Trip to Makassar, Indonesia

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Welcome to Makassar, Indonesia! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel to check-in and relax after your flight. After you have gotten settled in, you can enjoy wandering around the city center to explore the bustling streets on your own. Makassar is known for its beautiful beaches and lively markets, and you can spend your first day enjoying the city’s vibe and soaking up the sights and sounds.

Day 2: Discovering Historical Landmarks

Today we will take you on a guided tour to visit some of the city’s most important historical landmarks such as Fort Rotterdam, a former Dutch stronghold, which has become a fascinating cultural center. Kiosks line the fort’s perimeter and you can find a variety of local crafts on offer. Next, we’ll walk to the coast to visit Losari Beach with its bustling street food stalls and amazing sunset views. Finish the day with a visit to the 17th-century Chinese temple of Tiga Massa that exudes incredible oriental architecture.

Day 3: Exploring the Surrounding Areas

Spend today exploring nearby attractions outside of Makassar. You can start by taking a half-day trip to Bira Beach and experience the crystal-clear turquoise waters. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the remarkable Kete Kesu village, a UNESCO Heritage site that is home to traditional houses and beautiful rice fields. It is worth noting that Kete Kesu is well-known for its impressive Toraja architecture and handicrafts that you can purchase for souvenirs.

Day 4: Experiencing the Coastal Region

It is time to venture to the coast today, so why not visit Akkarena Beach? It is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts such as jet skiing and parasailing. Sit back and take in the azure-blue sky and ocean waters or experience the cultural variety of local food and souvenirs. Finish the day by enjoying dinner while watching the sun set behind the islands of Lae Lae and Samalona.

Day 5: Traditional Enclaves and Communities

Today’s adventure takes you to Leang-Leang Prehistoric Park which houses a pre-historic cave with ancient wall paintings that are over 5,000 years old. You can also explore the nearby Bantimoa waterfalls, a stunning natural retreat surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking scenery. End the day by appreciating the historic traditional boat-making village of Tana Beru, which is renowned for crafting traditional wooden boats. You can get an insight into the traditional production process and purchase some small wooden boat souvenirs as a token of your time spent here.

Day 6: Shopping and Culinary Delights

What is a trip to Makassar if you do not experience the local cuisine and shopping? Tuck into some delicious and authentic Makassar cuisine such as coto, konro, palu basa, and many more. You can’t go wrong with a visit to Pasar Butung market, the best market for street food in Makassar, and it remains open until the wee hours of the night. When not devouring local delicacies, use this day to wander around the shopping streets of Jalan Sulawesi and Jalan Somba Opu, famous for their variety of traditional woven textiles, gold & South Sea pearls, and other local handicrafts.

Day 7: Departure

Today you will check-out from your hotel and head back to the airport for your flight. It is time to say goodbye to Makassar, Indonesia. We hope that you had a fantastic vacation full of unforgettable experiences and memories to cherish forever.