14 Places To Visit In Makassar: Witness The Colonial And Coastal Charm Of The City

Imagine visiting a timeless destination with a rich history, diverse cultures, and unique energy. This is where tradition meets progress and every corner tells a mesmerizing story. Explore the beautiful places to visit in Makassar, known for its pristine beaches, bustling markets, and mouth-watering cuisine. It is the gateway to Eastern Indonesia and home to various ethnic groups. It is also a major commercial, cultural, and transportation hub on the southern coast of Sulawesi Island. This dynamic city in Indonesia invites you to explore its iconic landmarks and make precious memories with your loved ones.

Top 14 Places To Visit In Makassar

It’s time to find out the topmost places to visit in Makassar, Indonesia. Check out this guide for complete details:

1. Fort Rotterdam

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Fort Rotterdam is one of the notable places to visit in Makassar and also a historical landmark. It was built in the 17th century by the Dutch. This fort was also named after the Dutch city. It has high stone walls and a large gatehouse, serving as a defensive structure. There are stone pathways and a large central courtyard. There is a museum with artifacts like historical documents, farming tools, and weaponry. It is a popular landmark for cultural events like music performances, traditional dancers, and art exhibitions.

Address: No.Road, Jl. Ujung Pandang, Bulo Gading, Kec. Ujung Pandang, Kota Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan 90171, Indonesia

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2. Losari Beach

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This is a popular beach known for its spectacular sunsets. You can visit and observe the hues of orange, pink, and purple. The beach has different dining options like food stalls, cafes, and restaurants. It is a great spot for locals to jog or organize a picnic. This is a gathering place for local people for events and celebrations. It is easy to reach different parts of the city by foot or public transport.

Address: Jl. Penghibur, Makassar, South Sulawesi

3. Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park

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The Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park is known for its waterfalls, limestone hills, caves, and lush tropical forests. It is a great treat for nature enthusiasts and hikers from all across the world. The Bantimurung Waterfall is referred to as the Waterfall of Heaven due to its grand appearance. There are over 250 species of butterflies, providing it with the title of the Kingdom of Butterflies.

Address: Bantimurung, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi

Suggested Read: Mount Rinjani National Park

4. Taman Nasional Taka Bonerate

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This is a marine national park with crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. It is popular for its underwater ecosystems. You can visit and witness the mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and several species of marine life. It is an incredible opportunity for divers to explore underwater canyons. There are manta rays, turtles, sharks, groupers, and various species of nudibranchs and small reef fish. There are islands and sandbars surrounded by calming waters and serene beaches. Snorkeling is a rewarding activity to try at Taman Nasional Taka Bonerate.

Address: Taka Bonerate National Park, Selayar, South Sulawesi

5. Rammang-Rammang

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This is a hidden gem with dramatic limestone formations and caves. It has lush green rice fields and is the most famous karst formation in the world. The fortress is made up of natural rock formations, an ideal side to visit for hikers. You can enjoy the bamboo rafting and river tours that flow through the valley. It is an immersive experience for nature lovers to spot local wildlife.

Address: Rammang-Rammang Village, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi

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6. Paotere Harbor

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This is the main seaport in the region. It is cardinal to the transportation including both cargo shipments and passenger ferries. It is the gateway for goods and people travelling from the region. It is an interesting spot for visitors to explore. The ships are renowned for their fine crafts membership. Here, you can understand the maritime culture from unloading goods to loading the ships to sell to the different parts of Indonesia.

Address: Jl. Paotere, Makassar, South Sulawesi

7. Trans Studio Makassar

Photo: Sanko / Wikimedia Commons

This is a well-known indoor theme park popular for entertainment options for visitors of all ages. It has thrilling rights and live shows that attract visitors from all parts of the world. The interactive attractions include adventure zones and virtual reality rides. There are a number of shopping and dining options for the visitors where they can enjoy fast food and local delicacies. The themed zone has Studio Central, Lost City, Science Centre, and Cartoon City.

