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15 Top Things to Do in Makassar, Indonesia

Fun Diversions in and Around Sulawesi's Biggest City

TripSavvy / Mike Aquino

Makassar,  Indonesia , a historically significant trading port on the southwest coast of the island of Sulawesi, has a wealth of attractions. One of the country's largest cities, tropical Makassar deserves a spot on your Indonesian itinerary . Visitors enjoy everything from inner tubing down a waterfall among butterflies to snorkeling on white sandy beaches to an amusement park with a cartoon city. Another fun activity for anyone traveling to Makassar is tasting local delicacies sold by street vendors, such as grilled milkfish with a green mango sauce.

Feel Like Royalty at the Museum Balla Lompoa

S.sarafian / Wikimedia Commons / CC SA 4.0

Before Makassar was colonized, it was part of the thriving sultanate of Gowa. The one-time palace of past kings is now a museum called Balla Lampoa , which literally translates to "big house." Not only can you learn about the ancestral land and the powerful kingdom that once ruled, but the palace is also an impressively preserved piece of Indigenous Buginese architecture raised on stilts above the ground.

Apart from learning about history, you can try on royal garb and pretend you're a king or queen for a little while—at least long enough to snap a photo. Perhaps best of all, this interesting local museum is completely free to visit.

Conquer Lake Tanralili

Alta.witch / Wikimedia Commons / CC SA 4.0

If you're looking to spend a day in nature and don't mind a hike, it's worth the excursion to reach the scenic getaway of Lake Tanralili. It's about a two-hour drive from Makassar to the trailhead, which is located at the foot of Mount Bawakaraeng. The alpine waters are a tranquil place to escape the hustle of the city and go for a dip. Some hiking is required to reach the lake, so be sure to arrive prepared with drinking water and sun protection.

See Traditional Pinisi Boats at Paotere Harbor

Paotere Harbor’s long history tracks that of the independent Gowa Kingdom that dominated South Sulawesi from the 1300s to the 1670s. Pinisi ships—designed and built by Makassarese shipwrights—sailed forth from Paotere, reaching ports as far away as Malacca in present-day Malaysia .

Pinisi still crowd the dock that's only a 15-minute drive from Makassar, where beyond shipping essentials like rice and coffee, fishing boats arrive holding the day’s catch. Go early in the morning to see Paotere at its busiest. Watch the sun glow against the pinisi masts and have breakfast at wharfside street food stalls selling ikan bakar (grilled fish).

Laze at the Sunny Islands of Makassar Strait

The islands off Makassar call for a day of lazing at the beach and snorkeling to see the fish and sea urchins. Two lovely spots are the Kodingareng Keke sandbar, with great fine white sand, and Samalona Island, a favorite getaway for a picnic or to rent a house for overnight visits.

An island-hopping trip to Kodingareng Keke and Samalona Island can easily be arranged at the Bangkoa fisherman's port on Makassar. Take your rented boat to the islands in the Makassar Strait, where you can swim and lounge. Remember to bring sunscreen before you go.

View Butterflies and a Waterfall in Maros

Karst landscapes (formed by the dissolution of rocks like limestone and dolomite) are magical, and the Bantimurung-Bulusaraung river system in Maros, an approximately 45-minute drive from Makassar, is no exception. Plus you can experience a waterfall and river—both of which provide a spectacular backdrop for having a picnic. Thrill-seekers love riding down the waterfall on inner tubes.

Concrete steps take you up to the gently meandering river that feeds the waterfall. The paved path leads to the entrance to the Goa Mimpi (Dream Cave), one of the more than 200 caves in the entire Bantimurung karst system. You may see some butterflies around the waterfall or the cave walkway, but touring the butterfly enclosure on-site is the only reliable way to view these beauties.

Explore a Stone Forest and Cave

Maros’ Hutan Batu (Stone Forest) is one of the most scenic trips in Makassar. A one-hour drive from the city is the Rammang-Rammang Pier in Salenrang, where motorized canoes bring you down the Pute River, past cliffs, jungle, bridges, and traditional Sulawesi houses.

You’ll disembark at a village next to rice fields, all surrounded by towering karst mountains. The “Stone Forest” is said to be the second-largest karst landscape in the world, offering a series of adventures in and around the limestone cliffs.

At the Leang-Leang Cave, Stone Age residents left handprints and an illustration of a babirusa , or wild boar. The images are some of the oldest art in the world, some 35,000 years old.

Take in Colonial History at Fort Rotterdam

After the Dutch conquered the Gowa Kingdom in 1667, they destroyed the king's fortifications and built a fort that served as a nucleus around which the city that became Makassar grew over the centuries.

After independence, Fort Rotterdam, just 10 minutes from Makassar, became a repository for ancient documents and relics. Many of them can be seen at the La Galigo Museum, housed in two buildings: You'll see clothing from South Sulawesi's diverse peoples, models of boats from Sulawesi's many seafaring tribes, and more.

Go Shopping at Jalan Somba Opu

The Jalan Somba Opu shops south of Fort Rotterdam—about 10 minutes from Makassar by car—sell a range of items from expensive silks and gold jewelry to souvenir T-shirts by the dozen. Historically home to Makassar’s gold and silver shops, Jalan Somba Opu has expanded to cover a wide range of retail activities. Beyond the famous silver filigree from Kendari in southeastern Sulawesi, you’ll also find batik from Manado and woodcrafts and textiles from Toraja .

After dark, noodle hawkers set up along the sidewalks and sell bakso (meatballs) and grilled meats.

Have a Blast at an Amusement Park

Trans Studio Makassar

Trans Studio Makassar, one of the world's largest indoor amusement parks, is a fun way to spend a day in Tanjung Bunga Makassar—and it's only 15 minutes from the city center. With numerous games and activities within four themed areas, plus a movie theater, coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, and more, there is truly something for everyone in the family. The kids will be entertained by a cartoon city, a science center, and beyond. Ticket prices go up on weekends and national holidays.

Climb Around Celebes Canyon

Travlr Indonesia

Celebes Canyon, sitting on the edge of the Ule River about a two-hour drive from Makassar, is said to be named after the Grand Canyon in the U.S. and makes a great day trip for nature lovers. But this Indonesian canyon is not a well-known tourist attraction, so you probably won't find things like bathrooms and trash cans—you'll need to be prepared and pack out any trash. Soak in the clear and clean waters on a hot day, or just take in the beauty of the waterfall and rocks in the area.

Visit the Tomb of Pangeran Diponegoro

Sabjan Badio / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 

One interesting site in Makassar's center is the grave of the Indonesian national hero Pangeran Diponegoro. He played an important role in the Java War, the revolts against Dutch colonialism from 1825 to 1830. Put in prison by the Dutch in Fort Rotterdam in 1834, Diponegoro died in exile in Makassar in 1855. A donation box is on-site for contributions to the site's preservation.

Learn at the Great Mosque of Makassar

Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population, and more than 87 percent of the country's inhabitants practice this religion. To view one of the biggest Muslim places of worship in Southeast Asia, visit the Great Mosque of Makassar, which was built in 1948–1949 and was later renovated in 1999 over a six-year period. The two-story site has an expansive courtyard, and the building can accommodate up to 10,000 worshipers. Remember to take your shoes off as you enter.

Delve Into History at Somba Opu Fort

Doug Meikle / Dreaming Track Images / Getty Images

For an interesting look at an important historic site only about 20 minutes by car from Makassar, check out the Somba Opu Fort that was built in 1525 by the Sultan of Gowa IX and later destroyed by the Dutch East India Company in 1669. The previous trading port located in Jalan Daeng Tata in the Gowa regency was rediscovered in the 1980s and reconstructed in 1990.

