A major Indonesian port city where Bugis, Malay, and Torajan cultures intersect. Known for its active markets, traditional crafts, and role as eastern Indonesia's gateway.
Makassar stretches along the southwest coast of Sulawesi island as eastern Indonesia's main commercial hub. Walk the waterfront promenade at sunset to try pisang epe (grilled bananas with palm sugar) from street vendors, or watch wooden pinisi ships unload their cargo at Paotere Harbor. The 1600s Fort Rotterdam sits in the city center, while limestone caves with 35,000-year-old rock art and butterfly-filled waterfalls dot the surrounding countryside.
Getting Around Makassar
Pete-petes (modified minibuses) run throughout Makassar on routes marked by letters on their windshields. Look for taxis near hotels and shopping centers. For trips within the city center, flag down a roda tiga (three-wheeled cycle rickshaw).
Exploring Fort Rotterdam
The stone walls and bastions of Fort Rotterdam date back to the 1600s. Walk through its courtyards to find Dutch colonial buildings housing exhibitions about South Sulawesi culture. The La Galigo Museum inside displays maritime artifacts from the region, including weapons, textiles, and sailing equipment.
Local Food Scene
Try coto makassar, a rich beef soup made with mixed offal and nuts, at street-side stalls throughout the city. The waterfront food vendors make pisang ijo - bananas wrapped in green rice flour dough, served with shaved ice and condensed milk. Many seafood restaurants prepare ikan parape, grilled fish topped with spicy-sour sauce and green mango.
Paotere Harbor
Visit Paotere Harbor in the early morning to see fishing boats arrive with fresh catch and wooden pinisi ships loading cargo. These sailing vessels still transport goods across the Indonesian archipelago, built using techniques that date to the 1500s. The dockside market fills with fish traders and boat crews each morning.
Day Trips from Makassar
Drive 45 minutes to Bantimurung National Park for tubing at its main waterfall. The park's limestone caves and forest paths attract numerous butterfly species. Take a one-hour drive to Rammang-rammang to ride boats through karst formations and see prehistoric hand paintings in caves, estimated to be 35,000 years old.
Island Adventures
Reach the Spermonde Archipelago islands by boat from Bangkoa port. Samalona Island's coral reefs make good snorkeling spots, while Kodingareng Keke has a white sand beach. Boats depart in the morning, taking 30 minutes to Samalona and 45 minutes to Kodingareng Keke.
