Makassar to Rantepao

Hi all.
I'm in Bali now, planning to fly to Makassar next days to reach Tana Toraja area as soon as possible.
As Makassar seems a huge city, I wouldn't like to waste time searching a place to stay etc... just to find my way to Rantepao.
Any suggestion to skip it quickly?
AND
If Makassar is worth a visit, wich area is best located to take room, jalan jalan and find transport to Rantepao without spending the day on a taxi form A to B to C...?
Thanks a lot!

Why don't you just try to time your trip so you arrive in Makassar in time to take the plane to Tana Toraja? I can give you the name of a guy who might be able to help you put it together. PM me if you are interested. I thought one day was plenty in Makassar and probably would skip it the next time I go to Sulawesi although I did find a great restaurant for crab and it's not a bad place to change money as you will discover there are not money changers on every corner as there are on Bali.

I agree with the above poster on skipping Makassar, although it's nice enough to walk around the old fort, the port, the food stalls selling crab if you end up stuck their. If you're planning on getting the bus to Rantepao they leave either in the morning or evening, at around 8am/pm I think. You can generally just turn up and find one otherwise all guesthouses etc can book them.

Hi,
I stayed with the Penman of Sulawesi Dodo at his house for travellers in Makassar last November. As you are already in Bali, it will be too late to email him as he probably only goes to email once a week.
If you would like his mobile number, PM me.
Pamela.

Contact the "Dodo" (The PenMan of Makasar) if you have the opportunity, and you can stay in his house in one of the 2 air-con rooms and meet his family. He charges very reasonable prices, and this is better than staying at a hotel in Makasar. Dodo is a great guy and will help you make arrangements. Dodo E-mail: donow77@hotmail.com

Sorry I was so tired when I wrote that post last night, I forgot to put up this small website created by one of the travellers who spent time with Dodo.
Dodo-The PenMan.
Pamela

Thanks a lot all!
I'll plan it better once in ubud, I'm in tirta gangga now (lovely place, isn't it?).

Nice rice paddy views in the area of Tirtagangga and especially along the road to the north of Tirtagangga.

Just back to Ubud, I've booked my flight to Makassar for tomorrow 3.45pm.
I'll try to catch the night bus to Rantepao from the terminal near the airport (don't remember the name).
Do you know any affordable guide in Rantepao? I' m afraid I'm too late to contact Mr. Dodo, as he seems to be very busy.
Many thanks for the help!

Hi,
Dodo suggested I use the services of Yatim-an older guide in Rantepao. His mobile no. is 081355295000 . He knows so much and I really enjoyed my day with him.
Pamela.

thanks Pamela!

I used the plane many years ago from Rantepao -- very scenic but unreliable and expensive (I think it did not run for years at one time). Also max 10kg free luggage.

Take the bus -- Litha is good in the morning but goes at 10:00 sharp (not jam karet) and you can see the scenery that way. I have not travelled at night. depending on the timetable I think you will have to spend a night in Makassar. Last time (in Jan 2007) I stayed at Hotel Surya Berlian which was reasonable and convenient. (OK there was no water one day and the breakfasts were not very nice.) Convenient (especially by becak) to the sights in Makassar, internet and airline offices. (You will need a taxi to and from the airport and bus station.)

When you get to Rantepao the bus will take you to your hotel (so choose one in advance). I stayed at Maria last time but have stayed at Duta 88, Wisma Monton, Pia's Poppies and Hotel Pison previously and liked them. (I also stayed at Imanuel and could not get out fast enough.) Guides will find you quickly enough.

Paul