In addition to the fort, visitors will have a chance to see a cannon weighing almost 21,000 pounds (9,500 kilograms), a history museum, and a number of traditional houses representing the South Sulawesi tribes called Bugis, Makassar, Mandar, and Toraja.

Watch the Sunset on Pantai Losari

To see Makassar at its most spontaneous, visit the Pantai Losari seaside promenade just before sundown—it's a favorite stop for people watching everyone from tourists to reptile fanciers who are all there to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Then walk north up Jalan Penghibur for an early dinner at the sidewalk kaki lima (food stalls) for Makassar favorites like pisang epe (grilled banana with palm sugar sauce) and buroncong (breakfast cakes made of flour and grated coconut).

Eat Makassar's Favorite Foods

The kaki lima only scratch the surface of Makassar's eating possibilities. The locals are avid anglers who have created a range of dishes that will dazzle even the most demanding gourmand.

Start with their ample seafood menu, like the ikan parape (grilled milkfish with spices) that you eat with a fresh green mango condiment. Other must-haves are the rich beef stew called coto Makassar and the ayam goreng Sulawesi, a fried chicken dish typically with a soy sauce base and a variety of spices. Gado gado, the mixed vegetable dish with peanut sauce, is an option for vegetarians. And don't miss the decadent banana-based dessert named pisang ijo .

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary services for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, TripSavvy believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our  Ethics Policy .

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15 Interesting and Mouth Watering Things to do in Makassar

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Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, has been a trading center since the beginning of the sixteenth century. As one of the busiest business cities in Indonesia, Makassar gets plenty of visitors. Though it is overlooked as a tourism destination there are plenty of things to do in Makassar.

With its strong historical roots, plenty of tasty food , and also amazing scenery , there are plenty of reasons to make Makassar the candidate for your next holiday spot. Here are a few of the best things to do in and around Makassar.

1. Catch the sunset at Losari Beach

Losari Beach is a popular sunset spot for locals thanks to the dramatic and amazing sunsets. There’s a large public area where you’ll find kids on inline skates, people enjoying the view of the sea and families enjoying the outdoors. It’s a great place to do people watching. Besides the sunset, make sure to visit the Amirul Mukminin Floating Mosque, which is a 5 minutes walk from Losari Beach.

2. Discover the Dutch heritage at Fort Rotterdam

Makassar or Ujung Pandang dates back to the early 15th century. During a war with the Dutch, I Mallombasi Muhammad Bakir Daeng Mattawang Karaeng Bonto Mangape, better known as Sultan Hasanuddin, signed over the fort as part of the peace treaty. When the Dutch occupied this fort, they changed the name from Ujung Pandang to Fort Rotterdam.

The fort is still well preserved and it’s a nice area to wander around and explore. Close to the entrance, on the left side, there is an area that you can climb up, and enjoy the view of Losari Beach. Within the fort you’ll find La Galigo Museum.

3. Somba Opu Sultan’s Fort

Somba Opu Fort dates back to the same period as Fort Rotterdam. Following the signing of the Bungaya Agreement in 1667 between the Sultanate of Gowa and the Netherlands Somba Opu Fort became the royal quarters for the king.

A visit to the Somba Opu Port is less well maintained than Fort Rotterdam. On the way to Somba Opu Fort you have to pass Gowa Discovery Park (a sort of waterpark). The road to the fort is poorly maintained. When you arrive you will see remnants of the ruins of the fort, cannon, a two-storey museum and also some traditional houses. It’s worth visiting and one of the interesting things to do in Makassar if you plan to be in the city for a few days.

4. Join in Car Free Day

Every Sunday in Makassar the city holds a car-free day. The car free areas of the city include Losari Beach, Sudirman Street and a few other points as well. The morning is a great chance to take over the busy roads of Makassar and do activities such as jogging, cycling and enjoying an easy culinary tour. Don’t worry if you get hungry, there are many small booths selling a variety of typical dishes of the city.

5. Water sports at Kodingareng Island

If you are looking for some relaxing things to do in Makassar you should visit Kodingareng Island. The island is a 45-minute boat ride away from Makassar’s Bangkoang Port. There is no public boat to go to the island, so if you want to visit you’ll have to arrange your own boat. It’s easy to arrange this from the port (cost approxiametly Rp 500,000).

On Kodingareng Island you can do water sports like snorkeling, playing on jet skies or just sunbathing. There are also some snorkeling spots 10 minutes away from the island if you want to explore the underwater world.

6. Happy lunch at Samalona Island

If you are planning to visit Kodingareng then you should also go to Samalona Island. The island is a 30-minute boat ride from Makassar and it’s a nice place to grab a tasty seafood lunch from some locals who live on Samalona Island. Make sure to try the black ink squid, which is delicious!

Some nice things to do when you are visiting the island include more snorkeling on nearby Samalona Island or just take a walk around the island. Btw, there is a stall on the island where you can rent snorkeling equipment.

7. Dessert and snack time in Makassar

The food from Makassar is famous around Indonesia for its sweet desserts. One of the most famous dishes is Es Pisang Ijo. This dish is made from a banana wrapped in green dough and served with ice shavings, syrup and custard. One of the best places to try the dish is RM Muda Mudi, which is located on Jl. Rusa No.45 A.

A savory option to try is Jalangkote, a typical snack from Makassar that looks similar to puff pasty. Jalangkote is served with a sauce of vinegar and chili. The Jalangkote puff is stuffed with diced carrots and potatoes, bean sprouts and rice noddle. You can find Jalangkote at many restaurants and street stalls.

The third snack you should try if you are looking for things to do in Makassar is Pisang Epe. The dish is prepared by grilling a banana over coals for 10-15 minutes and is served with a caramel sauce. You can also choose more modern options like Pisang Epe with cheese or chocolate, etc. There is a kilometer long stretch by Losari Beach, which is occupied by more than 150 Pisang Epe sellers.

8. See the Phinisi at Paotere Harbour

Makassar is a port city and the day here starts very early. If you like to wake up early and are looking for things to do in Makassar the Paotere Harbour is an interesting place to visit. Come just after sunrise and you’ll see fishermen bringing in catch from the night before.

The highlight of a visit to the harbor is a chance to see the traditional Phinisi boats of the Bugis from Makassar (this is where the word Boogeyman comes from, many Bugis were pirates). The pinisi or phinisi is a traditional Indonesian two-masted sailing ship. Pinisi is still commonly used as small cruise ships, especially in the eastern part of Indonesia.

9. Wander at Rammang-Rammang

A visit to Rammang-Rammang, which is located in Maros, a 40 minutes drive from the city center, is one of the best things to do in Makassar. I would suggest you go early in the morning, probably depart from Makassar at 6 am. When you visit you’ll be amazed by the karts/limestone. The best way to explore is joining a cruise on a small canoe.

During the cruise you will get a chance to visit the Berua village, definitely one of the most picturesque villages in the region. The villagers are so lucky to be surrounded by the amazing limestone karts. If you visit during the rain season you will be rewarded with the green scenery, while a visit during the dry season the landscape is a golden brown.

10. Enjoy the natural slide at Bantimurung Waterfall

One of the highlights of a visit to Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park is the natural slide at Bantimurung Waterfall . This is a definite favorite with young kids and young at heart adults. The waterfall is very famous with locals and up to 10,000 people can visit over a weekend (so try to visit during the week when it is calmer if you can).

Of course there is more to the Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park than the Bantimurung Waterfall. If you decide to explore the park you’ll find that there are several caves that you can explore and natural lakes to trek around. Make sure to bring a guide and some food for a picnic.

11. Breakfast with Coto Makassar

The best way to start the day in Makassar if you want to feel like a local is with a traditional breakfast. People in Makassar love Coto Makassar for breakfast (I recommend trying it from the restaurant on Gagak Street). The dish is a beef soup, served with rice cake (ketupat) and fried red shallots. Don’t forget to add a good squeeze of lime, the must-have-condiment for almost all dishes in Makassar.

