate.
There are also various fried foods that can accompany lunch or afternoon while looking at the blue sea. The menus are offered at quite economical prices starting from IDR 5,000 – IDR 25,000 only.
4. Sports
If you come in the morning or evening, tourists will see several other visitors exercising here. There is a jogging track which can also be used for cycling. There is also a special area for playing beach volleyball.
5. Weekly Evening with the Kids
Apart from being recommended as a place to hang out with friends or enjoy a romantic atmosphere with your partner, this beach in Kolaka is also suitable as a place for a weekly evening with the kids.
Why? Because on Saturday night, this beautiful beach becomes even more lively with various exciting children’s games. One example is that children can do coloring and drawing activities. There are also sellers of balloons and a number of other children’s toys.
6. Play on the trampoline
If you want an activity that can move your body, tourists can try playing on the trampoline, which is for children and adults. However, in order to play it, tourists will be charged an additional fee apart from buying an entrance ticket at the front gate.
Available Tourist Facilities
If we talk about facilities, Ria Beach cannot be said to have complete facilities. But don’t worry, tourists who come will not lack facilities because they are quite adequate.
If you are in the area inside the beach, you can find a number of facilities including several benches for sitting, a row of simple food stalls, snack and drink sellers, and children’s toy sellers. Meanwhile, in the area outside the entrance, tourists will find a fairly large parking area. There are also public toilet facilities but they are limited in number, so sometimes you have to queue.
Tourists can also find guesthouses/inns and prayer rooms for worship, but these are not included in the facilities provided by the beach management. Both are outside the beach area but the distance is not far.
Ria Kolaka Beach can be included in the list of natural tourist destinations when you are in Kolaka Regency. If you want to get the best view, it is recommended to come during the dry season in the afternoon before dusk.
