Top Sights in Makassar

Makassar is the front gate to the eastern part of Indonesia, and it was from here the Dutch managed most of the trade that passed between the West and East Indonesia back then. The city centre, which keeps some charm can be studied by you, around Fort Rotterdam, includes the remains of an early Gowanese fort along with a few Dutch buildings that are spectacular.

Fort Rotterdam

Among the best-preserved examples of Dutch military architecture in Indonesia, Fort Rotterdam was built on a Gowanese fort’s site. Itself constructed to repel the Dutch East India Company. The fort includes many delicate, well-restored archaeological structures, and had been rebuilt by the new masters of Makassar after their 1667 conquest. The stout ramparts of the enclave can walk, see sections of the original walls and see the Museum Negeri La Galigo, inside.

Neighbourhood tourists remember the fort as the residence of national hero Prince Diponegoro who headed the rebellion contrary to Dutch occupation from Java. At the same time, visitors tend to marvel at the architecture. He had been imprisoned here for 25 years.

Pulau Samalona

Just far enough from Makassar to lose most (although not all) of this garbage, the white areas of Pulau Samalona are popular with day-trippers, particularly on weekends. There are patches of (degraded) cherry offshore, some reef fish, and snorkelling gear for rent. In contrast to Makassar lane, the water is clear. It requires a full two minutes to wander around the whole island.

Boat charters for up to eight individuals (IDR400,000, for 25 minutes sail) could be found at the respective peers across the Makassar waterfront.

Pantai Losari

Pantai Losari is a kilometre-long beachless promenade that stretches south to the mosque’ of Masjid Amirul Mukminin. It’s an excellent place to catch some sea atmosphere by day, but springs to life at night with endless snack carts hawking Pisang Epe (a grilled banana decadence) to milling teenagers.

Pelabuhan Paotere

Pelabuhan Paotere, 4 km north of the city centre, is a large vent at which Bugis are sailing ships berth. The boats are photogenic, although it is a port, with dirt and requisite bustle, and folks generally friendly. The port and the fish market are all atmospheric places from dawn until mid-morning when giant lettuce and each sea creature possible are traded.

Require a blue bemo into the corner of Jl Cakalang and Yos Sudarso. From that point, it is a 1 km walk head north under the highway.

Museum Negeri La Galigo

Spread across two buildings within Fort Rotterdam, Museum Negeri La Galigo has an assortment of displays. There are palaeolithic artefacts, rice bowls from Buddhist, Polynesian and Tana Toraja sculptures, musical instruments and theatres — most accompanied by blocks of the poorly translated text. Worth the admission and half an hour attention, although it is a modest collection.

Whether your trips take you to a long stroll on beaches, delicious cuisines, relaxing spas and resorts or urban attractions, extra research will give you the best experience for your visit. Get to know more about Makassar by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.