For many years, Makassar had the feel of a dusty port city — the kind of place many travelers only passed through on the way to Tana Toraja. But the city has changed a lot in recent years. New seaside promenades, modern districts, shopping malls and better infrastructure have turned Makassar into one of the main urban centers of eastern Indonesia.
In this guide, we’ll show you what to expect from Makassar, including the best things to do in the city, easy day trips, nearby islands, local food, where to stay, how to get around and how to continue your trip to Tana Toraja or other parts of South Sulawesi.
Where Is Makassar?
Makassar sits on the southwest coast of Sulawesi and is the capital of South Sulawesi. For many travelers, it works as the main gateway to Tana Toraja, Tanjung Bira, the Maros-Pangkep karst area and other parts of the south.
The city faces the Makassar Strait, and that coastal location has shaped a lot of its identity. The port, food, nearby islands and Bugis-Makassar seafaring culture all make Makassar feel different from many inland Indonesian cities.
Why Visit Makassar?
Makassar is first of all a practical entry point. It has a large airport, good domestic connections, plenty of hotels and enough transport options to make it an easy place to start or break up a trip through Sulawesi.
But it is not only a transit city. Makassar still has the atmosphere of an old port town. You can visit historical sites, walk along the waterfront, eat some of the best local food in Sulawesi and see a side of Indonesia that is still not shaped mainly by international tourism.
Overall, Makassar was historically an important center of trade and maritime culture. The Bugis and Makassar people are known as skilled sailors, traders and boat builders. Traditional phinisi boats still sail from this region, and today they are one of the cultural symbols of Indonesia.
Another reason to stop here is that Makassar receives far fewer foreign tourists than many better-known parts of Indonesia.
Best Things to Do and See in Makassar and Around
Makassar combines busy city life, historical places, strong local food, waterfront areas and easy trips outside the center. The city itself has a few places worth visiting, but some of the best experiences are just outside it — on nearby islands, in the mangroves, around waterfalls or in the limestone landscapes near Maros.
Visit the Beaches
Makassar is not a beach destination in the same way as Bali or Lombok, but the coast is still part of the city’s everyday life. Some places are better for walking and eating, while others work if you want to sit closer to the sea.
Losari Beach
The most famous waterfront area is Pantai Losari. Despite the name, this is not really a beach where you would go swimming. It is a long seaside promenade where locals come in the evening to sit, eat and watch the sunset.
After dark, you’ll find plenty of street food stalls, making it one of the easiest places to try local snacks in Makassar.
Akkarena Beach
If you actually want to swim or sit by the sea, Pantai Akkarena is a better option. The sand is darker, but you’ll find restaurants, seating areas and usually a calmer atmosphere than in the city center.
Tanjung Bayang Beach
Pantai Tanjung Bayang is also popular with local visitors, especially on weekends. You’ll find sun loungers, umbrellas and simple food stalls, but expect it to be busier during holidays and Sunday afternoons.
Lantebung Mangrove Ecotourism
Another interesting stop is Lantebung Mangrove Ecotourism, a coastal mangrove area with simple wooden walkways. The place is quite natural, but also colorful and popular with Indonesian visitors for portrait photos. It can be a pleasant break from the traffic and heat of the city.
Fort Rotterdam
Fort Rotterdam is one of the most important historical landmarks in Makassar. The fort was originally built by the Kingdom of Gowa and later rebuilt by the Dutch during the colonial period.
Today, it is one of the best-preserved colonial forts in Indonesia. Inside, you’ll find a museum, open courtyards and restored buildings with typical Dutch colonial architecture.
Paotere Port and Phinisi Boats
If you want to feel Makassar’s old maritime side, go to Paotere Port. This old harbor is still a working port, and it is one of the places where you can see traditional wooden phinisi boats up close.
Paotere appears in many travel guides, but it does not feel like a polished tourist attraction. Men load goods, carry sacks, boats arrive and leave, and the whole area can be wet, noisy and dirty. That is exactly why it feels real.
Trans Studio Makassar
In complete contrast to Paotere Port, Trans Studio Makassar shows the modern side of the city. It is one of the largest indoor entertainment centers in Southeast Asia and can be a useful stop if you travel with children, or if you want to see how many Indonesian families spend their free time in big cities.