12. Try the famous Pallubasa Serigala

Pallubasa is a dish that looks similar to Coto Makassar. The soup is traditionally made of a mixture of offal and meat and served with a raw egg in the soup. You can enjoy the Coto Makassar with Ketupat rice cake, or with steamed rice. I personally prefer Pallubasa compared to Coto Makassar. I think that the way the meat is prepared makes the beef in Pallubasa very tender compared to Coto Makassar.

13.Visit the grave of Pangeran Diponegoro

Pangeran Diponegoro is an Indonesian national hero who was born in Yogyakarta and exiled to Makassar. Prior to being exiled he played an important role in the revolts against Dutch colonialism known as the Java War (1825-1830). The Dutch imprisoned him in Fort Rotterdam in 1834. Pangeran Diponegoro died in exile in Makassar in 1855.

14. Shop till you drop

There are a lot of chances to do shopping in Makassar. If you fancy to buy some souvenirs from Makassar you should definitely visit Somba Opu Street. There are plenty of stores selling textiles, fabrics like Songket Makassar and of course lots of traditional snacks. If you want something more upmarket you could also visit the mall. Some of the malls in the city that you should check out include Ratu Indah Mall, and Trans Studio Mall.

15. Head into the highlands of Toraja

When you have finished your list of things to do in Makassar it will be time to head to Toraja. A 10-hour bus ride from Makassar, the exotic highlands of Toraja with its interesting culture and unique traditions is a must if you are travelling through Sulawesi. Some of the highlights of Tana Toraja include tasty coffee, strong culture, unique gravesites, amazing landscapes and beautiful woven fabrics. You can check out this post for a list of some of the best things to do in Tana Toraja .

I hope this inspires you and helps you create your own list of things to do in Makassar . For more information about this part of Indonesia check out the Discover Your Indonesia Sulawesi page . There are plenty of articles to help you organize your trip around the island.

Have you ever visited Makassar? What’s your favorite thing to do in the city? Share your ideas and questions in the comments below.

Note: Makassar is one of the destinations that I visited during the #TripOfWonders with South East Asian travel bloggers and influencers and run by the Tourism Board of Indonesia. For more info about Wonderful Indonesia, check the official website: Indonesia.Travel . 

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About the Author Firsta

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Beyond The Batimurung Waterfall

Best dan Biggest mall in MKS is not Mall Ratu Indah, but Trans Studio Mall. It’s about 15 mins from Losari. And, you forget to mention Mi Titi.. How dare you..

Oh right! Thanks, I added Trans Studio Mall. I tried Mi Titi back in 2013 when I first visited Makassar. So much food in Makassar (and the list is full with food already!).

Hi Firsta how are you? I am malaysian plan to visit makassar shortly, hope can get more info about it, thanks

Hi Dr Pierre, Not sure what information you are looking for this? Hope you have a great visit to Makassar.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Indonesia » One Day Makassar Itinerary: Top Things to Do

One Day Makassar Itinerary: Top Things to Do

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Daniel Herszberg

Daniel has visited Every Country in the World – the youngest Australian to set foot in all 197/197 countries!

Makassar sadly isn’t going to win many beauty awards. For travelers to Indonesia, the capital of Sulawesi island is often a launching point for more exciting places on your Indonesia travel itinerary .

I’m not here to convince you to include Makassar on your vacation to Indonesia. But, I realize many travelers often pass through this city on the way to Tana Toraja , diving sites in Sualwesi and further afield to Ternate and other Maluku islands .

Makassar is Indonesia’s fifth-largest city and the capital of South Sulawesi province. To truly understand a country, I believe you need to delve deeper into all its complexities: even the less pretty reality of chaotic urban centers . For the intrepid traveller to Indonesia, there’s certainly enough to fill one or two days in Makassar – and if you’re considering whether to do it, the excellent food should be enough to convince you.

Here are some of the top things to do (and eat) when planning your Makassar itinerary.

1. Visit the fishing port and market

2. learn about colonial history at fort rotterdam, 3. go gold shopping on jalan somba opu, 4. take in the sunset over masjid amirul mukminin and masjid kubah 99, 5. eat unique makassar foods, 6. indulge in a massage, where to stay in makassar, how to get to makassar, indonesia.

As one of Indonesia’s largest cities, and the capital of South Sulawesi, Makassar is a major transit hub. We’ve set out below the best ways to get to Makassar. However, if you’re looking for more information on visas and getting around Indonesia, check out our Guide to Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Indonesia .

Makassar (Airport code: UPG) has a huge airport which is extremely well connected to Indonesia’s domestic flight network , with regular flights to Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya. The city is also the major domestic gateway for flights to the Maluku Islands, including Ternate and Ambon (for the Banda Islands and Kei Islands).

Travel tip : Make sure you have a window seat on the left-hand side of the plane for your approach into Makassar.

The plane descends over some of the most magnificent rice terraces in Southeast Asia .

Makassar airport is often referred to as Ujung Pandang (the city’s historic name) . Don’t get worried when you don’t see ‘Makassar’ written on the airport departure board!

The infamous Pelni ferry network uses Makassar as a major hub, which means you can connect to Makassar by ferry from most major cities in Indonesia – even as far afield as Labuanbajo, Flores (for the Komodo dragons) or Sorong, Papua (for Raja Ampat).

1-Day Makassar Itinerary: Top Things to Do

Start early and take a Grab (the Southeast Asian uber) to Pelabuhan Paotere , the major port in Makassar. The port is extremely active, which means there is usually a colorful mix of characters and industrial grit here .

With decaying and heavily rusting ships, lots of colorful fish for sale and hordes of people, this is one of the most photogenic places in Makassar and a dream for urban photographers.

Fort Rotterdam is one of Indonesia’s grandest Dutch military forts. Interestingly, the Dutch fort was built on top of a local sultan’s fort – which itself was built to fend off the Dutch !

Within the fort, you can find many well-preserved examples of Dutch colonial architecture and the small Museum Negeri La Galigo . The museum (interestingly) does not cover the history of the fort, but rather a most random assortment of dinosaur artefacts, Tana Toraja crafts and Buddhist statues. If you have spent much time off-the-beaten-path in Southeast Asia, you will know exactly what I’m talking about…

Jalan Somba Opu is the unofficial gold market of Makassar and home to many small gold shops. It’s an interesting place to walk through and people watch, with lots of groups of young women admiring the jewelry and street vendors offering their services to weigh your new purchases. You can also find a handful of craft and souvenir shops (mainly reselling Torajan crafts), like the Sulawesi Art Shop .

Jalan Somba Opu is also home to one of my favorite cafes in Makassar: Kopi Ujung . I can’t decide if the coffee truly is world-class or if I simply love this café for its strong air-conditioning.

Regardless, this hipster coffee offers excellent ice coffees made from local Indonesian beans and offers lactose-free milk alternatives. The small gift shop attached is a great place to purchase souvenirs from Makassar .

Any Makassar itinerary must include these two mosques, which are often considered to be the icons of Makassar city . Both are extremely beautiful and, in my opinion, best viewed from the shore of Losari beach ( pantai in Bahasa Indonesia).

I recommend visiting this area toward the late afternoon. You’ll find many hawker halls and fish warungs out on the shore , with lots of young families walking and enjoying the (relatively) cooler weather. Buy a coconut, grab a seat, wait for the call to prayer and watch the sunset over the mosques. The perfect end to a perfect day in Makassar .

Makassar is famous for a number of unique foods and what better way to spend a day than to go on a little DIY food tour.

The most famous dish from Makassar is coto Makassar , a unique beef soup . Local friends swear by Coto Nusantara , a small and extremely cheap hole-in-the-wall coto Makassar speciality eatery. Vegetarians in Makassar will be excited to know that you can experience a vegetarian coto Makassar at the pure vegetarian restaurants of Rumah Makan Veggie Food and D’Smile Resto .