Address: Jl. Metro Tanjung Bunga No. 1, Makassar, South Sulawesi

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8. Pasar Ikan (Fish Market)

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This is a vibrant local market in the city. This is a popular central hub for the fishing industry of this region. Locals gather to buy and sell fresh local seafood. The seafood is directly sourced from the surrounding waters. It includes tuna, squid, shrimp, octopus and crabs. It is a great place to visit for seafood lovers. It offers a great opportunity to buy fresh seafood at affordable prices.

Address: Jl. Ikan No. 1, Makassar, South Sulawesi

9. Kampoeng Wisata Toraja

Photo: Gede wahyu / Wikimedia Commons

This is a famous cultural tourism destination, known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural practices. Rambu Solo’ is a popular cultural event. In this ceremony, the loved ones of the deceased honor them in a ritual. Here, coffins are placed on the cliffs, suspended on ledges, or within niches. The village has rice terraces and traditional houses. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site candidate and is a popular spot for photography.

Address: Toraja, Tana Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi

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10. Sultan Hasanuddin Tomb

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It is a historical site dedicated to one of the leaders of the Gowa Sultanate, Sultan Hasanuddin. The king ruled from 1653 to 1669 and is known for his efforts to defend the kingdom from Eastern Company’s attempts to capture the region. It is a monumental site, an exciting landmark for history enthusiasts to explore. It is near the airport, serves as the memorial to the legacy of the King, and is a landmark for history enthusiasts to explore.

Address: Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan KM 22, Makassar, South Sulawesi

11. Akkarena Beach

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Akkarena Beach is one of the relaxing Makassar tourist places, just 10 minutes from the city centre. Set along Jalan Tanjung Bunga, it’s known for its dark sand, palm-lined shore, and calm vibe. Families come here to enjoy swimming, jet skiing, or a simple picnic by the sea. The beach has basic facilities, a small entry fee, and tasty food stalls nearby. Among the many tourist attractions in Makassar, Akkarena stands out for its stunning sunsets and live evening music.

Address: Akkarena Beach, Tanjung Bunga, Makassar, South Sulawesi

Suggested Read: Lovina Beach

12. Samalona Island

Photo: Rendy Chandraditya Suryo / Wikimedia Commons

Just a short boat ride from Makassar, Samalona Island is a peaceful escape with soft white sand, clear waters, and colourful marine life. It’s great for snorkelling or diving, especially with nearby coral reefs and even old shipwrecks to explore. The island is tiny, just a few minutes to walk across, and perfect for a laid-back day by the sea. Among the top tourist places in Makassar, it’s often featured on many Makassar tourist places lists for its beauty and simplicity.

Address: Samalona Island, Makassar Strait, South Sulawesi

13. Balla Lompoa Museum

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One of the best places for a Makassar trip is the Balla Lompoa Museum, just 12 km from the city centre in Sungguminasa. This wooden stilt house, once home to the Gowa kings, displays royal swords, traditional weapons, jewellery and royal robes. The daily guard ceremony at 9 AM adds to the charm. It’s affordable and easy to reach, making it one of the top cultural things to do in Makassar for travellers interested in the region’s royal history.

Address: Jalan Sultan Hasanuddin No.48, Sungguminasa, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi

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14. Fort Somba Opu

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Fort Somba Opu is a restored fortress in Makassar, once the stronghold of the Gowa Sultanate in the 16th century. Though parts were destroyed by colonial forces, today it serves as an open-air museum with traditional houses from Sulawesi’s ethnic groups. The thick stone walls, small museum, and cultural displays offer a glimpse into Makassar’s rich past. This Makassar travel guide would be incomplete without mentioning it. For anyone keen on heritage, this is a place worth seeing.

Address: Jalan Daeng Tata No., Benteng Somba Opu, Barombong, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi

Now that you have checked the popular things to do in Makassar, you are ready to unlock its unique experiences. The history, cultural diversity, and strategic location on the Southern Coast of Sulawesi Island invite visitors. The unique cultural diversity with a mix of ethnic groups provides you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in heritage. Book a trip with TripXL for a memorable time in Indonesia.

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