The complex includes rides, indoor attractions, restaurants and a large shopping mall. It is a very different world from traditional Sulawesi, but it says a lot about how quickly Makassar has modernized.
Island Trips from Makassar
If Makassar starts to feel too hot, loud or busy, the small islands just off the coast are an easy way to slow things down for a few hours. They are not remote tropical escapes like the Togeans, but they give you cleaner water, sandy beaches and a break from the traffic without leaving the city too far behind.
The most popular option is Pulau Kodingareng Keke, a small island with white sand and clear turquoise water where you can swim and relax by the beach. Local agencies in Makassar offer both private and shared day trips, but it’s also possible to arrange a boat independently. Most boats leave from Dermaga Popsa, close to Losari Beach.
If you book a private boat, you can usually combine Kodingareng Keke with Samalona Island. Samalona is closer to the city and is often visited for snorkeling, paddleboarding or just sitting by the water until sunset. Shared trips are often arranged from Dermaga Panyua, but the exact setup depends on the operator.
The main thing to know is timing. These islands are popular with local visitors, so weekends can feel busy rather than peaceful. Boat trips also depend on the weather and sea conditions, especially during the rainy season, so don’t leave this for your only free afternoon if the weather looks uncertain.
Backindo Tip: If you want to visit the islands near Makassar, try to go on a weekday and start in the morning. Weekends can feel busy with local visitors, and boat trips still depend on sea conditions. If you prefer not to negotiate a boat yourself, compare organized island trips first and check carefully what is included.
Waterfalls Near Makassar
If the heat and traffic start to wear you down, the area around Makassar has greener places where you can cool off and spend a slower day outside the city.
Parangloe Waterfall is one of the better-known waterfalls near Makassar. The main thing to know before going is the price: foreign visitors may be charged much more than locals, and the difference can be big, like 10 times higher.
A more affordable alternative is Takapala Waterfall in the mountain area of Malino. The air around Malino is cooler, so it can feel much more comfortable if you need a break from Makassar’s heat.
Lembah Ramma
If you enjoy trekking, Lembah Ramma is one of the places worth looking at outside Makassar. This mountain valley is known for green scenery, clear rivers and hiking routes that can be anything from easier walks to full-day treks.
Because the trails are not always easy to follow and conditions can change, it’s better to go with a local guide or join one of the organized trips. You should also expect at least moderate physical effort, so this is not the best choice if you’re looking for a very easy day out.
Bantimurung National Park and Leang-Leang
Bantimurung National Park is often called the “kingdom of butterflies.” The area has a butterfly breeding center and natural habitats where you may see different butterfly species around the waterfall and caves.
The wider Maros-Pangkep karst area is also known for some of the oldest cave art in the world. If this interests you, add Taman Arkeologi Leang-Leang, which is not far from Bantimurung. You can also visit Batu and Mimpi caves near Bantimurung waterfall.
Because the area is fairly easy to reach from Makassar, it is one of the most popular day trips from the city. Just keep in mind that entrance fees for foreign visitors are higher than local prices. In June 2026, the foreign visitor ticket was around IDR 225,000.
Rammang-Rammang Karst Village
Rammang-Rammang is one of the most interesting day trips from Makassar if you want nature without traveling too far from the city. The area is part of the Maros-Pangkep karst landscape and is known for limestone cliffs, river views, caves and rice fields.
Most visitors explore the area by taking a short boat ride through the karst landscape toward Berua Village. It works well together with Leang-Leang, especially if you want to understand the area beyond Bantimurung waterfall and see a quieter, more rural side of South Sulawesi.
Backindo Tip: If you visit Rammang-Rammang as a day trip, start early and ask clearly what is included in the price, especially the boat, guide, entrance fees and waiting time. The area is beautiful, but it is easier to enjoy when the logistics are clear from the beginning.
How to Get to Makassar
Makassar has one of the biggest airports in eastern Indonesia, Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport. There are many flights from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya and other parts of Indonesia, and the city is also a common transit point for flights to Maluku and Papua. For many travelers, this makes Makassar the main gateway to Sulawesi.
