Also known as Ujung Padang, Makassar is a lively port city that serves as the capital of South Sulawesi. It was an important spice trade hub for centuries as part of the Gowa Sultanate before being conquered by the Dutch East India Company. Today, its colonial buildings bump up against brand-new shopping malls and apartments.
Things to do in Makassar
Dating from the Dutch colonial period is Fort Rotterdam, which was established on the site of a Gowa Kingdom fortification in the 17th century. It’s home to the Museum Negeri La Galigo, where everything from Palaeolithic artefacts to musical instruments and traditional costumes are on display. While exploring the old buildings, you can learn about the local silk weaving traditions and see models of phinisi boats.
For real-life examples of Sulawesi-built boats, head to the harbour of Pelabuhan Paotere, where beautifully crafted phinisi are moored. You can watch the dock workers loading and unloading cargo or visit the nearby fish market where a wide variety of seafood is for sale. Cruises are also available from the harbour to explore the surrounding beaches.
A short boat ride from Makassar will take you to Samalona Island, which is ringed by coconut palms and the inviting waters of the Java Sea. It’s a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving, with its colourful coral reefs teeming with life. Several shipwrecks dating back to World War II lie on the seafloor, including a Japanese warship and a Lancashire bomber.
Getting around Makassar
Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the centre of Makassar and has flights to destinations across Asia. Buses connect from Makassar to towns and villages across South Sulawesi while bemos (minibuses), taxis and becaks (trishaws) are readily available for getting around.