22 Things To Do In Makassar
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1. Fort Rotterdam
3 km from city center
Museum
Built atop an existing fort of the Gowa Kingdom, this Dutch fort was built between 1673 and 1679. The fort is surrounded by a 7-metre high wall, with five of the original six bulwarks still visible. Within the fort are 13 buildings, with a church at the centre. The fort was originally square, typical of Portuguese architecture, and then underwent a makeover under Governor General Speelman. A few o (Read More)f the buildings inside the fort have been converted into museums showcasing the history of Makassar.
2. Losari Beach
3 km from city center
Beach
Losari Beach serves as the center of attraction of the Makassar city. One will come across many different food stalls which have been lined up near the beach to indulge in some delicious and yummy snacks. The beach is at a strategic location which is flanked with artificial platforms, buildings, five-star hotels, restaurants and cafes along with huge market to shop to your heart’s desire. Thus, th (Read More)is is easy to access location is one of the most attractive options for many tourists in the city.
3. Malino
49 km from city center
Hills & Valleys
The village of Malino is around 90 kilometres from Makassar, with the car journey taking around 2 hours. The village is at a high altitude, is surrounded by tea plantations, and sometimes can be seen covered in clouds. While not popular among tourists, the village has numerous beautiful sights travellers can enjoy, such as the Thousand Staircase Waterfall, Lembah Biru, Nittoh Tea Gardens and Takap (Read More)ala Waterfall. In addition, various tropical plants grow on the slopes of the mountains around the village.
4. Paotere Harbour
4 km from city center
Boating & Cruises
The Paotere Harbour is the oldest harbour in the country, and it used to be a major trading hub in its heyday. It is filled with colourful ships, and tourists can take a ship ride for less than USD 5. It is a beautiful coast to view from a ship, and these ships are filled with friendly locals. A nearby fish market offers all kinds of freshly-caught fish and adds to the charm of Makassar's quaint s (Read More)ea-port.
5. Pasir Putih
2 km from city center
Beach
The island of Pasir Putih is a 15-minute boat ride away from Makassar. While not popular among tourists, it is a great diving spot. The island also houses a village with its own little community. The best time to visit the island is between June and September. This island is usually never visited by tourists, for tourists need knowledge of Bahasa Indonesian to bargain and navigate their way throug (Read More)h the deals at the island.
6. Trans Studio Makassar
The Trans Studio is the third largest theme park across the world at the moment and is considered to the best entertainment spot in Indonesia at present. Located in the largest city of Makassar in Eastern Indonesia, it is a great place for relaxing with the family without experiencing the inconvenience of inclement weather as the entire entertainment area is located indoors.
Top Hotels In Makassar
7. Kayangan Lake
Lake
Kayangan Lake in the Philippines is one of the two lakes located in Coron island of Makassar open for public. Geographically, it is situated in the northern end of the Palawan Islands which is towards the southwest of Philippines. Swimming, diving, raft rides, cave visits, and viewpoints should be on your itinerary when you visit Kayangan Lake.
8. Pulau Samalona
Beach
Formed on a cluster of coral, Pulau Samalona or Samalona Island is one of Makassar’s hidden gems. It has beautiful white sand beaches, azure waters, and breathtaking marine life. The island is famous for its snorkelling and diving opportunities that lets one see the colourful coral reefs and fish up close. Pulau Samalona is less than an hour’s boat ride from Makassar, making this little island the (Read More) ultimate day trip and weekend getaway.
9. Fort Somba Opu
Forts & Palaces
Known as a fortified commercial center of the Gowa Regency in the 16th Century, Somba Opu Fort bears the marks of history situated in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The area surrounding the Benteng Somba Opu (Indonesian for Fort Somba Opu) has been developed into a recreation park (housing relics from the Sowa kingdom), and a museum (displaying historical objects of the Sultanate of Gowa) al (Read More)ong with the Gowa Discovery Amusement Park. The Somba Opu Fort is, thus, an ideal place for a day-outing with the young ones in tow.
10. Mall Phinisi Point
3 km from city center
Shopping Mall
The Phinisi Point Mall in Makaddar is spread over four floors. The mall has five zones, themed after London, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Amsterdam, and visitors can experience these different locales without actually having to travel to them. Phinisi Point claims to be Indonesia’s first lifestyle mall, with many food and beverage shops spread around it. In addition, there are numerous clothing, (Read More) wellness and accessories shops and even a play area for children, making it a shopaholic’s paradise. The mall also hosts fun events such as fashion expos and Japanese Cosplay festivals.
11. Kodingareng Keke Island
17 km from city center
Island
About 14 kilometres off the shore of Makassar, Kodingareng Keke Island is one of the several uninhabited islands in the province of South Sulawesi. The beaches are filled with fine white sand, and the waters around the island are clear and blue. The coral reefs underwater make the island a great spot for snorkelling and diving. There are gazebos on the beach to rest under, but visitors should brin (Read More)g their own food and water, as there are no stalls or vendors on this uninhabited island.
