Welcome to Makassar

The gritty but energetic metropolis of Makassar is one of Indonesia's primary ports. It's a seething maelstrom of commerce and shipping, with a polyglot population of Makassarese, Bugis and Chinese residents. But as the city has few sights, and the tropical heat and pollution are unremitting, travellers rarely stay long before moving on to regional destinations.

Read More

Makassar was the gateway to eastern Indonesia for centuries, and it was from here that the Dutch controlled much of the trade that passed between the West and the East. You can investigate the city's historical core – which retains some colonial charm – around Fort Rotterdam, which includes the remains of an ancient Gowanese fort and some striking Dutch buildings.

Note that the one-time name for Makassar, Ujung Pandang, is still in common use. Look for both names when arranging flights and other transport.

Read Less

Top experiences in Makassar

Amazing hotels and hostels

We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

or skip this step and see all hotels & hostels

Travel guides

Starting at $45.49

Image for

Makassar activities

$78 Shore Excursions

Makassar Shore Excursion

ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Paotere Harbor, Makassar, South Sulawesi, SulawesiWooden boat harbour where Phinisi - the Bugis schooners take anchorDuration: 45 minutesStop At: Fort Rotterdam, Makassar, South Sulawesi, SulawesiOld Fort of Makassar with ethnological Museum Duration: 1 hourStop At: Leang Petta Kere, Maros, South Sulawesi, SulawesiPre - historic cave with thousand years old cave wall paintingDuration: 1 hour
$238 Cultural & Theme Tours

Toraja in 3 Days by Flight

Makassar - Palopo - Toraja: take morning flight from Makassar to Lagaligo Airport of Palopo. Upon arrival meeting service and drive to Toraja through the beautiful mountain road with scenic views. Transfer to restaurant for lunch. Afternoon visit Ke'te Kesu - the beautiful traditional Toraja village with its Toraja architecture both in Tongkonan - the typical Toraja House and Alang - Toraja granaries. The buildings are fully engraved. The village also known for its Toraja wood carving and ancient Toraja sarcophaguses and wooden effigies. Proceed then to Londa the nature graveyard of Toraja, where coffins are housed in caves and holes on the soaring rock cliff Toraja excursions: visit Lemo the welknown places for the Tautau - the Toraja effigies displayed high up on the balcony on the rock cliff together with apartment like tombs chiseled on a huge single basalt rock. Then visit Pasiliran where the babies who died before having teeth buried in the tree trunk. Afternoon visit Batutumonga for the aerial view offer Rantepao Valley down bellow. Then visit Bori - the place where beautifully shaped Toraja monolith are located. The tow days program may change to fit with any cultural events and weekly market days.Toraja - Palopo - Makassar: drive back to Lagaligo airport of Palopo to fly back to Makassar or the next destination
$275 Cultural & Theme Tours

Kajang Bira Tana Beru in 4 Days

MAKASSAR - MALINO drive to Malino, about 72 km from Makassar with visits and stops en route such as Balla Lompoa - the former palace of Gowa Makassar Sultans which are now become a kind of Museum. You will pass Bilibili Dam, from here on you will start taking mountain road to reach Malino. Lunch today is included in the package. Afternoon visit Takpala Waerfall and enjoy the Malino highlands you may hike along the rice fields. Accommodation will be at Celebes Malino or similar.MALINO - KAJANG Today you will cross the island  eastward to reach east coast of southern leg of Sulawesi Island. The drive from Malino to Kajang is one of the beautiful ride on the island, you will pass vegetable plantations, rice fields, village and scenic panoramic views. Lunch is provided today. After lunch visit Kajang, it needs about 1,5 km walk to reach the first village of Kajang people where Amatoa - the leader of Kajang lives. If he is at home, you may visit and meet him. Then drive Bira, to arrive late in the afternoon or early evening. Your accommodation will be at Bara Beach Bungalows or similarFree program. Enjoy the white sandy beach of Bira or you may take motorised wooden boat to visit Liukang Lohe island just off coast of Bira to enjoy small island with its white sandy beach.BIRA - TANA BERU - MAKASSAR, check out hotel to visit Tana Beru where people built Phinisi - the Bugis Schooners, the tradition of building wooden boats and schooners are practiced for centuries. Phinisi are now mostly built for the Liveaboard programs. Wherever you see Phinisi boats in Indonesia, most probably they are built here in Tana Beru. Then drive back to Makassar with some stops en route include lunch stop in Bantaeng. There are traditional salt farming en route and palm wine sold in bottles. The program ends at your hotel or at the airport of Makassar
$101 Outdoor Activities

Golf in Makassar

ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Trans Studio Makassar, Makassar, South Sulawesi, SulawesiStarting point at the airport or port or any hotel in MakassarStop At: Padivalley Golf Club, Gowa, South Sulawesi, SulawesiPlay golfDuration: 7 hoursStop At: Trans Studio Makassar, Makassar, South Sulawesi, SulawesiDrop you to the starting point or any hotel in Makassar or port or harbour of MakassarDuration: 1 hour
$158 Multi-day & Extended Tours

Makassar Highlight

Arrival in Makassar you will be transferred to your accommodation. If you arrive early enough then there is chance to enjoy Makassar's late afternoon scene at Losari Waterfront. Losari is known for its superb sunset. The typical Makassar delicacy is Pisang Epe' is served here. There are many Pisang Epe' being sold here. Pisang Epe' is roasted banana, pressed flat to be accompanied by various sweet sauces.The highlight of Makassar will be explored during your three days visit in Makassar. Fort Rotterdam - the 16th century Gowa Makassar Kingdom's Fort - which was taken over by the Dutch in colonial era, to be renamed as Fort Rotterdam. It took 7 years for colonial power to finally rule Gowa Makassar Kingdom. The Fort is still standing on its original walls with minor restoration in some parts. The fort is now centre of cultural activities in the province and it houses a La Galigo Museum.You will have chance to enjoy Maros Pangkep Geopark, it is a Karst Towers complex which houses many caves. Some of caves hold pre - historic Cave Wall Paintings. Recent study mentions that it is one of the oldest Parietal Art in the world.
$348 Multi-day & Extended Tours

Toraja in 4 Days

• MAKASSAR - TORAJA: drive overland with lunch stop in Parepare. Lunch and dinner are included. Hotel Misiliana • EXPLORE TORAJA: visit places of interests, attend cultural activities if any. The places like Ke'te Kesu', Lemo, Londa are included in the visit. Lunch and dinner included. Hotel Misiliana • EXPLORE TORAJA: visit different places and villages with different attractions. Visit weekly market if you are on Tuesday or Friday. Short and easy walk through rice fields or road are included in the program today. Lunch and dinner are included. Hotel Misiliana • TORAJA - MAKASSAR: drive back to Makassar to catch flight at Makassar airport. Lunch en route included
See More Activities