It is time to put back up Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, on the tourist radar. This erstwhile center of Sulawesi’s boat building and sailing tradition is a fascinating mash-up of postcard-worthy topography, rich wildlife, Dutch colonial history and food haven.
Makassar can be reached by flying from Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya or Denpasar. Though it is a not a popular choice of foreign tourists like Bali or Lombok, it does not mean you have to skip it as it has its own attractions to flaunt. It is the kind of not-so-easy-to-reach historical city that at one time or another, you have fantasized about visiting.
I have rounded up some of the things you can do during your travel to Makassar. Note that this things to do list only includes Makassar tourist attractions we visited during the Trip of Wonders International Blogger’s trip. I am sure there are more attractions out there, but hopefully, this will give you a glimpse of what to see and expect in Makassar.
TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS
VISIT BANTIMURUNG-BULUSARAUNG NATIONAL PARK
Buffeted by seemingly relentless limestone hills, Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, is a local favorite especially the Rammang-Rammang karst area, the world’s second largest of its kind. But if you are pressed for time, consider getting wet at Bantimurung Falls where you can actually rent and ride blown up inner tubes and slide down the stream. Aside from tubing, picnic is also pretty common here especially during weekends when locals rendezvous to bask in nature. And while you are at it, climb up the staircase adjacent to Bantimurung Waterfall and be dwarfed by Goa Batu, just one of the two caves located in Bulusaraung National Park. Interestingly, the park was dubbed as the “butterfly kingdom” by British Naturalists Alfred Wallace who identified over 200 butterfly species here. No wonder outside the park entrance you’ll be welcomed by souvenir stalls selling all kinds of stuff designed with butterflies such as shirts, bags and framed mounted butterflies.
SNORKEL AT KODINGARENG KEKE ISLAND
Makassar is hugged by island-studded sea that will knock you off your feet. One of them is the paradisiacal Kodingareng Keke Island, just an hour and a half boat ride away from the mainland. Thankfully, there is a good chance (especially on weekdays) that you will not be sharing the islands with throngs of tourists, unlike the busy beaches of Bali. Kodingareng Keke Island has a dramatic coastline and blissfully devoid of luxury trappings. Make sure you pack your snorkeling gears before you go. Some corals are in a sorry state, but there are still some good snorkeling sites especially at the coral-drop off. Also, do not forget to wear aqua shoes for your feet’s protection as there are a couple of sea urchins thriving here. Small sail boats can be rented here for IDR 600 to explore the nearby islands.
PICNIC AT SAMALONA ISLAND
Having a picnic is the best way to enjoy Samalona Island, just 30 minutes by boat away from Kodingareng Keke Island. Nab a convenient spot on the shore, and set up a small fire for grilling seafood or barbecue. If you wish to stay overnight, there are a few closed cottages here for rent owned by the locals.
ALSO READ: GILI TRAWANGAN TRAVEL BLOG
MAKASSAR FOODTRIP
Adding up to Makassar’s allure is its vibrant culinary scene. Must-try are traditional dishes unique to the city such as Coto Makassar (a traditional beef soup served with rice cake and fried red shallots) and Pallubbasa Serigala (another indigenous broth consisting of meat and offal served with raw egg). But my personal favorite is the Ice Green Banana locally known as Es Pisang Ijo, an ice cold dessert made of banana wrapped in green rice dough and soaked in a blend of coconut milk and condensed milk. Meanwhile, seafood lovers will surely be delighted as Makassar is a widely known seafood mecca. Highly recommended is the menu at Rumah Makanan Bahari.
SEE FORT ROTTERDAM
Makassar is a culture-crammed city and its rich history is still apparent until today. In fact, while traditional pinisi schooners can still be spotted docked at Paotere Harbor, if you take a leisurely walk around the city, you will most likely stumble on Fort Rotterdam. It is the place to go to in Makassar if you wish to glut yourself in architecture and culture. This age-old fortress is established by the Dutch colonizers on an existing Makassarese fort called Ujo Pandang at Gowa Kingdom. Needless to say, Forth Rotterdam is impressive as most heritage buildings here are still intact, and they now house a handful of museums where artifacts dating back to Dutch colonial times are enshrined.
CATCH THE SUNSET AT LOSARI BEACH
It is when the sun goes down that Makassar city really sizzles. Catch the last light of the day at Losari Beach, a popular coastal boulevard where locals convene to watch the sunset. It’s a good spot for people watching too and observing the local way of life while dining at one of the stalls lined up here.
ALSO READ : CLIMBING KAWAH IJEN
WHERE TO STAY IN MAKASSAR
You’ll find an abundance of hotel in Makassar, starting at reasonable prices. Here are some of them.
BUDGET
Favor Hotel
Jl. Lasinrang no 15, Makassar City Center, Makassar
CLICK HERE TO CHECK ROOM RATES
Red Planet Makassar
Jl. DR Sam Ratulangi 136A, Makassar City Center, Makassar
CLICK HERE TO CHECK ROOM RATES
MID-RANGE
Ashton Makassar Hotel and Convention Center
Jl. Sultan Hasanuddin 10 Makassar,
Makassar City Center, Makassar
CLICK HERE TO CHECK ROOM RATES
Four Points by Sheraton Makassar
130 Landak Baru street, Makassar City Center, Makassar
CLICK HERE TO CHECK ROOM RATES
Hotel Aryaduta Makassar
Jl. Somba Opu. 297, Losari Area (Pantai Losari), Makassar City Center
CLICK HERE TO CHECK ROOM RATES
![Makassar_4_small_(1_of_1)-01[1]](https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8189/29521228721_cdd08fcb39_z.jpg)
DISCLOSURE:
Our trip to Makassar was made possible by Tourism Indonesia.
To know more about Indonesia visit www.indonesia.travel
Follow #WonderfulIndonesia #TripofWonders on:
Facebook: /indonesia.travel
Instagram/Twitter: @indtravel
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK FOR TRAVEL GUIDE UPDATES