12. Grand Mosque of Makassar
2 km from city center
Mosque
The Grand Mosque of Makassar is one of Southeast Asia’s largest mosques, able to hold 10,000 people. There are two 66-metre tall minarets adjacent to the mosque, as well as the library and offices of the Indonesia Ulema Council. The mosque was constructed in 1949 and renovated in 1999. The Grand Mosque also was the site for the first-ever Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran, a Quran Recitation Competition. (Read More)
13. Akkarena Beach
6 km from city center
Beach
The black sands of Akkarena Beach are a great place to enjoy a day out with your family or friends. About 10 minutes from the centre of Makassar, the beach also has playgrounds complete with swing sets and seesaws, restaurants, and a park. The park, the Akkarena Tanjung Bunga, is open from 7 AM until midnight, and the restaurants and vendors within it serve a variety of local as well as internatio (Read More)nal cuisines. In addition, visitors to the beach can enjoy water sports like jet skiing and banana boat rides, along with ATV rides on the beach.
14. Bugis Waterpark
7 km from city center
Amusement & Theme Park
Visitors can enjoy over 20 water rides at Bugis Waterpark, with attractions for both adults and children. The rides include whirlpools, lazy boat rides, rafting and slides, and there are large swimming pools as well. The park is divided into three sections - Kampong Rilau or Fisherman’s Village, Alabuang or Port, and Batu Kalibampa Cave or Butterfly Cave, with each section having its own theme and (Read More) its own set of rides.
15. Museum Balla Lompoa
84 km from city center
Museum
The Balla Lompoa Museum is a reconstruction of the Palace of the Gowa Kingdom and is built on stilts made of ironwood. The museum building has two parts, the main room with private chambers for the king and storage for objects of historical significance, and a smaller terrace or reception room. On display in the museum are a variety of traditional weapons from Bugis and Makassar, such as machetes, (Read More) spears, and a type of dagger known as a badik. Exhibits also include ceramic ware, earthenware, kettles, candlesticks and the like, as well as royal cannons and flags. The museum is 12 kilometres to the south of Makassar.
16. Tanralili Lake
56 km from city center
Lake
Two hours away from Makassar at Lengkese village, Lake Tanralili is located at the foot of Mount Bawakaraeng. Trekkers will love the challenging 3-hour trek through rugged terrain to get to the lake. The lake is set in the middle of a lush green valley, with glorious mountains around it. The valley's greenery is a welcome sight for eyes sore from city life.
17. Island Hopping in Makassar
Island
Around Makassar are numerous islands part of the Spermonde Archipelago, located in the Makassar Strait. Among the numerous islands around Makassar is Samalona Island, consisting of coral reefs and white sands. In addition, Kodingareng Keke Island is a preservation centre for a diverse range of coral reefs and is a great diving spot as well. Island hopping tours around Makassar typically last for a (Read More)round 10 hours.
18. Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park
58 km from city center
National Park
The Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park is located in Maros, 50 kilometres from Makassar, and covers three ecosystems over its 43,750 hectares. The karst ecosystem, with its valleys and tropical vegetation, makes the park an ideal spot for endemic butterfly species, and there also is a butterfly museum within the complex. The park also features a lowland forest ecosystem and a lower montane fore (Read More)st ecosystem. Visitors can marvel at crystalline stalagmite and stalactite formations in the caves in the complex and enjoy hikes to get to them and to the 15-metre high Bantimurung Waterfall.
19. Taman Batu Rammang-Rammang
27 km from city center
Forest
The Stone Forest, located in Maros to the north of Makassar, is part of the karst ecosystem of the region. The stone forest is set amidst gigantic interconnected stone cliffs, with cave formations and tunnels within the cliff. This stone forest also serves as a source of water for surrounding villages and communities.
20. Celebes Canyon
78 km from city center
Rocks & Canyons
The Celebes Canyon, located in Libureng Village, never dries out, even in the dry season. This 200-metre-long canyon has sedimentary rock formations running along it, as well as three mini waterfalls. The clear water of the canyon comes from the Ule river. The canyon is 3 hours away from Makassar city and has a minimal entrance fee.
21. Tomb of Pangeran Diponegoro
3 km from city center
Tombs & Mausoleums
The Javanese prince Diponegoro was exiled to Makassar, and his tomb lies in the city. Diponegoro’s struggle against the Dutch occupation of Java is a source of inspiration for Indonesian citizens even today. His tomb, located in the middle of a market, is a popular tourist attraction. The caretaker of the tomb is a descendant of the prince and willingly describes the family tree to interested visi (Read More)tors. While there is no entrance fee, visitors are expected to offer a donation for the upkeep of the tomb.
22. Street Food in Makassar
Street Food & Drinks
Makassar’s cuisine is unique to the region, unseen in other parts of Indonesia. The place is known for meat stews, and visitors must try the Pallubasa, a stew made from cattle offals. Vendors by the street also sell a variety of seafood, including fish soup and otak otak or fish cake wrapped in banana leaf. Rice-based puttu cakes are common by the roadside, as well as the sweet dish of es pisang i (Read More)jo, served with condensed milk, vanilla syrup and tapioca.
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FAQs on Makassar
How can I commute within 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.
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What are the top sightseeing places in Makassar?
The top sightseeing places in Makassar are Fort Rotterdam, Losari Beach, Malino, Paotere Harbour, Pasir Putih, Trans Studio Makassar.