Makassar, (sometimes spelled Macassar, Mangkasara) formerly called Ujung Pandang is the provincial capital of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and the largest city in Sulawesi Island. From 1971 to 1999, the city was formally named Ujung Pandang and after a precolonial fort in the city, and the two names are often used interchangeably. Makassar has become the primary port and airline hub of the eastern archipelago, the thousands of remote islands being developed and incorporated into the mainstream of Indonesian society and economy.
Makassar also played a key role in Indonesian history. The 16th-century Gowa Empire was based here until the Dutch weighed in. Three centuries later, in the 1950s, the Makassarese and Buginese revolted unsuccessfully against the central government. Loud, independent-minded, intense and proud, Makassar certainly leaves an impression. The Bugis people originate from this region, and are in some areas just known as "sea gypsies". The Bugis are famous boat builders and sailors, and they have in ancient times probably gone as far as Madagascar and north Australia to trade their goods. Later on they also settled in other coastal areas of Indonesia, in particular on Sumatra and Riau. The old Paotere harbor are well worth a visit, the traditional Bugis sail ships called "Perahu" arrive and depart with goods to and from other Indonesian islands.
Makassar also know as gateway to Eastern part of Indonesia and entry point to an adventurous tour to Tanjung Bira, Selayar, Tana Toraja highlands and others tourist destination at South Sulawesi. Nowadays Makassar is a bustling city with inhabitants from all over the archipelago, ethnic and most dominant language is Makassar and Bugis, at the last census people also spoke Javanese, Sundanese, Batak, Minangkabau and Banjarese. Tens of thousands were put in the last language group 'remaining languages', which concludes most of the innumerable languages in eastern Indonesia. People from this region come to Makassar to trade, to study, to buy provisions or just to escape the limitations of the village life.
One of the potential sector at Makassar is from tourism, tourism sector at Makassar is growing very rapidly, as evidenced by the large number of hotels were built and the tourist supporting facilities such as airport, tourism object, terminal ships and many more. Shopping mall also is growing around Makassar such as Trans Studio Makassar the largest indoor theme park at Indonesia, Karebosi Link the first underground shopping center at Indonesia and many others shopping mall.
Makassar is not only offer for Culture, Heritage, Religius and Landscape Tour, but also available island tour with white sand beaches such as Samalona Island, Kodingareng Keke and other islands that is ideal for swim, sunbathing, snorkeling or diving. Makassar also offer culinary tour with various taste, there are many delicious meals can be found around Makassar ranging from traditional foods to seafood, the most famous of traditional food is Coto Makassar. It is a stew made from the mixture of nuts, spices and selection of offal which may include beef brain, tongue and intestine. Konro rib dish is also popular traditional food in Makassar. Both Coto Makassar and Konro are usually eaten with Burasa or Ketupat, a glutinous rice cake. in addition, Makassar is the home of Pisang Epe (pressed banana), as well as Pisang Ijo (green banana). Pisang Epe is a banana which is pressed, grilled, and covered with palm sugar sauce and sometimes eaten with Durian. Many street vendors sell Pisang Epe, especially around the area of Losari beach. Pisang Ijo is a banana covered with green colored flours, coconut milk, and syrup.
Makassar tourism travel guide and tourist attractions popular destinations can be enumerated as follow :
Fort Rotterdam.
Fort Rotterdam also know Benteng Makassar is a historical artifact of the greatness of the past kingdom of South Sulawesi. Gowa Kingdom was the strongest and the most glorious kingdom during the 17th century. During the time Makassar was know a trading city.
Viewed from the sea the kingdom of Makassar during that period was an area that was completely fortified. In year of 1967 when Gowa was under the power of Dutch, all forts was destroyed except Fort Rotterdam and two years later Fort of Somba Opu was totally destroyed by The Dutch government.
During the Dutch colonialism, the fort was rebuilt and renamed "Fort Rotterdam". During the period the fort and its area started to be the center of governmental and commercial activity. During the Japanese colonialism the fort functioned as the ceter of agricultural and language studies.
Islamic Center.
Al Markas Al Islami (formerly Masjid Raya Makassar) is the most luxurious Mosque in South Sulawesi and the largest in the eastern part of Indonesia. Besides functioning as the center of worship its also facilities the education, social and culture activities.
Al Markas Al Islami stand in 10 hectare area in Makassar Downtown. This worship center appears dominantly due to its size and lovely shape.
The Old King Tallo Graveyard Complex.
These old tombs are regarded as a complex, due to the size in wich 778 grave in different forms and of various material are laid. Its located in the northern part on Makassar City, exactly on the former Tallo fort. Formerly, Tallo Kingdom was an area ruled by Gowa Kingdom. That kingdom was later divided into two major divisions since the king had two Princes, both were ambitious men to be the next king. The two kingdom are : Tallo and Gowa. Therefore a proverb emerged : Dua Raja Satu Rakyat (one folk under the rule of two king). Based on the data from the available literature and archeologists, it is said that the graves of Tallo and Gowa kings from the beginning to the end of the 17th century can be found in this graveyard.
Paotere Traditional Port.
Paotere is the old Port in Makassar City, since Gowa Kingdom established, the port also is home to the handsome world- famous Pinisi or Lambo Boats of Buginese - Makassarese Schooners, these Pinisi boat transporting essential goods to the others island around Indonesia such as Papua, Ternate, Kalimantan, etc. Here also visitor can see the fishery market and daily life of Makassar fishermen's around port.
The Prince Diponegoro Graveyard Complex.
