Things To Do
in Makassar
Makassar is a vibrant port city on the western coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia, known for its maritime heritage and bold coastal flavors. It serves as a gateway to wildlife-rich islands, karst landscapes, and ancient trading routes that shaped Sulawesi’s culture. The Old Town around Fort Rotterdam offers a window into colonial history and Bugis maritime traditions, while the modern city buzzes with markets, cafés, and seafood stalls.
With a warm, tropical climate and friendly locals, Makassar provides a lively base for exploring South Sulawesi’s diverse sights and tastes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Fort Rotterdam, an iconic historical landmark that showcases the Dutch colonial architecture of Makassar. Wander through the fort's museum to learn about the history of the region and its significance in the spice trade. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local delicacies like Coto Makassar, a traditional beef soup.
After lunch, visit the nearby Makassar Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Indonesia, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Take a stroll along the coastal boulevard, Losari Beach, where you can enjoy the picturesque views of the sunset and the bustling local life. Consider stopping by the local markets to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs.
As night falls, savor a dinner of fresh seafood at one of the famous waterfront restaurants. Experience the lively atmosphere as locals gather for evening activities, and perhaps try some street food like Pisang Epe. Conclude your day with a relaxing walk along the beach, listening to the gentle waves lapping at the shore.
Set off early for Bantimurung National Park, known for its stunning waterfalls and rich biodiversity. Upon arrival, trek through the lush forest trails and marvel at the diverse butterfly species that inhabit the area. Take time to visit the breathtaking Bantimurung Waterfall, where you can splash in the cool waters.
Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. After lunch, explore the limestone caves within the park, which are famous for their unique rock formations and historical significance. Consider renting a bike to cover more ground and discover hidden trails and scenic spots.
Return to Makassar in the evening and unwind at a local café, reflecting on your day's adventures. Treat yourself to a traditional Indonesian dinner, perhaps trying Nasi Goreng or Ayam Penyet. Wind down with a stroll through the city center, enjoying the vibrant night markets.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Local street-food meal | $2-4 |
| 🚕1-hour city taxi ride | $4-10 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $15-40 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent seafood and culinary variety
- Friendly locals and strong cultural heritage
- Gateway to unique natural attractions and nearby islands
- Heavy traffic during peak hours
- Very hot and humid climate, especially midday
- Nightlife can be relatively low-key compared to bigger cities
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Tolong" - Please / Help
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much is this?
- "Di mana kamar mandinya?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Maaf / Maafkan saya" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Permisi" - Excuse me (to pass by)
Places to Visit in Makassar
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic bastions and red-brick walls offering scenic angle shots at sunrise and golden hour.
Wide promenade with sunsets, boats, and reflective water, ideal for long-exposure shots.
Traditional houses and narrow lanes that capture the cultural texture of the city.
Colorful fishing boats, bustling nets, and morning activity perfect for candid photography.
Impressive limestone formations, caves, and butterfly-rich scenery for dramatic nature photography.
Ancient rock art and scenic overlook spots; best during daylight for cave painting details.
Turquoise water and white-sand shores; iconic island silhouette for postcard-worthy shots.
Food in Makassar
Makassar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant beef tripe soup in a spiced peanut-tamarind broth, typically served with rice and ketupat.
Must-Try!
Peppery charcoal-grilled beef ribs with a rich, smoky flavor and a side of tangy sambal.
A lighter beef or oxtail soup cooked in coconut milk, often garnished with shredded coconut and herbs.
Fresh fish marinated with local spices and grilled, usually served with sambal and lime.
A refreshing green banana dessert wrapped in shaved ice and coconut milk syrup, perfect to cool down after spicy bites.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic harbor market offering the catch of the day; great for tasting fresh grilled fish and prawns right off the boats.
A traditional market filled with local produce, spices, and ready-to-eat snacks; ideal for sampling street foods and picking up spices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake or a simple nod; use Bapak/Ibu or Sir/Ma’am as a sign of respect; men and women may hold hands in casual settings, but modest dress is appreciated in religious sites.
Dress modestly in public spaces; remove shoes when entering homes or traditional places; avoid loud public displays of affection and point feet away from people and sacred spaces.
Ask permission before taking photos of people or religious sites; some communities may prefer not to be photographed.
Safety
Tipping in Makassar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in tourist-focused venues; 5-10% in restaurants if service isn’t included, small tips for guides or drivers are common.
Cash (Indonesian Rupiah) is widely used; many restaurants and shops accept card payments in city centers; digital wallets like GoPay/OVO are increasingly common in larger establishments and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Typically from April to September; sunny days with lower rainfall create ideal beach days and outdoor photography, though humidity remains high and heat can be intense at midday.
From October to March; frequent rain showers and possible tropical storms; plan indoor activities or early morning outdoor shoots to avoid downpours.
Makassar at Night
Hiking in Makassar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Caves with ancient rock art set among limestone karst formations, ideal for day hikes and photography.
Scenic forest trails leading to waterfalls and butterfly viewing within Bantimurung-Bantimurung National Park.
Airports
How to reach Makassar by plane.
Main international and domestic airport serving Makassar; about 20-25 km from the city center; frequent flights to Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and more.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The city ’s core cultural group with a long maritime history and distinct language roots.
Significant Malay/Indonesian-speaking communities from broader Sulawesi with diverse traditions.
Contribute to commerce, cuisine, and cultural exchange in urban areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local clubs and community matches across the city.
Common recreational sport in schools and community centers.
Popular in urban neighborhoods and youth programs.
Traditional Southeast Asian sport enjoyed in parks and courts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Makassar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Makassar dishes feature meat or seafood, but you can still find vegetable-gone versions or request meat-free options at larger eateries; ask for simple vegetable dishes or tofu-friendly preparations and avoid fish stock in broths.