From the airport, expect around 30–60 minutes to the city center, depending on traffic. Grab and Gojek work well in Makassar and are usually the easiest way for most travelers to get around.
You can also reach Makassar by Pelni ship from parts of eastern Indonesia or from Surabaya. The journey is long, but it can be interesting if you enjoy slow travel or if you are traveling through Indonesia with your own motorbike.
Backindo Tip: Makassar is well connected by air. If you’re planning more flights around the country, read our guide to domestic flights in Indonesia before booking.
Best Time to Visit Makassar
Makassar is hot throughout the year. The most comfortable period is usually from June to September, when the weather is drier and the humidity is a little lower.
The rainy season usually falls between November and March. Rain does not always mean all-day downpours, but intense showers are common. If you plan island trips, waterfalls or longer rides outside the city, the weather can affect your plans.
Makassar can feel tiring because of the mix of heat, humidity, asphalt and traffic. If you are used to cooler mountain areas in Indonesia or the breezier parts of Bali, the city may feel more intense than expected.
If you’re still planning your wider Indonesia trip, our when to visit Indonesia guide can help you compare the dry and rainy seasons across different regions.
How Many Days Do You Need in Makassar?
If Makassar is only your arrival point before heading to Tana Toraja or Tanjung Bira, one full day is enough to get a first look at the city. You can visit Fort Rotterdam, walk around Pantai Losari, stop by Paotere Port and try a few local dishes in the evening.
With two days, the city starts to make more sense. You can spend one day in Makassar itself and use the second day for an island trip, Bantimurung and Leang-Leang, or the Maros-Pangkep karst area.
Three days is better if you prefer a slower pace or want to see more of the surroundings. It gives you time for Rammang-Rammang, Malino, waterfalls or a more relaxed food-focused stay without feeling like you are only rushing between stops.
How to Get Around Makassar
For most travelers, the easiest way to get around Makassar is with Grab or Gojek. Traffic can be heavy, so motorbike taxis are often the fastest option, especially for shorter rides around the city. If you’re traveling with larger luggage, children or just want more comfort, choose a car instead.
You’ll also see angkot, the small local minibuses that run around the city. They are the cheapest option, but unless you already know the routes, they can feel confusing and tiring. For most visitors, Grab or Gojek will be much easier.
If you’re planning to explore more of South Sulawesi, a private driver can make the trip much smoother. Public transport exists, but it is often slow and not always easy to figure out.
Renting a scooter is possible in Makassar, usually for around IDR 100,000–150,000 per day, but only do this if you’re already confident riding in Indonesia. Outside the main roads, petrol stations can be limited, and in the mountains, the mobile signal may not always be reliable.
Where to Stay in Makassar
Makassar has a wide range of accommodation, from cheap guesthouses to modern hotels with sea views. For most travelers, the most practical area to stay is around Losari Beach, where you’ll find restaurants, local food stalls and easy access to the waterfront.
Because Makassar has a large Muslim community, it’s worth checking whether a hotel is syariah accommodation before you book. In these places, unmarried couples are often not allowed to stay in the same room. This is most common in cheaper family-run hotels or guesthouses, but not always.
For a budget-friendly stay, Ge JacMart Homestay Makassar can be a good option. If you prefer something more comfortable, Aston Inn Pantai Losari Makassar is worth considering. And if you need to stay close to the airport, d’primahotel Airport Sultan Hasanuddin is a practical choice.
What to Eat in Makassar
Makassar is one of the best cities in Indonesia for travelers who enjoy local food. The cuisine is rich, filling and strongly shaped by meat, seafood, spices and broth-based dishes.
One dish you should try is coto Makassar, a thick beef soup usually served with rice cakes or rice. Another similar local favorite is pallubasa, also a rich beef soup with strong spices.
For something sweet, try pisang epe – grilled banana served with a sweet sauce. You’ll often find it around Pantai Losari in the evening, together with many other local snacks.