The second most famous dish from Makassar is epe pisang or grilled bananas, which is grilled savory style banana which are then flattened and topped with sweet palm sugar syrup .

You can also find little stalls selling more creative fusion versions, like Oreo or chocolate crunch. The best place to try epe pisang in Makassar is Rumah Makan Muda Mudi , but if you’re tired of Makassar traffic and don’t want to hop in another Grab, the small stalls across from Pantai Losari all offer an equally delicious version .

Fish and seafood are central to Sulawesi cuisine. Every evening along the shoreline from Fort Rotterdam all the way down to Pantai Losari, you will find small warungs selling various grilled fish in local sauces and soups .

It’s no secret that Indonesia is a very affordable destination for Western visitors. Small luxuries like massages are extremely cheap, with 2-hour massages often being between 210,000 and 300,000 IDR ($13 – $18). My favorite place for massages in Makassar is Bambuu Bali – it’s extremely clean and with all the trappings of a high-end Bali massage parlour (slippers, warm tea and soft music).

There is a good chance you are in Makassar waiting for an onward flight or boat to somewhere more remote and, let’s be honest, exciting.

If you are traveling on a budget, RedDoorz and the Ibis are well-priced and centrally located. Although, I think Makassar is one of the best value-for-money places in Indonesia and I’d recommend splurging for the Novotel Makassar Grand Shayla or the Hyatt Place which can often be as cheap as $50 a night. If you are continuing on to rural Sulawesi, you’ll be grateful for a night of hot water and strong Wi-Fi!

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Must-see attractions in Makassar

Fort Rotterdam

One of the best-preserved examples of Dutch military architecture in Indonesia, Fort Rotterdam was built on the site of a Gowanese fort, itself built to…

Asmaul Husnah 99 Kubah

On the reclaimed waterfront opposite Pantai Losari, this stunning bright-orange-and-white, 99-domed mosque was almost complete at the time of research and…

Makam Sultan Hasanuddin

This tomb memorialises Indonesian national hero Sultan Hasanuddin, who ruled Gowa during the 17th century, fiercely defending the kingdom against the…

Pulau Samalona

Just far enough away from Makassar to shed most (but not all) of the rubbish, the white sands of Pulau Samalona are popular with day trippers,…

Pelabuhan Paotere

Pelabuhan Paotere, 4km north of the city centre, is a large port where Bugis sailing ships berth. It's a working port, with requisite bustle and grime,…

Museum Negeri La Galigo

Spread across two buildings inside Fort Rotterdam, Museum Negeri La Galigo has an assortment of exhibits, including palaeolithic artefacts, rice bowls…

Beteng Somba Opu

Once the most formidable fortress in the archipelago, Somba Opu was decimated by the Dutch in 1669, then consumed by the Jeneberang River delta. One…

Pantai Losari

Pantai Losari is a kilometre-long beachless promenade that stretches south to Masjid Amirul Mukminin, the 'floating mosque'. It's a good place to catch…

Museum Balla Lompoa

A seemingly forgotten and rather dilapidated collection of local artefacts is housed in an impressive example of traditional Sulawesi architecture: the…

Pulau Kayangan

This tiny island, a 10-minute ride (return 40,000Rp) from Makassar harbourfront, was getting a much-needed facelift when we last visited. It's rammed with…

Masjid Amirul Mukminin

Rising above the sea on concrete pillars, this small but stylish twin-domed 'floating mosque' enjoyed better sunset views (and cleaner waters) before…

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Fascinating Things to See and Do when in Makassar

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Things to Do in Makassar, Indonesia

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Makassar Things to Do

Also known as Ujung Padang , Makassar is a port city located on the island of Sulawesi , Indonesia. It is an ever-expanding city with lots of fun and interesting things to do.

Ford Rotterdam in Makassar

Ford Rotterdam is an old fortress in Makassar . The architecture of this Indonesian attraction is a great example of Dutch craftsmanship. The fort has its own museum, La Caligo Museum. It consists of two large buildings with ethological exhibits in one and historical items in the other. There are a variety of displays that you can view including prehistoric kitchen tools, rice bowls, clothing, and musical instruments.

The Monument of a Prince

Indonesians visit and honor the famous Prince Diponegoro of Yogyakarta . He was a prince who played an important part in the Java War. He opposed the Dutch colonial rule and rebelled against them. Diponegoro led the fight against the Dutch and thus began a holy war. When his soldiers were defeated, Diponegoro was exiled to Makassar . You can take time to view the tomb and monument of the late prince while you are in the city.

Cave of Dream

Discover the Cave of Dream was founded in 1986 by accident. An artist trying to find inspiration became lost in the Bantimurung Forest area. When he did not return to the city, two locals went to search for him. They actually found the cave instead. It became known as the Cave of Dream because of the beautiful mineral formations, known as stalactites and stalagmites covering the interior of the cave.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Makassar , Indonesia.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Things To Do In Makassar

• Losari Beach
• Fort Rotterdam
• Trans Studio Makassar
• Paotere Harbor
• Samalona Island
• Malino Highlands
• Bantimurung Waterfall
• View all 7 places
• Things to do
• Best time to visit
• How to Reach
• Tourist Map

Top 10 things to do in Makassar

1. visit fort rotterdam.

Fort Rotterdam, also known as Benteng Makassar, is a historical site in Makassar with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Originally built by the Gowa Kingdom and later expanded by Dutch colonialists, the fort has served various roles over the years, from a center of power to a place of imprisonment. Today, the fort is a cultural and educational attraction where visitors can explore the well-preserved architecture, learn about the history of Makassar, and the Dutch colonial period at the museum housed within one of the buildings. Photo opportunities abound with the fort's impressive stone walls and surrounding moat. Various cultural performances and events are occasionally held here, providing insights into local traditions and heritage.

2. Explore Trans Studio Makassar

Trans Studio Makassar is one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, offering a diverse range of attractions and entertainment for visitors of all ages. From thrilling rides and simulators that will get your adrenaline pumping to a variety of live shows, there's something for everyone. Kids can enjoy the Cartoon City, home to a host of well-loved characters, while families can bond over attractions like the Magic Thunder Coaster. The park also offers shopping and dining options, making it a full-day experience. Don't forget to watch the dazzling parades and to participate in the interactive experiences scattered throughout the park that, along with the friendly staff, contribute to the park's vibrant atmosphere.

3. Relax at Losari Beach

Losari Beach is a popular waterfront destination where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the sea breeze, stunning sunsets, and local cuisine sold by the array of food stalls along the promenade. Although it's not suited for swimming due to the lack of an actual beachfront, the newly constructed amphitheater often hosts events and cultural performances. Visitors can also partake in sea-related activities like boat tours and jet skiing. The beach is an excellent place for a leisurely stroll or to sit and relax while savoring pisang epe or other local specialties. The lively atmosphere, coupled with the sound of waves and the captivating views, makes Losari Beach a must-visit when in Makassar.

4. Discover Marine Life at Sombu Dive Makassar

Sombu Dive Makassar brings the underwater wonders of Indonesia to divers and snorkelers. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, Sombu Dive provides safe and professional experiences to explore marine life around Makassar. The warm waters of this region are home to vibrant coral reefs and a plethora of marine species. Offering both PADI courses and fun dives, the center equips visitors with the necessary gear and knowledge to venture into the sea. The friendly staff ensures that each underwater adventure is memorable while prioritizing your safety and the preservation of the marine environment.

