Makassar Travel Essentials
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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 worlds largest indoor theme park Trans Studio and many large malls and luxury hotels.
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Currency in Makassar
IDR is the official currency of Indonesia, and is exclusively used everywhere, therefore all currency must be compulsorily exchanged, for foreign currency is not valid in Indonesia. Credit cards can be used at modern establishments, but mostly cash is advisable in Makassar.
Exchanging Money in Makassar
The best places to exchange money is at the airport, and at the Mandiri Bank outlets . ATMs are located in shopping centres and large hotels.
Daily Budget for Makassar
Excluding accomodation, travellers on a shoestring budget should not need more than about IDR 5,000-10,000, and travellers on moderate expenses can operate on IDR 15,000, while more expensive travellers may spend any amount more than IDR 20,000.
Religion of Makassar
Islam is the dominant religion in Makassar, reflecting Indonesia as a whole, and the influence of Islam exists in every facet of life in Makassar.
Makassar Customs
Makassar is also quite conservative, so tourists are advised to dress modestly and respect the Islamic customs that govern the region, including the prayer timings, specially during the month of Ramzan. Tipping also is prevalent in more expensive hotels and caf_s, but not other more traditional places.
Language of Makassar
The language commonly spoken in Makassar is Bahasa Indonesian, with other indigenous languages and Chinese, due to its largely cosmopolitan nature. English is spoken commonly too, due to European residents in the merchant town. Hello (General Greeting): •Hi. Apa Khabar'ê I am fromÄ: •Saya DariÄê Pleased to meet you!: •Senang bertemu dengan anda!ê Good morning/evening/ night: •Selamat pagi/malam/tidur.ê
History of Makassar
Like the rest of Indonesia, Makassar was also under the Pajajaran Dynastyês rule, and after its deposition, under Dutch colonial rule. Since Makassar was Indonesiaês largest port, however, it was exposed to many, many other culture including European, Chinese and other South-East and South Asian cultures. Therefore, this led to a cultural melange, which still persists today, amidst steady modernisation.
Nightlife in Makassar
Chinatown is the most popular area in Makassar for nightlife, and has many bars. But besides that, only the major hotels in Makassar have bars and dining spaces, and the occasional club.
Shopping in Makassar
Along the Losari Beach, there are plenty of small beach stalls that sell various knick-knacks and traditional snacks. Other than these, there are emerging high-end malls in the south-west of Makassar.
Best Time to Visit Makassar
Nearby Places
How to Reach Makassar
How to Reach Overview
Makassarês Hasanuddin Airport connects the city to South-East Asian countries by air. Otherwise, it is advisable to taka Jakarta as a transit route for tourists belonging to other areas.
How to reach Makassar by flight
The Hasanuddin Airport connects Makassar to all important South-East Asian cities, otherwise it is quite limited in terms of connectivity.
How to reach Makassar by road
Taxis do run on the streets of Makassar, but it is advisable to take the becak(or the bicycle cart) which is more airy and an easier way to make oneês way around the town.
How to reach Makassar by bus
It is connected to other Indonesian cities by buses, without any specific transport corporation or public transport authority.
How to reach Makassar by waterways
Makassar is connected very well by waterways to different areas, the least of which is the ferry connecting it to neighbouring islands and the largest of which are ships connecting it to the rest of the world.
Local transport in Makassar
Makassar is subject to sweltering heat a lot of the time, so tourists may use a becak (a bicycle rickshaw) or a taxi to get around Makassar. Becaks are the most prevalent mode of transport around Makassar, and can navigate through the more difficult areas in the region.
Makassar Photos
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FAQs on Makassar
What is the best time to visit Makassar?
The best time to visit Makassar is from July to September since December-February are the busiest with torrential rain. The spring months of March-May are warm with highest temperatures ranging between 91.2°F (32.9°C) and 87.8°F (31°C). 4-0 days of rain per month is common which makes the weather a bit too humid. June, July and August are the summer months in Makassar and the later months are the busiest.
The weather in Makassar is pretty comfortable with the least precipitation, which makes it easier for the tourists. However, lodging and other accommodation costs are higher during these months. September through November is fall, and the daily weather conditions go up to 92°F (33.3°C) and 89.8°F (32.1°C), which is not much of a difference from the fall season. Tourism, however, is the slowest during these months. December-February, the winter months, are again the busiest in Makassar for the ones who don’t have a problem with rains as the weather is pretty decent with a good amount of rains.
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The weather in Makassar is pretty comfortable with the least precipitation, which makes it easier for the tourists. However, lodging and other accommodation costs are higher during these months. September through November is fall, and the daily weather conditions go up to 92°F (33.3°C) and 89.8°F (32.1°C), which is not much of a difference from the fall season. Tourism, however, is the slowest during these months. December-February, the winter months, are again the busiest in Makassar for the ones who don’t have a problem with rains as the weather is pretty decent with a good amount of rains.
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What is the local food in Makassar?
Makassar is home to the fiery Sulawesi cuisine, which is an adventure for the taste buds. The most popular dish is the Coto Makassar which is basically a soup dish consisting of cow meat and innards, such as intestine, tripe. lung and even brain. Delicious rice cakes known as Burasa accompany the soup. Other dishes include a spicy beef curry, and the popular dessert Pisang Jo, which is plantain served with sweetened shaved ice.
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What is the best way to reach Makassar?
Makassarês Hasanuddin Airport connects the city to South-East Asian countries by air. Otherwise, it is advisable to taka Jakarta as a transit route for tourists belonging to other areas.
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What are the things to do in Makassar?
The top things to do in Makassar are Fort Rotterdam, Losari Beach, Malino, Paotere Harbour, Pasir Putih, Trans Studio Makassar. You can see all the places to visit in Makassar here
What are the places near Makassar?
The top places near to Makassar are Bali which is 596 km from Makassar, Lombok which is located 519 km from Makassar, Jakarta which is located 1400 km from Makassar, Bandung which is located 1321 km from Makassar, Surabaya which is located 775 km from Makassar
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