ID · South Sulawesi · 5.13°S 119.41°E

makassar

Coto makassar, Losari Beach sunsets and the old Fort Rotterdam.

Best time
The drier months, roughly May to October, are easiest. The wet season peaks around December to February, with heavy rain and some flooding.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Direct flights from KL take about 3 hours to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport. The city centre is about 30–45 minutes away by car.
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ID · South Sulawesimakassar5.13°S 119.41°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Coto makassar, Losari Beach sunsets and the old Fort Rotterdam.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingMakassarID, South Sulawesi
KLmakassar
≈ 2,173 km from KL, as the crow flies
Fort Rotterdam, Makassar 2010

Photo: Sanko · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

The biggest city in eastern Indonesia, on the southwest coast of Sulawesi. It's an old trading port with a Dutch-era fort, a busy seafront and some of the country's best-loved soups. Most people spend a day or two here eating before heading up to Toraja or out to the islands.

Makan

  1. Coto makassarA rich beef and offal soup thickened with ground peanuts, eaten with ketupat.Map ↗
  2. Sop konroBeef ribs in a dark, spiced soup. The grilled version, konro bakar, is just as popular.Map ↗
  3. Pisang epeGrilled, flattened banana with palm sugar syrup, sold along Losari in the evening.Map ↗
  4. Es pisang ijoBanana wrapped in green dough, served with syrup, coconut milk and shaved ice.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Losari BeachThe seafront promenade, packed with families and food stalls at sunset, with a mosque built over the water nearby.Map ↗
  2. Fort RotterdamA Gowa-era fort rebuilt by the Dutch in the 1600s, now home to a museum.Map ↗
  3. Paotere HarbourAn old harbour full of wooden pinisi schooners, best early in the morning.Map ↗
  4. Rammang-RammangA boat ride through limestone karst and rice fields in Maros, about an hour or so from the city.Map ↗
  5. Samalona IslandA tiny island a short boat ride out, for a swim and some snorkelling.Map ↗

Good to know

  • It's the usual gateway to Toraja. Take the overnight bus north and save a night's hotel.
  • Use Grab or Gojek to get around. Traffic gets heavy at peak hours.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.