5. Cultural Experience at Balla Lompoa Museum

Located in the former palace of the Gowa Kingdom, Balla Lompoa Museum is a cultural treasure trove that offers a glimpse into the illustrious past of South Sulawesi. The museum displays a rich collection of artifacts, including royal heirlooms, traditional costumes, and weapons, all of which narrate the history and heritage of the Gowa people. The well-preserved building itself is an architectural marvel, constructed in the traditional style without using any nails. Visitors are advised to explore the museum with a guide, who can provide deeper context and stories behind each exhibit. Learning about the local customs, the significance of the displayed objects, and the prominent figures of the Gowa Kingdom makes for an enlightening and educational visit.

6. Adventure at Rammang-Rammang Village

Situated about 50km north of Makassar, Rammang-Rammang Village is set amidst the stunning karst formations of Maros. This tranquil village offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and a chance to commune with nature. Embark on a boat ride through the winding Pute River, edged by towering karst cliffs and lush vegetation, to arrive at the village. Once there, you can explore the prehistoric caves with ancient wall paintings, visit local homes, and learn about the way of life in this unique environment. With its scenic landscapes and serene atmosphere, Rammang-Rammang is a paradise for photographers and adventurers seeking to discover the natural beauty of South Sulawesi.

7. Sunset at Akkarena Beach

Akkarena Beach is another sought-after location in Makassar that draws visitors with its stretch of gray sandy shores and the panoramic views of the ocean. It's an excellent spot for families and friends to relax, with facilities such as beach chairs, umbrellas, and a variety of food stands. The beach is well-known for its stunning sunsets, where the sky erupts in a burst of colors as the sun descends into the horizon. Personalize your experience by riding a horse along the beach or taking a calm stroll on the sand while savoring jagung bakar (grilled corn). Although swimming is not the main activity here, the beach's ambiance during dusk is not to be missed.

8. Shopping at Somba Opu Street

Somba Opu Street is the go-to place for shopping enthusiasts in Makassar. Known for its vast array of shops and stalls offering traditional crafts, this street is the perfect place to find souvenirs and gifts. From intricate silk sarongs and gold-threaded Songket fabrics to handcrafted jewelry and ornate Bugis swords known as kris, the items available reflect the rich cultural diversity of Sulawesi. Bargain-hunters will enjoy haggling with the friendly vendors to get a fair price. Don't miss the opportunity to try local delicacies at the nearby eateries, where you can sample delicious Makassar staples like the well-known Coto Makassar, a savory beef soup.

9. Historical Tour at The Old Gowa Sultanate

The Old Gowa Sultanate provides a historical journey into the past of the Sultanate of Gowa; one of the most powerful kingdoms in Eastern Indonesia during the 16th and 17th centuries. Visitors can explore the ancient court complex which includes the Balla Lompoa Museum, historical pavilions, and graves of past sultans. The intricate architectural design and the regalia on display illustrate the glory days of the sultanate and offer insight into the kingdom's influence on regional politics, trade, and cultural exchanges. A visit to this site deepens the understanding of Makassar's historic significance and the cultural dynamics of the Indonesian archipelago.

10. Island Hopping to Samalona and Kodingareng Keke

For a day of sun, sea, and sand, take a boat trip from Makassar to the nearby tropical havens of Samalona Island and Kodingareng Keke Island. These pristine islands are beloved by beachgoers and offer clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral reefs. Samalona's white sandy beaches are perfect for relaxation, while Kodingareng Keke is less developed and provides a more secluded atmosphere. Both islands afford visitors the chance to snorkel just off the shore, floating above diverse marine life. Beachside eateries serve fresh seafood and local dishes. The scenic boat ride and the island's laid-back vibe make this excursion an unforgettable experience.

Other Suggested Reads for Makassar

• About Makassar Tourism
• Places To Visit in Makassar
• How to Reach Makassar
• Best time to Visit in Makassar
• Makassar Tourism History
• Food in Makassar
• FAQS about Makassar
• Makassar Tourist Map

Home » Travel Guides » Indonesia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Sulawesi (Indonesia)

15 Best Places to Visit in Sulawesi (Indonesia)

Sulawesi is one of the main islands of Indonesia and enjoys a strong domestic tourist market, making it one of the top travel destinations in the country. Foreign visitors to Indonesia however often leave it off the list in favor of Lombok or Bali, but anyone willing to make the trip will be rewarded with amazing attractions and some truly stunning scenery.

Sulawesi is divided up into North, South and Central Sulawesi and is also surrounded by a wide variety of islands. This means that it can take a little longer to get around, but it also means that there is just so much to explore here and each region has a unique flavor to it. As a result, you can flit from tropical islands to big cities, and this is also a chance to see how Indonesia’s Christian community lives, as the majority of inhabitants here are Christians which is a marked difference to other islands like Java.

This island is also known for its strong and unique culture, as this is the home of the Toraja people, and you can visit a huge range of attractions here that will fill you in on all the history of Sulawesi and its inhabitants. As well as a chance to see a completely different culture to much of Indonesia, Sulawesi also has some of the best diving opportunities in the archipelago and diving aficionados have been coming for years due to the visibility and amazing range of sea creatures found in these waters.

Let’s explore the best places to visit in Sulawesi :

1. Makassar

Makassar is also sometimes referred to as Ujung Pandang and is the capital city of the south of the island.

Most people use Makassar as a way of entering and exiting Sulawesi, but if you are in town then make the most of it by visiting some of its main attractions.

One of these is Fort Rotterdam which was built during the Dutch colonial period, as well as Losari Beach which is a pretty and unexpected tropical delight.

From Makassar you can also easily travel to neighboring attractions like Tana Toraja and Pulau Khayangan.

2. The Wakatobi Islands

The Wakatobi Islands take their name from the first letters of the four islands in this archipelago is southern Sulawesi.

There are Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko and most people visit the islands for the splendid diving opportunities that abound here.

You can fly across to the Wakatobi Islands from Bali, although you will get a completely different beach experience as this is one of the remotest parts of Indonesia.

Expect jet blue seas and clean sands that stretch for miles on a visit here, which more than makes up for the journey.

3. Tana Toraja

Tana Toraja is probably the premium attraction in Sulawesi and it is here that you can learn all about the Torajan indigenous group who call this island home.

At Tana Toraja you can see how people have lived for centuries and there are a range of celebrations here that are unique to Sulawesi such as the elaborate funerals held here.

Make sure to look out for the grave sites which feature effigies of the dead, and you will also find ornate homes, traditional architecture, and local communities.

4. Lindu National Park

The Lindu National Park is located in Palu and even just getting there is something of an experience in itself.

The park sits at the end of a series of mountain roads, and when you get there you will find vast swathes of lush rainforest.

Those who love nature won’t be disappointed, and can enjoy colorful butterflies, majestic hornbills, and cheeky monkeys living in the forest.

The forest also abounds with indigenous exotic plants, and its location is so secluded that it truly feels like you are getting off the grid.

Located in Central Sulawesi, Tentena is best known for Poso Lake which sparkles with an azure hue and is not to be missed if you are in the area.

This is particularly true if you happen to be here in August and you can enjoy the annual Poso Festival which takes place at the lake.

Other attractions in the area include the Saloupa Waterfall, and if you are travelling across from North to South Sulawesi then Tetena makes a great place to stop off for a few days.

Manado is the capital city of North Sulawesi and also the second largest city in Sulawesi.

It is one of the most vibrant spots on the island and is famous for its mix of religious buildings such as Chinese temples and Christian churches.

It also has a rather unexpected attraction in the form of a statue of Jesus Christ which is the fourth tallest statue of its kind in the world.

As Indonesian is a predominantly Muslim country, with over 80% of the population believing in Islam, this kind of Christian architecture is unusual and definitely worth a visit if you are in Manado.

7. Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park

Located in Northern Sulawesi is the Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park which can be easily visited from the neighboring city of Gorontalo.

