Makassar, formerly called Ujung Pandang, is the capital of South Sulawesi province. It has the largest population of any city on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, and is the fifth largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung and Medan. The city is on the southwest coast of Sulawesi, facing the Makassar strait. It is regarded as the gateway to the eastern part of Indonesia.
Makassar was the traditional capital of the Bugis kingdom (Sultanate of Gowa). The Bugis were known throughout the region as proud, fierce warriors and pirates and highly skilled mariners, and before the Dutch defeated them, they had a formidable empire and sphere of influence in what the Europeans called the "Spice Islands". The Bugis also traded throughout the region, and you can find Bugis people today in many other parts of Indonesia and beyond. Makassarese cuisine, based as you might expect on seafood, is highly prized throughout the region, so make sure to have some while you are here.
Becak is a trishaw of unique design but minimalist compared to the ones in Java, can accommodate 2 small persons/children, but suitable only for one adult. Fare depends on the distance, usually Rp8,000-15,000 around town. There's a lot of taxi companies, all have the same fare and all use meters. You can also use the taxi app Grab. Petepete is the equivalent to other cities' angkot (angkutan kota/city transportation). A trip in town usually costs Rp5000. Trans Mamminasata (Makassar, Sungguminasa and Takalar) operates with Corridor-2 Trans Studio-Mal Panakukkang.
1 Losari Beach (Pantai Losari). The long stretch of waterfront in the middle of the city. A very nice sunset view. Food stalls set up every night here. This is a hangout place. Do not expect an actual sandy beach. (updated Sep 2018) 2 Fort Rotterdam, No.Road, Jl. Ujung Pandang, Bulo Gading, Kec. Ujung Pandang, Kota Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan 90171, Indonesia. An old fortress from Dutch colonial days. Free entrance (they will insist you sign a guestbook). You will be requested to give a small donation, but you do not need to (the money will go to the guards and not to the site).
1 Trans Studio. The largest indoor theme park in the world. Having more than 20 games and equipped with facilities such as shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and marina. (updated Oct 2022) Makassar Hash: Local Hash House Harriers, for those who love jogging, running or hiking with a great view, in the jungle, river, or just adventure, this is your group. Makassar Hash gather every week at Kios Semarang, a restaurant in front of Losari Beach, and the group will take you to various places every Saturday.
Pisang epe can be found at Losari Beach. It is a pressed grilled banana, served with melted brown sugar. Available with chocolate and/or cheese topping, and durian (seasonal) flavor. Buroncong, an early morning breakfast cake, can be found at Losari Beach. Baked on firewood. It's made of grated coconut, flour, etc. Sop Saudara, a traditional South Sulawesi soup, can be found almost anywhere. It contains meat, liver, lung, etc. However, you may choose the ingredients you want in your soup. Pisang Ijo is a banana wrapped in thick green rice flour layer, served with condensed coconut milk and syrup. The most famous one is made by Bravo Restaurant on Jl.
Kafebuku, Jl.Tentara Pelajar no. 141, ☏ +62 411 336 108. A small cafe-library near the harbor and is a good place for coffee and some Indonesian literature. There are also some books in English. 1 Kopi Api. Nice café with excellent local coffee (in particular Arabica from Tana Toraja). Many other nice cafés in the same area. (updated Jul 2016) 2 Kopi Ujung, Jl. Somba OPU No.36, Bulo Gading, ☏ +62 411 3618004. 08:00-22:00. Excellent locally blended coffee made by award-winning barista. (updated Sep 2018)
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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