Makassar Travel Guide
Makassar is the largest and a capital city of Sulawesi, Indonesia. We offer you here the essential visits on site to dream and help you prepare for your future stay in Makassar. So happy reading about our Makassar Travel Guide!
Makassar, also known as Ujung Pandang, is a bustling port city located in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and delicious seafood, Makassar is a popular destination for tourists.
Makassar City, South Sulawesi. Hazeimi Rafsanjani, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Here’s a complete Makassar travel guide to help you plan your trip
Getting there
The Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport is the main airport in Makassar, and it receives flights from major cities in Indonesia and international destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi to the city center.
Where to stay
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Makassar, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular options include the Swiss-Belhotel Makassar, Aryaduta Makassar, and Novotel Makassar Grand Shayla.
What to see and do: Makassar has a rich cultural heritage, and there are plenty of historical and cultural attractions to explore.
From top, left to right:
Karebosi Skyline, Trans Studio Makassar. Floating Mosque Makassar, Traditional Macassar houses Makassar-Gowa road, Statue, Historic Fort Rotterdam, Losari Beach. File:Makassar CBD Skyline.jpg: HumaidynursaidyFile:TransStudioStreet.JPG: SankoFile:Floating Mosque Sulawesi.jpg: IkhvanFile:Bugis houses Sulawesi.jpg: BanjuniFile:Fisher Statue.jpg: SergeyFile:FortRotterdam3.jpg: SankoFile:Losari Beach.jpg: Closariderivative work: Badpuccini, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Some popular tourist spots include
Fort Rotterdam
A 17th-century Dutch fort that houses several museums and art galleries. It houses several museums and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage, including traditional clothing, artifacts, and weaponry.
Fort Rotterdam is a fort in Makassar, a city in the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. It was built in the 17th century by the Vereenigde Nederlandsche Geoctroyeerde Oostindische Compagnie (abbreviated as the VOC), literally the ‘United Dutch Chartered East India Company’ (the United East India Company), on the site of a former Gowa kingdom fort, Jum Pandan, from which comes the name “Ujung Pandang” under which the regime de Soeharto had renamed the city of Makassar.
The interior of Fort Rotterdam in Makassar, South Sulawesi. Sanko., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trans Studio Makassar
An indoor theme park with rides and attractions for all ages. It offers a range of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and interactive experiences.
Losari Beach
A bustling waterfront area with food stalls and street vendors. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade, sample some delicious seafood from one of the many food stalls, or simply relax and watch the sunset over the water.
Paotere Harbor
A bustling harbor where you can see traditional wooden boats being loaded and unloaded with cargo. You can also take a boat tour of the harbor or hire a local fisherman to take you out on a fishing trip.
Somba Opu Street
A street lined with traditional markets selling handicrafts and souvenirs. You can find everything from colorful textiles and traditional clothing to wood carvings and batik prints.
Bira Beach
This stunning beach is located about three hours south of Makassar and is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. You can rent snorkeling gear or arrange a diving excursion with a local operator.
Tana Toraja
This cultural region is located in the highlands of South Sulawesi and is famous for its unique funeral customs and traditional architecture. You can take a tour of the region and visit the ancient burial sites, traditional villages, and stunning rice terraces.
From Makassar to Tana Toraja by plane
The fastest way to go from Makassar to Tana Toraja is by plane. It takes 1 hour flight from Makassar (UPG) to Lagaligo (LLO) airport. Then you need to drive from agaligo airport to Tana Toraja, it takes 3h 30mn.
From Makassar to Tana Toraja by car
It takes 8h 15mn driving from Makassar to Tana Toraja.
What to eat
Makassar is famous for its delicious seafood, and you should definitely try some of the local dishes while you’re there. Some popular dishes include:
- Coto Makassar: A beef soup with spices and peanut sauce.
- Konro: Grilled or stewed beef ribs.
- Pallu Basa: A fish soup with turmeric and spices.
- Kapurung: A traditional Makassar dish made with young jackfruit, coconut milk, and spices.
When to go
Makassar has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 89.6°F) throughout the year. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is drier and there’s less chance of rain.
Getting around
Taxis and public transportation are readily available in Makassar, but be prepared for heavy traffic during peak hours. You can also rent a car or motorbike if you prefer to explore on your own.
Safety
As with any destination, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and keep your valuables secure.
With its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and delicious food, Makassar is a great destination for travelers who want to experience the best of Indonesia.
Indonesia Travel Guide | Preparing for your trip, practical guide, advice, tips and itineraries
Sources: PinterPandai, VillaCarissaSeminyak
Photo credit (main picture): Sanko (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons
Photo description: Makassar traditional port
