Holiday in Makassar

What makes Makassar special as a destination?

Makassar is the capital of the South Sulawesi province and the largest city on the island of Sulawesi — the gateway to one of the most biodiverse marine areas on Earth. The city at the southwest tip of Sulawesi was historically a powerful trading metropolis, whose seafarers and warriors (Bugis and Makassar) sailed as far as Australia and Madagascar. Fort Rotterdam (Benteng Ujung Pandang) is the best-preserved Dutch colonial fort in all of Southeast Asia. The star-shaped fortress from the 17th century now houses the La Galigo Museum with artifacts of Bugis and Makassar culture, including centuries-old silk sarongs and the unique Bugis script Lontara. Losari Beach is Makassar's famous beachfront promenade and is considered the longest sunset table in the world: In the evenings, kilometers of seafood stalls transform into a giant outdoor restaurant with freshly grilled fish, crabs, and the famous Pisang Epe (grilled banana pancakes). From Makassar, one can reach the Tana Toraja highlands (about 8 hours north), famous for spectacular rock graves, funeral rituals, and the distinctive Tongkonan houses. The offshore Spermonde Islands offer pristine coral reefs and white sandy beaches for divers and snorkelers.