If you like richer meat dishes, look for sop konro or konro bakar, made with beef ribs and strong spices. Seafood is also a big part of Makassar food culture, so grilled fish and local seafood restaurants are worth adding to your food list if you eat fish.
For snacks and desserts, try jalangkote, a local fried pastry often filled with vegetables, egg or noodles, and es pisang ijo or pallu butung, two sweet banana-based desserts that are especially refreshing in Makassar’s heat.
Where to Go Next from Makassar
Makassar is the main starting point for trips into South Sulawesi and beyond.
Tana Toraja
Tana Toraja is probably the strongest reason to travel deeper into South Sulawesi. The region is known for its traditional tongkonan houses, mountain landscapes, local markets and funeral rituals, which are deeply connected to Torajan culture.
It is not a quick side trip from Makassar. The journey to Rantepao usually takes most of the day, or overnight by bus, so it’s worth giving yourself enough time once you arrive. If you rush Toraja, you’ll only see the famous places without really understanding much of the context.
Come here if you’re interested in culture, mountain scenery and places that feel very different from the coastal side of Sulawesi.
Backindo Tip: Toraja is not a quick day trip from Makassar. If you only have limited time and don’t want to organize the long road journey, accommodation and local guiding yourself, a multi-day tour can be a practical option. It is more expensive, but it can make sense if you want cultural context and smoother logistics.
Tanjung Bira
If you want beaches after Makassar, Tanjung Bira is one of the best-known options in South Sulawesi. It sits on the southeastern tip of the region and is known for white sand, clear water and a much quieter atmosphere than Bali or Lombok.
The journey from Makassar is long, so Bira makes more sense if you can stay at least a few nights. The wider Bulukumba area is also known for traditional phinisi boatbuilding, which connects nicely with Makassar’s maritime history and the phinisi boats you can see at Paotere Harbor.
Is Makassar Worth Visiting?
Makassar is not the easiest Indonesian city to love at first sight. It is hot, busy, noisy and often chaotic. But it also has strong local food, important historical sites, island trips, mangroves, waterfalls and access to some of the most interesting places in South Sulawesi.
Most travelers still see Makassar mainly as a gateway to Sulawesi, but it would be a shame to pass through without stopping. If your itinerary allows it, give yourself at least a couple of days to see the city and some of the surrounding area before continuing to Tana Toraja, Bira or another part of Sulawesi.
FAQ About Makassar
How many days do you need in Makassar?
Usually, one or two days is enough. Spend one day in the city and add a second day for an island trip, Bantimurung and Leang-Leang, or Rammang-Rammang. Stay longer only if you want a slower pace or more day trips.
Is Makassar safe for tourists?
Makassar is generally manageable for travelers, but it is a large, busy city. Use Grab or Gojek at night, be careful with your phone in crowded areas, and do not expect the same tourist infrastructure as Bali or Yogyakarta.
Can you swim at Losari Beach?
No, Losari is not really a swimming beach. It is a waterfront promenade where locals come for sunset, snacks and evening walks. If you want to sit by the sea or swim, look at Akkarena Beach or the nearby islands instead.
What is the best time to visit Makassar?
The most comfortable months are usually from June to September, during the drier season. Makassar is hot all year, and the rainy season usually brings heavier showers between November and March.
How do you get from Makassar to Tana Toraja?
Most travelers take an overnight bus or arrange a private car. The road journey usually takes around 9-10 hours depending on traffic and stops, so keep your arrival day in Toraja flexible.
What food should you try in Makassar?
Start with coto Makassar, pallubasa, sop konro, grilled seafood, pisang epe, es pisang ijo, pallu butung and jalangkote. Makassar is one of the best Indonesian cities for travelers who enjoy local food.
Can you visit Bantimurung as a day trip from Makassar?
Yes, Bantimurung can be visited as a day trip from Makassar and is often combined with Leang-Leang or Rammang-Rammang. Check the current entrance fee before you go, especially as a foreign visitor.
Is Makassar worth visiting?
Yes, Makassar is worth visiting if you want to understand South Sulawesi beyond Tana Toraja. It is not the most polished city in Indonesia, but it has history, strong local food, working ports, nearby islands and good day trips into the Maros-Pangkep karst area.