Prince Diponegoro was the son of Sultan Hamengkubuwono III of Yogyakarta, one of the king from the oldest kingdom of Java, who let the struggle against the Dutch, which is widely known as Java War in the year 1825 - 1830.The war exploded due to the rejection of the Dutch colonial policy, the raising of the tax and the acquisition. He was eventually caught through a trick, exiled to Manado and was later moved back to Makassar where he was first arrested. He died in Makassar in 1855. His tomb build in the family graveyard, is preserved and seriously cared. it was build in accordance with the Javanese tombs.
Samalona Island.
Across the harbor of Makassar is Samalona Island which has been developed into a pleasant recreation area. Samalona Island is one of the beautiful islands on the Strait of Makassar, it can be reached by rides a boat in about 30 minutes from Makassar. The area of Samalona Island is about 2,34 ha in width which is consist of white sand beaches and reefs area. The island is become a favorite destination for local tourist since it easy to reach. There are some activities that you can do there such as sunbathing above the white sand beaches, Swim, Snorkeling, Diving, Underwater Photography, and others marine activities.
Kodingareng Keke Island.
Kodingareng Keke Island was elected preservation center because the island has the widest coral reefs which are still in a good condition. Kodingareng Keke Island located in Sub-District of Ujung Tanah, Makassar. The distance is about 8.37 miles or 13.48 kilometers from the coastal city of Makassar.
Nowadays, this island is uninhabited (in previous time there are Dutch expat runs resort on this island). Kodingareng Keke Island is small and beautiful island, offer white sand beaches, clear crystal water, and surrounded by beautiful coral reef. The island is part of Spermonde Archipelago Cluster. Kodingareng Keke Island can be reach in about 45 to 1 hour ride a boat from Makassar. On this island also is good for Sunbathing, Swim, Snorkeling, Diving, Underwater Photography and others some fun marine activities.
Somba Opu Shopping Center.
Somba Opu shopping street well know as shopping area for souvenir, handicraft, gifts, cloth, gold and many more. Located near at Losari Beach.
Others Shopping Center/Mall.
Grosir Market Butung, Mall Ratu Indah (MARI), Mall Panakukkang, MTC Karebosi, Karebosi Link, Central Market, Mall GTC Tanjung Bunga, Trans Studio Mall.
Trans Studio Word Indoor Theme Park.
"(Currently closed for repairs)" Trans World Studio located in the Regions and the Global Tourism Business Tanjung Bunga, Makassar, the area of integrated tourism object in Makassar. Trans Studio was built of 2,7 hectares with investment of IDR 1 trillion more. Facilities built in the shopping center which includes the Trans Walk and Rodeo Drive, and Studio Trans, Trans Hotel, office of Bank Mega. Trans Studio building was built around 22,000 m² with 20 meters high which is the largest indoor amusement park in eastern Indonesia at this time (second large indoor theme park after Trans Studio Theme Park Bandung) ...
Chinese Temples.
There are a few old temples in Makassar City. The most important is Tian Hou Gong or Temple of the Heavenly Queen, on the corner of Jl. Serui and Jl. Sulawesi. This was probably built in the early 18th century and restoration in 1738, 1803 and 1867. The statue of the 'heavenly queen', Tian Hou is on the back side of the main altar behind a wooden wall. She is the protector of the sailors and is often related with fertility. From the side-altars, the first on the left is dedicated to the 'Golden Mothers of the Golden Immortals', the second to Xuan Tian Shang Di, which is honoured in Indonesia for it's medical powers; the third to the protectorate of Fertility. The altars in the patio are dedicated to several Buddhist gods. The Long Xian Gong or 'Temple of the Appearance of the Dragon', along Jl. Sulawesi and Jl. Bali, was built in 1868. The main altar is dedicated to Xian Mu, 'Mother of the Immortal'; the altar on the right side to Mi Lo Fo, the protection of jewelries that on the left side to Tu Di Gong, god of the soil and wealth. The Temple of the Community of Merchants of Guandong, close to Long Xian Gong, was damaged when the road was improved. It's dedicated to Guan Di, protectionate of the Guangong communities. The Chinese came here to plead oaths, before being witness in a court. On the right side of Guan Di are a horse and it's jockey, towards who mothers aim their prayers that their children will be obedient. Since 1987 the Chinese community has permission to hold lion dances on Jl. Sulawesi during Chinese new year. The fourth temple, along Lombok street, is fairly new. It was built in 1953 to replace the temple along Jl. Sulawesi, which was destroyed during the Japanese occupation.
Bugis Waterpark Adventure.
Bugis Water Park is one of the largest water parks in Indonesia, located at Bukit Baruga Complex, Antang, Makassar. The park theming was developed around the rural areas and cultural realities of the region and takes about 7 hectares of land (approx 17 acres). After years of planning and construction by PT. Baruga Asrinusa Development, Kalla Group, in collaboration with Polin Water Parks and Pool Systems, the site is now one of the largest water parks ever built in Indonesia. While the park's developers and designers were intent on creating a world-class water park, they also wanted to maintain the region's traditional cultures and values, which are reflected in the park's overall design. The park counts a total of 10 attractions which include Polin's Aquatube, its Free Fall speed slide, its multy slide with side-by-side lanes and mat-based racing, Polin's Black Hole, a leisure rive and three pools ...
Lakkang Nature Village.
Located in the delta of Tallo and Pampang River, it consist about 300 household which is offer Nature village, Japanese Heritage Bunker (total 7 bunkers, since 1943), Nature Bamboo Trees, Rice fiel, fishpond, mangrove forest, Tallo river and Pampang river.
Makassar Culinary.
Makassar also well know as the best seafood culinary at Indonesia. Eating out or gathered in a restaurant has been part of Makassar society, in every street you will find many types of restaurants ranging from traditional to international restaurant. There are a large number of small restaurants serving Makassar traditional food or a special barbecued, steamed or fried seafood and Coto Makassar, a Makassar specialty, which is a rich curry soup filled with thick slices of meat and offal ...