The main draw here is the acres of pristine rainforest and many tourists don’t make the trip here meaning that you are unlikely to be plagued by crowds and will be able to explore in peace.

There are a range of trails all over the park and you can either hire a guide or go it alone.

Whatever you decide you will find a plethora of plant and animal life here including monkeys, snakes, and birds.

8. Togean Islands

The Togean Islands are one of the best kept secrets in Indonesia, especially if you like diving and you want to check out some of the amazing underwater creatures in this part of the world.

It takes some effort to get to this small archipelago which sits in the Tomini Sea in the north of Sulawesi, but it is more than worth it for the pristine sands and sparkling turquoise seas.

Most people who do make the trip out here do so for the diving, but even if you don’t dive you can still enjoy this beachside paradise that is rarely visited by travelers to Indonesia.

Nature lovers should look no further than Tomohon if they want to see some of the best scenery and natural highlights of Sulawesi.

The big draw here is Mount Mahawu Volcano and this is a top spot if you like trekking, with several different routes and walks available up the mountainside depending on your time and budget.

From the volcano you can take in the lush rural highlands that Tomohon is famous for and you can also enjoy the little handicraft villages that are dotted around the area.

10. Tangkoko National Park

Tangkoko National Park sprawls over an impressive 9,000 hectares of land and is the home of some of the most amazing indigenous animals in North Sulawesi.

As you trek around the various trails in the park look out for tarsiers which have the claim to fame of being the smallest primate in the world as well as Black Crested Macaques which are indigenous to the island.

As with many attractions in Sulawesi, a trip to the park makes you feel as if you landed in the middle of nowhere, so if you are looking for a holiday that lets you get away from the crowds then this is the place to come.

11. Bunaken

Bunaken Island is one of the best places in the world to dive or snorkel, but because it takes some time to get here many people never get the opportunity to sample its underwater delights.

Bunaken is also part of a wider marine national park and has an impressive array of marine life including 70 different kinds of coral and 5 species of turtles.

On a dive trip here you can expect to see hundreds of species of colorful fish and if you are lucky you might also get the chance to see white and black tip reef sharks.

Other highlights include dugongs, pygmy seahorses, and barracuda.

12. Lembeh Island

If you travel to the city of Bitung you can easily hop across to Lembeh Island which is another one of Sulawesi’s premium diving spots.

The island is known for its muck diving and anyone who likes macro photography absolutely shouldn’t miss it off the itinerary.

The natural sediment on the sea floor here is home to a huge range of underwater critters like harlequin and skeleton shrimps as well as nudibranchs, blue ringed octopus, and orangutan crabs.

There is also an array of amazing fish such as sea robins, devil fish, and banded eels, and you may also see other creatures like banded sea snakes.

13. Lore Lindu National Park

Lore Lindu National park lies in the highlands of Central Sulawesi and is one of the nicest of all the national parks in the areas.

Due to the elevation you can enjoy sweeping views over the surrounding area and the flora and fauna here is superb, and many of the plants here are indigenous to the Besoa and Napu valleys.

You can trek all over the region although many of the trails here require several days to complete and you will need to hire a guide.

This also means that you will camp out overnight as part of a trek and many people find this experience is the highlight of a trip to Sulawesi.

14. Gorontalo

Most people treat Gorontalo as an entry and exit point for the Togean Islands, although this vibrant city should be a tourist hotspot in its own right.

The city is covered in pretty architecture from the Dutch colonial period and is also notable as it is close to a number of attractions just outside the city limits.

These include majestic waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, and colorful coral reefs, so whether you want to explore the city proper or check out the surrounding scenery, you won’t be disappointed if you spend a day or two here en-route to the Togean Islands.

15. Lake Tondano

Lake Tondano sits around 15 kilometers from Tomohon and if you are in the area then it is well worth the trek out here to take in the beautiful scenery and glassy waters.

You can rent a motorbike that will let you drive around the lake, and there are a variety of trails if you like hiking.

The scenery at the edges of the lake is stunning and it is popular with families who come here at the weekends, so if you are looking for a nice day trip from Tomohon then this is a top choice.

15 Best Places to Visit in Sulawesi (Indonesia):

• The Wakatobi Islands
• Tana Toraja
• Lindu National Park
• Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park
• Togean Islands
• Tangkoko National Park
• Lembeh Island
• Lore Lindu National Park
• Lake Tondano

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Notes on Makassar: The largest city in Sulawesi

September 24, 2015 By James Clark Leave a Comment

Makassar is the largest city in Sulawesi and a major hub for travel in Indonesia. I flew into Makassar for onward travel to Tana Toraja and Bira Beach. These are my notes of things to see, where to stay, cafes, and food to try.

Makassar travel map

I have marked a map with cafes, food options, sights, and places to stay.

The middle of Indonesia?

While it might not technically be the true centre of Indonesia (if that is even possible to determine with over 17000 islands) Makassar is the biggest city nearest the middle of Indonesia. The airport reflects that with flights from all over Indonesia flying here.

In my travel research I found a project called the The Equilibrium Centerpoint Park , which is a proposed monument of the centre of Indonesia. It looks like the project has stalled so check back on the link for future developments.

Where to stay

For casual visitors the best place to stay is around the historic Fort Rotterdam area. Just south of the fort is the Chinatown area which has a good selection of budget hotels, and north of the fort is Losari Beach, which is a good area for mid-range hotels.

There are lots of budget hotels and guesthouses in the Chinatown area, south of Fort Rotterdam.

There are no hostels, so backpackers looking for the cheapest room try Wisma Jampea .

Wisma City Inn is a good budget option ( my review here ).

Grand Populer Hotel in Chinatown is well located ( my review here ).

For mid-range hotels pick something around Losari Beach, which is the the waterfront promenade north of Fort Rotterdam.

Ibis Makassar City Center Hotel

Makassar Golden Hotel is a landmark hotel with a prime location on Losari Beach.

Aston Makassar Hotel & Convention Center is the best rated 4 Star hotel in the city.

Things to see

Fort Rotterdam – Makassar was the capital of Dutch Celebes but little remains of that era. Fort Rotterdam is the best historical site from that era.

Paotere Harbor – The old harbour of Makassar is where you can see phinisi boats, the traditional sailing ship of the Bugis-Makassar people. The boats are still used comercially so you can see them in action here.

Losari Beach – Not a beach but the name of the waterfront promenade which comes alive at sunset.

For eating ideas read my post on food to try in Makassar .

eZpresso koffie – Rock-themed cafe is where all the cool kids are hanging out. Feel at home working on your laptop with locals. Be aware that smoking is allowed (because Indonesia) so sit the the front for fresh air. Jl. Sultan Hasanuddin 93.

Rotterdam Coffee – Opposite the fort is the cozy cafe with espresso coffee and wifi.

Black Canyon – This Thai cafe chain is a good option to work from.

Bistropolis – Western breakfasts, an ice cream bar, and cafe, a nice environment to have coffee. Jl. Sultan Hasanuddin 18 A-B. bistropolis.net

Dapoer Sulawesi – Cafe with nice outdoor seating near the fort. Jl. Pattimura No C1.

kopiteori – no c, Jl. Beruang Raya No.20

Starbucks – There are two Starbucks at the airport, one near departures and one airside. Free wifi.

Coconut stalls – On Jalan Ujung Pandang near the fort is a row of coconut stalls, with piles of coconuts on the footpath. (10,000 IDR for a coconut).

Gelael Supermarket – A decent western-style supermarket. Next to KFC at JL. Sultan Hasanuddin No.16.

Getting to Makassar

I flew with SilkAir from Singapore to Makassar .

Getting from the airport

A prepaid taxi from the airport is 150,000 IDR for the 30 minute drive to the old port area using the tollway.

Guide Books

Lonely Planet Indonesia (Travel Guide) – Covers Makassar and how to travel to the most interesting spots in Sulawesi from here.

