Things to do in Makassar (Ujung Padang)
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Benteng Sungguminasa
Benteng Sungguminasa, a fort that was once the seat of the Sultan of Gowa, is 12km south of town centre at Sungguminasa. The former royal residence, now known as Museum Balla Lompoa, houses a collection of artefacts, including gifts from Australian Aborigines of Elcho Island, who have a history of trade with the Bugis. Although the royal regalia can be seen only on request, the wooden Bugis-style palace itself is the real attraction.
To go to Old Gowa and Sungguminasa, take a red pete-pete marked 'S Minasa' from Makassar Mall to the turn-off for the 1km walk to the tomb. A becak (bicycle-rickshaw) from there to the fort should cost around Rp8000. Another becak will take y…
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Makam Sultan Hasanuddin
Remnants of the former kingdom of Gowa, 7km from town on the southeastern outskirts of Makassar, include Makam Sultan Hasanuddin, which memorialises the ruler of Gowa in the mid-17th century. Outside the tomb compound is the Pelantikan Stone, on which the kings of Gowa were crowned.
To go to Old Gowa and Sungguminasa, take a red pete-pete marked 'S Minasa' from Makassar Mall to the turn-off for the 1km walk to the tomb. A becak (bicycle-rickshaw) from there to the fort should cost around Rp8000. Another becak will take you to Mallenkeri Terminal, from where pete-pete return to central Makassar; the pete-pete should cost about Rp3000.
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Fort Rotterdam
One of the best-preserved examples of Dutch architecture in Indonesia, Fort Rotterdam continues to guard the harbour of Makassar. A Gowanese fort dating back to 1545 once stood here, but failed to keep out the Dutch. The original fort was rebuilt in Dutch style after the Treaty of Bungaya in 1667. Parts of the crumbling wall have been left untouched, and provide an interesting comparison to the restored buildings.
Inside Fort Rotterdam, Museum Negeri La Galigo keeps an assortment of exhibits.
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Lae Lae
Quite simply, the spot in town for fresh fish and seafood. If you approach from the seafront, no, don't worry, it's not closed; keep walking and enter via the sizzling barbecue. Peer into the huge ice boxes and enter fish heaven. The staff can recommend something if the choice is overwhelming. The décor may be simple, but the fish with cobek-cobek (sauce made with chilli, lime and shrimp paste) is anything but.
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Makam Pangeran Diponegoro
Prince Diponegoro of Yogyakarta led the Java War (1825-30), but his career as a rebel leader came to a sudden halt when he was tricked into going to the Dutch headquarters to negotiate peace, was taken prisoner and then exiled to Sulawesi. He spent the last 26 years of his life imprisoned in Fort Rotterdam. His tomb and monument can be seen in a small cemetery, Makam Pangeran Diponegoro.
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Jl Somba Opu Shopping Strip
Jl Somba Opu Shopping Strip has plenty of shops with great collections of jewellery, 'antiques' and souvenirs, including crafts from all over Indonesia, such as Kendari filigree silver jewellery, Torajan handicrafts, Chinese pottery, Makassarese brass work, and silk cloth from Sengkang. Shopping centres are the place to be for most Makassarese.
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Marlin Dive
Makassar may not be as famous as other parts of Sulawesi when it comes to diving, but the small islands off the coast do offer abundant corals, a range of marine life and some of the largest wrecks off the Sulawesi coast, including a submarine, a gunship and cargo boat, all accessible to advanced divers. For more details, contact Marlin Dive.
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M Club
On the edge of town, this warehouse club is one of biggest in Sulawesi. The music is tech-no prisoners and the lighting strobe-heavy, but if you want the Makassar experience, this is an essential stop. Foreigners often get in free. It's on the east side of town - all taxi drivers know the place. A taxi there should cost about Rp25,000.
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Museum Negeri La Galigo
Inside Fort Rotterdam, Museum Negeri La Galigo has an assortment of exhibits, including rice bowls from Tana Toraja, kitchen tools, musical instruments and various costumes. It's hardly riveting, but at this price who can complain? In practice, the museum seems to keep the same hours as the fort.
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Galeal Supermarket
If the hot weather is just too much, duck into Swensen's for an ice-cream, although be warned it doesn't taste like the real deal. Upstairs in the same food court above the well-stocked Galeal Supermarket is Kantin Baik dan Murah turning out good, cheap Indonesian food at an affordable price.
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Ballairate Sunset Bar
Built on stilts over the sea, this is the best located bar in town. Walk right through the hotel to discover draft Bintang by the pitcher and a perfect view of the sunset. Sundays are a bad idea as the Makassar jet-ski crowd strut their stuff on the water here.
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Rumah Makan Kayangan
Along the same street as Lae Lae, Kayangan is a slightly more upmarket affair with tablecloths and air-con, the latter particularly welcome at lunchtime. The fish is fresh, the service swift and the Bintangs are ice-cold. What more could you want?
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Kios Semarang
The closest thing to a Makassar institution, keep on climbing the stairs to the 3rd floor where you will be rewarded with a rowdy crowd, good seafood and cheap beer. Start with a sunset and a Bintang or two before trying the fresh squid or shrimp.
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Shogun Restaurant
The only authentic Japanese restaurant in town is right next door to Hotel Losari Beach. The prices are high for Makassar, but very reasonable compared with the average Japanese bill. Makassar's abundant fish makes sashimi an excellent choice.
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Pharos
Another Egyptian-themed club, which were all the rage in Asia a few years ago, this place is a veritable labyrinth. Wander through the video arcade and a maze of corridors and you'll find yourself in the hard house world of the new Indonesia.
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Rumah Makan Malabar
Run by a second-generation Keralan, Malabar is a little slice of the subcontinent, serving up flaky naan and tender kare kambing (goat curry). The choice is limited but the flavours more than make up for it.
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Kafe Kareba
On the corner opposite the Losari Beach Hotel, this outdoor beer garden features live bands and the drinks flow. They also have a pretty extensive menu of food for those wanting entertainment while they eat.
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Pelabuhan Paotere
Pelabuhan Paotere, just a short becak ride north of the city centre, is where the Bugis sailing ships berth. There is usually lots of activity on the dock, and in the busy fish market a few streets south.
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Fish Warungs
A string of makeshift fish warung set up every night on the foreshore opposite Fort Rotterdam and serve some of the tastiest, cheapest seafood in town. Roaming buskers provide tableside entertainment.
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Taman Anggrek Clara Bundt
Taman Anggrek Clara Bundt is a sanctuary hidden behind the Bundt family home. It contains exotic hybrids (some up to 5m high). There's also a verdant fruit orchard and an extensive shell collection.
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Colors
Housed in the old Benteng Theatre, this is currently the 'in' club in town. DJs and bands from Jakarta, ladies night on Wednesday and expensive drinks all round, this is where the hipsters hang out.
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Swimming Pools
Top-end hotels such as Hotel Pantai Gapura and Imperial Aryaduta Hotel have swimming pools the public can use for Rp20,000, although they are pretty crowded on Sundays.
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Monumen Mandala
The towering Monumen Mandala is a smaller version of Jakarta's Monas (National Monument), and celebrates the 'liberation' of Irian Jaya (now known as Papua).
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Phinisi Restaurant
Shiver me timbers, this is set aboard a full-size schooner. It's kitsch, but so is the menu, with international favourites such as 'Chicken Gordon Blue'.
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Candy Bakery
Just around the corner from the massive Marannu Hotel, this little bakery has a good range of basic cakes and pastries.
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