Makassar

South Sulawesi's largest city and primary gateway, featuring the historic Fort Rotterdam and vibrant waterfront culture. Essential for exploring local markets, trying Coto Makassar (traditional soup), and accessing transport to other regions.

Things to do

• Fort Rotterdam — A 17th-century Dutch colonial fortress with well-preserved bastions, museums, and exhibits on South Sulawesi's history and culture.
• Losari Beach — Makassar's iconic waterfront promenade ideal for sunset viewing, street food sampling, and people-watching along the Makassar Strait.
• Paotere Harbor — A traditional fishing port where colorful wooden pinisi boats dock, offering authentic glimpses into the maritime heritage and local fishing culture.
• Pantai Akkarena — A sandy beach on Makassar's outskirts popular for swimming and relaxation, with local warungs serving fresh seafood.
• Balla Lompoa Market — One of Makassar's largest traditional markets where you can browse spices, textiles, handicrafts, and local produce in a bustling atmosphere.
• Islamic Center Mosque (Masjid Raya) — A striking modern mosque with white domes visible across the city, open to respectful visitors outside prayer times for architecture appreciation.

Food to try

• Coto Makassar — A rich, spiced beef soup with turmeric, coriander, and other aromatic spices served with rice or ketupat, Makassar's signature comfort dish.
• Konro Bakar — Grilled beef ribs marinated in a fragrant blend of spices and coconut milk, typically charcoal-grilled and served with sambal and rice.
• Pallubasa — A tangy, broth-based soup made with offal (liver, lungs) and blood, flavored with lime juice and served as a spicy specialty found in local warungs.
• Tinutuan — A warm rice porridge topped with savory toppings like fried shallots, eggs, and minced meat, popular as a breakfast or light meal.
• Soto Ayam Banjar — A golden turmeric-based chicken soup with aromatic spices, served with rice cakes and a squeeze of lime for brightness.
• Fresh Grilled Fish at Losari — Local catches grilled over charcoal and served with sambal matah and steamed rice at waterfront food stalls, best enjoyed at sunset.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect mosque and prayer times — Five daily prayers close some attractions temporarily; remove shoes and dress modestly when visiting Islamic sites, and avoid eating in public during Ramadan daylight hours.
• Learn basic Makassarese phrases — While Indonesian is widely spoken, locals appreciate visitors using greetings like 'Assalamualaikum' and simple Makassarese phrases, which opens doors in traditional markets and neighborhoods.
• Haggle respectfully at markets — Bargaining is expected at traditional markets like Balla Lompoa, but approach it as friendly negotiation rather than confrontation, starting at 60-70% of asking price.
• Use right hand for eating and greeting — In Makassarese custom, the right hand is reserved for eating, greeting, and giving or receiving items; using the left hand can be considered disrespectful.