Makassar Photo Gallery – Photo gallery of my trip to Makassar.

About James Clark

James Clark is the founder of Nomadic Notes. He has been a digital nomad since 2003, and Nomadic Notes features trip reports, train travel articles , and where to stay guides . He writes about transport and urban development at Future Southeast Asia . Subscribe to the weekly travel newsletter .

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Makassar, Indonesia: 5 Places to Visit in 3 Days

It’s the age old question, isn’t it? How much do we really want to know about our neighbors?

About my actual neighbors, not much, to be perfectly honest. I’m not one to actually stick my nose in the dirty laundry of the Bree Van De Kamps of the world. (So sorry for the the Desperate Housewives reference. I’m ancient.)

But in the context of international tourism, hell yeah! I grew up in the Philippines, a country that is somewhat isolated from the rest of the world by a highly controversial sea to the west and a little puddle called the Pacific to the east. Our closest neighbors are situated down south. Indonesia, for example, is just a boat ride away from the southern edges of the country. Yet, with the exception of a short chapter about Javanese and Sumatran civilizations in our high school textbook and occasional Bali and Borobudur daydreaming, there really isn’t much that we I know about Indonesia.

The island of Sulawesi, just across Celebes Sea, is something I only see on Asean maps. But it wasn’t until I was already there that I learned much about it. We arrived in Makassar, capital of the province of South Sulawesi, after a two-hour flight from Jakarta. Makassar is an old port city, well-known for its obsession with sailing and boat-building and well-loved for its streets that are flanked with historical buildings. The good news is, it was my first time here and there was so much to discover. The bad news is, we would be staying for only three days.

But if these five places are the only things I know about our neighbor so far, I am absolutely looking forward to seeing more of Makassar.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

1. Bantimurung National Park (Day 1)

The Bantimurung National Park isn’t really in Makassar but in Maros, 50km north of the provincial capital and 20km (roughly 30 minutes) from the airport. Its claim to fame is the 43,750-hectare Rammang Rammang Karst Area, the second largest of its kind in the world. Underneath is a network of 286 caves, two of which (called Dream Cave and Stone Cave) open right near a waterfall. If our guide is to be believed, the place got its name from “benti,” meaning water and “murung” meaning rumble, referring to the thundering sound that the waterfall makes.

2. Kodingareng Keke Island (Day 2)

An hour boat ride away from Kayu Bangkoa Port in Makassar lies Kodingareng Keke, one of South Sulawesi’s many uninhabited islands. It’s small, just a wisp away from becoming a naked sandbar, what most tropical beach fantasies are made of. The cay is surrounded by a vibrant coral reef soaked in an even brighter turquoise waters. Snorkeling is a must, but be cautious of sea urchins. Although uninhabited, there’s a roofed structure at the end of the wooden jetty where you can go to for shade.

How to get there: At Kayu Bangkoa Port, rent a motor boat to the cay. (Travel time: 40-60 minutes. Fare: 500,000 IDR.) The boat can accommodate up to 10 passengers, which means the cheap way to go is to form a group with others with whom you can split the cost.

3. Pulau Samalona (Day 2)

Just 20 minutes away, a visit to Pulau Samalona is usually packaged with any trip to Kodingareng Keke. It is bigger, much closer to the city, and harbors a small village, making it the usual lunch (and toilet) stop. The island is famous for its World War II shipwrecks so snorkeling and diving are highly recommended.

How to get there: At Kayu Bangkoa Port, rent a motor boat to the cay (20 minutes). You can stop here before or after your time at Kodingareng Keke.

4. Losari Beach Sunset (Day 2)

There are many reasons to set foot on Losari Beach, Makassar’s most well-known strip. It’s a jump off point to Kodingareng Keke and Samalona Island. It has a kilometer-long lane of food stalls and souvenir stores. But the one that I was drawn by the most is that it offers a stunning view of the sunset. There’s no other way of capping off a day of swimming and snorkeling than just sit there and watch the skies do what it does best: mesmerize.

5. Fort Rotterdam Historical Tour (Day 3)

On our last day in Makassar, we could not leave without a look at Dutch colonial architecture at Fort Rotterdam, one of the best-preserved in Indonesia. Taking the shape of a turtle when viewed from above, it rises at the site where an old Gowanese fort once stood (which was said to be built in 1545). The Gowanese believed that the turtle is the ultimate symbol of adaptation, being able to live both in water and on land. It was taken over by the Dutch in 1667.

Today, the fort houses the Museum Negeri La Galigo, featuring various exhibits. You can also see parts of the original wall as you walk around.

Opening hours : Daily 8am-6pm. Entrance Fee : FREE if you’ll just roam the courtyards. The La Galigo Museum, however, collects a 10,000 IDR admission fee.

This was part of #TripOfWonders, a blogger tour organized by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism .

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"Indonesia's modernized port-city."

Makassar tourism.

A bustling port, Makassar is the largest city in East Indonesia. Its cosmopolitan nature and urban attractions make it a must-visit city in Indonesia. It is relatively more modern, as a city, but also has traces of Dutch architecture in a few places, with Fort Rotterdam standing as one of the remaining bastions of colonial architecture. The walkway along Losari Beach is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Makassar is also known for its great diving and snorkelling opportunities off the reef of Samalona Island. 

Makassar used to be and still is, Indonesia's largest trade conduit, and this makes it one of the most colourfully cosmopolitan cities in the country. The city's most famous part is the Pantai Losari or the Losari beach , where tourists may catch picturesque scenes from the sea and visit the various food stalls, and the famous floating mosque - Masjid Amirul Mukminin. Besides these traces of tradition, the rest of the city is a sprawling metropolis, boasting of the worlds largest indoor theme park Trans Studio and many large malls and luxury hotels.

Things To Do In Makassar

Fort Rotterdam

Losari Beach

Paotere Harbour

Pasir Putih

Trans Studio Makassar

Top Hotels In Makassar

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Currency in makassar, exchanging money in makassar, daily budget for makassar, religion of makassar, makassar customs, language of makassar, history of makassar, nightlife in makassar, shopping in makassar, best time to visit makassar, nearby places.

How to Reach Makassar

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How To Reach Makassar

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28 Top Things to Do in Makassar, Indonesia (No.1 is Untouchable)

Starting from the 16th century, Makassar was the predominant trade hub in the eastern part of Indonesia that deals mostly in spices and exotic goods until they were colonized by the Dutch. The Dutch controls the major ports and markets around Sulawesi and neighboring Maluku Island through coercion and conquest, creating a monopoly of the spice trade in the area.

Before the monopoly, many traders from all over the region flocked in Makassar, some even came from as far as Arabia and China. After the monopoly, most of the traders had dispersed for they cannot compete with the monopoly that the Dutch had. Still, Makassar remained as the most prominent city in the Sulawesi. Joseph Conrad, a great Polish-British novelist, once described Makassar as “the prettiest and perhaps, cleanest looking of all the town in the islands”.

Makassar is also a major fishing center in Sulawesi with the sea cucumber as their primary catch. The climate of this city is the tropical monsoon climate, and as such, can be pretty hot and humid during the dry season.

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Popular Destination in Makassar

Makassar have a lot of interesting places to visit. If you plan on visiting this jewel in the eastern Indonesia, don’t forget to visit these places as they will certainly bring new, unforgettable experience.

1. Fort Rotterdam

• Bonie in the west, named after Bone State.
• Buton in the northwest, named after Buton Island.
• Batjang in the southwest, named after Bacan Islands.
• Mandassar in the northeast.
• Amboina to the southeast, named after Ambon, the capital of Maluku.

The sixth bastion, Ravelin, is already destroyed and not visible anymore. The fort houses 13 buildings with a church in the middle, and most of the buildings are still in a good condition. Because of the fort’s tip-top shape, it has become a major tourists destination in Makassar ever since.

