Stand on the waterfront at Losari Beach in the late afternoon and you will see the city at its most relaxed: food stalls assembling along the promenade, families drifting in, and the sun dropping towards the Makassar Strait. It is not a sandy beach, but it is where Makassar gathers.
Makassar suits travellers who are interested in a port city with a long trading history, who are happy to move between colonial-era walls, working harbours and island boats, and who do not mind attention from curious locals.
1. Fort Rotterdam
An old fortress from Dutch colonial days, and the anchor of any visit to the city. Entry to the main fort is free, though you will be asked to sign a guestbook and to give a small donation; you do not need to, and the money goes to the guards rather than the site. The Museum La Galigo inside charges Rp5,000 for Indonesians and Rp10,000 for foreigners, paid once for its two buildings.
If you are a foreigner, expect to be the attraction yourself, with locals asking to take photos with you. The friendly attitude makes this part of the experience enjoyable, and you can learn a lot about Sulawesi from it.
2. Losari Beach (Pantai Losari)
The long stretch of waterfront in the middle of the city, best known for its sunset view. Food stalls set up here every night, and it functions as a hangout place rather than a swimming spot, so do not expect an actual sandy beach.
Come in the late afternoon and stay for the evening stalls. It pairs naturally with a walk into the city centre afterwards.
3. Paotere port
Makassar's main port and home to many of its ships, including traditional "Phinisi" boats. Locals are friendly and you might even be invited to look inside a ship. You pay Rp10,000 to get in, after which you are free to explore.
Be aware that this is not a tourist destination but an actual working port. Expect a lot of attention, with locals taking photos with you and becak drivers and curious kids following you.
4. Pulau Samalona
A white sandy island with good diving. The trip from Makassar takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs Rp600,000 to Rp800,000, with one boat carrying two to eight people.
Because the price is per boat rather than per person, it is worth arranging with others to fill the seats. Bring what you need for a day on the water.
5. Pulau Khayangan
A small island about 20 minutes away by boat from central Makassar. It is the shorter boat trip of the two islands, which makes it the easier option if you have less time.
Combine it with the rest of your waterfront time rather than treating it as a full day out.
6. 99 Domes Mosque Makassar (Masjid 99 Kubah Makasar)
A mosque with striking and interesting architecture, included in a list of the 30 most unique mosques in the world.
It is a place of worship, so plan your visit around prayer times and dress and behave accordingly.
7. Trans Studio
The largest indoor theme park in the world, with more than 20 games and facilities including shopping malls, restaurants, hotels and a marina.
This is the obvious choice for a wet day or for travelling with children, since almost everything is under cover.
8. Makassar Hash
The local Hash House Harriers, for those who love jogging, running or hiking with a great view, whether in the jungle, along a river, or simply for adventure. The group gathers every week at Kios Semarang, a restaurant in front of Losari Beach, and takes members to various places every Saturday.
If your visit includes a Saturday, this is a way to get out of the city with people who know it. Turn up at Kios Semarang to join.
9. MONUMEN MANDALA
A monument in the city and one of the named sights worth seeking out on a walk through central Makassar.
Treat it as a stop rather than a destination in itself, and build it into a route that also takes in the waterfront.
10. Patung Tedong Bonga
A public artwork in the city, listed among Makassar's named sights.
It works best as part of a wider wander rather than a special trip.
11. Masjid Siti Hawa Rappokalling
A place of worship in the city and one of the named sights for visitors interested in Makassar's mosques.
As with any active place of worship, time your visit outside prayer and keep the visit quiet and brief.
12. Kompleks Kantor Gubernur Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan
A park at the South Sulawesi governor's office complex, and one of the named green spaces in the city.
It is a straightforward stop to add to a day when you are already moving through the centre.
13. GKY Makassar Anggota PGI
A church in Makassar and one of the named sights in the city.
Visit respectfully and outside service times.
14. YHS Church Makassar
A second church in the city, also among the named sights.
Like the other places of worship here, it is best visited quietly and briefly.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Fort Rotterdam, signing the guestbook at the gate and adding the Museum La Galigo if you want the collections. From there, head to Paotere port to see the Phinisi boats, paying the Rp10,000 entry and accepting that you will draw plenty of friendly attention.
Afternoon: Take a boat out to Pulau Khayangan, about 20 minutes from central Makassar, or to Pulau Samalona if you would rather have the white sand and diving and can arrange a boat for two to eight people. Return to the city in time to freshen up.
Evening: Spend the end of the day at Losari Beach (Pantai Losari), watching the sunset and eating at the food stalls that set up every night. If it is a Saturday and you feel like running, Makassar Hash gathers at Kios Semarang, the restaurant in front of Losari Beach.
Is there a beach in the city centre?
Losari Beach is the long stretch of waterfront in the middle of the city, but it is not an actual sandy beach. It is a promenade and hangout place, known for its sunset and its nightly food stalls.
How much does it cost to visit Fort Rotterdam?
Entry to the main fort is free, though you will be asked to sign a guestbook and to give a small donation, which you do not need to give. The Museum La Galigo inside costs Rp5,000 for Indonesians and Rp10,000 for foreigners, paid once for its two buildings.
Which island is easier to reach from Makassar?
Pulau Khayangan is about 20 minutes away by boat from central Makassar. Pulau Samalona takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs Rp600,000 to Rp800,000 per boat, which can carry two to eight people.
Can I visit Paotere port as a tourist?
You can, but be aware that it is not a tourist destination but an actual port. You pay Rp10,000 to get in and are then free to explore, and you should expect a lot of attention from locals, becak drivers and curious kids.
Decide which of these fits your days, check the boat and Saturday arrangements in advance, and you have enough to start planning a trip to Makassar.