In the present day, tourists can visit the La Galigo museum inside the complex, where they can learn about Makassar history in great details. The museum also holds a lot of ancient Makassar artifacts, from weapons, coins, utensils, to scale models of the Pinisi boat. On the eastern wall, there is a library inside the barrack that features ancient scripts and V.O.C’s – the Dutch trading company – ship logs. There is also a conservatory for music and dance which held various events regularly inside the fort.

2. Sombaopu Fortress

The Sombaopu fortress employs a heavy weaponry comparable to the Dutch forces: 33 units of a 46.000 pounds cannon, 11 units of a 24.000 pounds cannon, 60 muskets, 145  small guns, 23 arquebuses, 127 barrels of gunpowder and 8.483 bullets. After a hard-fought battle, the Makassar army led by Sultan Hassanudin were forced to retreat due to a fire created by the Dutch and Bugis troops. The victors quickly ransacked and destroyed the whole fort and its armaments, leaving nothing behind.

After the destruction, Indonesian government rediscovered Sombaopu in 1980 and it has undergone a reconstruction process in 1990. Several artifacts, such as the 9-meter cannon has been discovered around the vicinity, as well as other important artifacts around the area. Now, Sombaopu serves as a reminder of the brave heroes who fight against the Dutch colonials in the past. It has become a major tourist attraction in Makassar for people who want to pay their respects to the brave soldiers who fight in this place.

3. Trans Studio Makassar

Most of the rides in the Trans Studio World offers an opportunity to feel the sensation of becoming a star of the hottest television show from the TransTV and Trans 7 channel, in addition to normal theme park rides such as roller coaster, carousel, etc. For example, the Dunia Lain attraction features a ghost house based on the horror TV show of the same name.

Visitors can also enjoy the glamorous world of Holywood and film industry in the Studio Central. It is an impressive theater with a 1960’s style and theme that reveals secrets and facts behind every great movie. Some of the rides and attractions provided by this theme park are:

• Hollywood Bumper Car – everybody’s favorite with Hollywood-themed cars and decorations.
• Flying Bicycle – a carousel that could go up and down.
• Si Bolang – an adventure through the natural beauty of Indonesia.
• 4D cinema – an impressive theater showing the best 4D technology.
• Giant Swing – a spinning giant swing.
• Magic Thunder Coaster –  a roller-coaster with amazing slopes and curls.

The entertainment firm behind great names such as Universal Studio and Six Flags is the lead designer of Trans Studio World. That is why every ride in Trans Studio World are extremely appealing and thrilling for all ages. It is never a bad idea to come and see the best indoor theme park in Asia with your family.

4. Losari Beach

In the past, Losari is known as the world’s longest dining table for there are so many food stalls and tents along the shore. Although it’s somewhat effective to increase the number of visitors, in the long run, it’s more harmful than useful. This is because too many tents reduce the aesthetic level of the beach itself. Not to mention the rubbish they left behind on the sands. That is why the government decides to move all the stalls to a nearby place.

Nowadays, Losari has grown into a major tourist destination in Makassar. With so many inns and hotels along the coast, visitors should have an easy time getting an accommodation around here. There are also a lot of other entertainment venues along the Penghibur street which is quite near the beach.

5. Akarena Beach 

Akarena beach’s operational hours is from 07.00 to 22.00 on weekdays, or 06.00 to 23.00 on holidays. Visitors also need to pay admission of Rp.10.000,00 to enter here.

6. Lae Lae Island

Lae Lae Island was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II. As such, there are several remnants of the Japanese army around this island. According to some gossip, there is an unused underground tunnel that leads to the Fort Rotterdam from this island. This island is also an excellent spot for snorkeling, as there are a lot of coral reefs around the area.

8. Bugis Waterpark

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9. Taka Bonerate Marine Park

The location of this marine park is south of Sulawesi Island, near the Flores Sea. Taka Bonerate is extremely vast, covering an area of 530,765 hectares with an atoll expanse of 220,000 hectares. The coral reefs in this area are massive and filled with wonderful marine lifeforms. This makes a lot of great diving spots around this area.

There are 21 islands in Taka Bonerate, but only 8 of them are inhabited. It is a perfect opportunity to visit those empty islands to enjoy nature without any interruption from other people. As a result, it’s also best suit for honeymoon or those couples who wants some more love.

10. Bantimurung-Bulusaurung National Park

This park contains a very large karst area, second only to the one in the south-eastern part of China. There are 286 caves all across this national park, and some of them are from the pre-historic era. Since the park is located between the Asian and Australian zone, there are a lot of species that is unique and endemic to this area. For example the couscous, the Sulawesi Palm Civet, the pot-bellied wild boar, the knobbed hornbill, and the Tarsius fuscus .

Bantimurung-Bulusaurung is the home to many species of butterflies. The British explorer and naturalist found at least 256 new species of butterflies during his exploration in 1857. The number of butterflies in this area are so astonishing that it tempts many domestic visitors and locals to capture and exploit them in a quite large-scale. This irresponsible behavior has led the government to impose a special ban to restrict these informal trade and instead focusing on the preservation of the butterfly ecosystem as a natural attraction.

More Beautiful Spots to Visit in Makassar

[accordion] [toggle title=” 11. Amirul Mukminin Mosque ” state=”closed”]

The mosque itself possess a twin dome with twin towers which give a unique, distinct look compared to other mosques. Because of the fine scenery, Amirul Mukminin is the most popular place for Makassarese people to break the fast during Ramadhan.

[/toggle] [toggle title=” 12. Malino Highland “]

[/toggle] [toggle title=” 13. Kodingareng Keke Island “]

[/toggle] [toggle title=” 14. Samalona Island “]

[/toggle] [toggle title=” 15. Paotere Port “]

[/toggle] [toggle title=” 16. North Galesong Beach “]

[/toggle] [toggle title=” 17. Karebosi Link “]

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Thus, there are more fun things to do in Makassar Indonesia that you can chill with your family, friends, or lovers.

Tips When Travelling to Makassar

Now that you’ve known all the interesting places to visit in Makassar, you will probably need these tips to be remembered as it might come in handy.

1. Use the Public Transportation

Getting around in Makassar is pretty easy, there’s a lot of mini-buses called pete-pete  in this city. Pete-pete  is basically a Makassarese version of angkot.  You should ask the driver for the route if you’re not sure which one to take. Most of the time they will give you a detailed explanation of which  pete-pete  you should ride specifically.

2. Try the Toraja Coffee

Nowadays, there’s a lot of coffee shop in Makassar that offers a nice cup of Toraja coffee. You definitely should try a cup while sitting back and relax before starting your day.

3. Exchange Your Money at the Airport

The money changer at the airport usually offer the best rates. Besides, you won’t find too many of them in the city, moreover in other remote areas. So you better exchange your money first when you arrived in the city.

4. Try the Street Food

Don’t always buy your meals from a restaurant. Sometimes, the best cuisine in Makassar can be found in these stalls and kiosks called warung . For the best traveling experience, we suggest you try to eat the local foods this way.

5. Plan Your Route and Itinerary

This may seem basic, but before you go out and start your day, you should’ve planned it better so you can choose the most effective route without wasting time on the road.

6. Bring Suitable Apparel

Sulawesi’s climate is quite hot, so you better bring some thin clothes that provide better air circulation. Also, don’t forget to bring your hiking shoes as you might have to traverse through rough areas.

Now that you know everything you need to know about Makassar, how about start booking a flight there and enjoy all those great experience? As a result, Makassar is a great big city of Indonesia, not so popular as a holiday destination yet will bring you the best experience ever. Meanwhile, there are many fun things to do in Makassar Indonesia, so let’s go hang out there!

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