I’ve been to the east part of Indonesia a few times for work. My memory of the road trip around most of Sumbawa Island and Flores Island is still vivid. While the road trip was mainly challenging, especially in Sumbawa due to improper infrastructure, I enjoyed the scenery very much, especially in Mount Kelimutu in Flores and the scenic route along Flores toward Larantuka in the eastern part of the island, where my and my coworkers (at that time) found a few pristine beaches that were not touristy at all. Along with the villagers, we caught some fish and other sea creatures. We stayed with the locals for 10 days each in Larantuka and Sumbawa and it was one of the most rewarding experiences in exploring East Indonesia. The truth is, the nature in the eastern part of Indonesia is more stunning than in the western part of Indonesia, which is much more developed as the center of economy and politics. Hence, when I took a work trip last month to Makassar, I felt excited to see the largest city in eastern Indonesia. Let’s traveling to Makassar…..

Traveling to Makassar: More Than Just a Food Lover’s Paradise

Used to be known as Ujung Pandang, I find Makassar to be an interesting city to visit, whether for work purposes or leisure. I have often heard how good their specialty food is and seen people take photos in front of one of its landmarks, Losari Beach. Makassar holds the title of the largest city in East Indonesia and the economic center of the eastern part of Indonesia. When I got there, I found that Makassar is more than that. The city is rich in history and culture and has been basked in glory long before modern times.

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In the 16th and 17th centuries, Makassar was a dominant trading city in East Indonesia. Led by The 9th Gowa King Tumaparisi Kallona, it flourished to be one the biggest cities in Southeast Asia. He implemented free trade in his kingdom, until the year of 1699, when The Dutch through VOC attacked the Gowa-Tallo Kingdom to control the spice trades in East Indonesia. Since then, Makassar fell under the control of the Dutch until the independence day. In 1971, the New Order government changed the city’s name to Ujung Pandang, but it regained its former name in 1999.

5 Top Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss While Traveling to Makassar

I traveled to Makassar for 3 days for a work trip. We stayed in Hotel Santika Makassar, an elegant hotel in downtown Makassar, just a few minutes away from Losari Beach and Center Point of Indonesia. It was such a nice hotel with a very nice service. The staff saw us come with our baby and decided to let us check in early at 11 AM so we could let our baby rest. The room and bed were comfy with a nice view overlooking Makassar city, but what I love the most about this hotel is its central location. Since I had only had 3 days to explore Makassar, staying downtown made it easier for me and my family to visit some attractions. We didn’t have the time to visit the island or take a road trip to Toraja, but we managed to see the top attractions that Makassar City offered. It’s a nice introduction to Makassar and Sulawesi Island in general.

1. Losari Beach

Losari Beach, located in the heart of Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia, is a prominent coastal attraction renowned for its vibrant ambiance, stunning sunsets, and cultural significance. It is not a sandy beach but rather a long promenade stretching along the waterfront, offering locals and tourists a place to relax, dine, and enjoy the picturesque views of the Makassar Strait. The promenade features iconic landmarks, including the large “Pantai Losari” sign and cultural sculptures, ideal for capturing memorable photos. Visitors can also enjoy a culinary adventure from nearby stalls and restaurants with local specialties like pisang epe (grilled banana with palm sugar sauce) and coto Makassar (a traditional beef soup).

The best time to visit Losari Beach is before the sun sets. You will see the area looks lively with a lot of locals strolling around the promenade or jogging with their friends.

2. Centre Point of Indonesia (CPI)

Center Point of Indonesia (CPI) is a landmark waterfront development in Makassar, Indonesia, designed as a symbol of progress and modernity. Situated on reclaimed land shaped like the Garuda bird, Indonesia’s national emblem, CPI spans 157 hectares, making it the largest waterfront project in eastern Indonesia. Strategically located opposite the iconic Losari Beach, the development reflects a harmonious blend of public and private investment.

The Sulawesi Selatan government is spearheading the development of key public facilities, including the Indonesian State House of Makassar, a hospital, city parks, museums, and the striking 99 Dome Mosque, a future architectural icon. Meanwhile, the Ciputra Group is transforming its portion of the land under the banner of CitraLand City CPI Makassar, creating a vibrant business district, modern shophouses, and upscale residential estates.

We came here to chill in one of the restaurants/ cafes lining up on the promenade overlooking Sulawesi Strait, Expat. Roasters Makassar, then we took a stroll to the surrounding CPI. I find walking around the area is pretty nice. It has sidewalks, and it is pretty easy to push a stroller—something I’ve been missing since we moved to Bali.

3. Masjid 99 Kubah

Within walking distance from CPI and Losari Beach stands Masjid 99 Kubah, an iconic architectural masterpiece in Makassar. Its vibrant, brightly colored design makes it an unmissable sight. From CPI, we took a leisurely stroll to admire its unique architecture up close. Situated within the Lego-Lego culinary complex, the mosque is named after the 99 names of God, with each of its 99 domes symbolizing one of these divine attributes. Spanning three stories, the mosque can accommodate up to 13,075 worshippers, making it both a spiritual and architectural marvel.

4. Fort Rotterdam

Fort Rotterdam, or Benteng Ujung Pandang, is a well-preserved 17th-century fortress and a historical icon of Makassar. Originally built by the Gowa Sultanate in 1545, it was later rebuilt by the Dutch after their victory in 1667, blending local and European architectural styles.

Shaped like a turtle, symbolizing stability and resilience, the fort now houses the La Galigo Museum, showcasing South Sulawesi’s cultural treasures, from traditional textiles to maritime artifacts. Set near Losari Beach, its serene courtyards and cultural events make it a favorite destination for history buffs and those seeking a peaceful escape in the city.

Entrance fee: Rp. 5.000,-

5. Makassar Specialty Food

Makassar is home for variety of traditional food that is well known and liked. It’s also one of the reasons why people traveling to Makassar. These dishes and desserts are integral to Makassar’s culinary identity, offering a delightful mix of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors. When you’re in the city, make sure to try one of its specialty food.

1. Coto Makassar
   Coto Makassar is a rich and hearty traditional beef soup made with slow-cooked beef and offal, flavored with a blend of spices and peanuts. Served with ketupat (rice cakes) and a squeeze of lime, it’s a comforting dish often enjoyed as a main meal.
2. Sup Konro
   Sup Konro is a savory rib soup made with beef ribs simmered in a spiced broth infused with nutmeg, coriander, and kluwak (a type of black nut). The meat is tender and falls off the bone, making it a popular choice for lovers of bold, earthy flavors.
3. Jalangkote
   Jalangkote is a local snack resembling a pastel or empanada, filled with vegetables, potatoes, and sometimes minced meat. It’s deep-fried to golden perfection and usually served with a tangy, spicy vinegar dipping sauce.
4. Pallubasa
   Similar to Coto Makassar, Pallubasa is a traditional soup dish but with a richer, thicker broth made from beef or buffalo meat. It’s often topped with a raw egg yolk that blends into the hot soup, creating a creamy texture. It’s typically served with steamed rice instead of ketupat.
5. Es Pisang Ijo
   Es Pisang Ijo is a refreshing dessert made with steamed green banana wrapped in a pandan-flavored rice flour dough. It’s served with sweet coconut milk sauce, syrup, and shaved ice, making it a perfect treat for hot days.

It was indeed a short visit but it still made a good introduction to Makassar City, the 2nd city I visited in Sulawesi after Gorontalo. Sometime in the future, when we get another chance, we’ll be back to explore other parts of Sulawesi. I mean, I’ve never been to Manado…

Curious about my adventures in Europe and America ?. You can click the following links to see my traveling videos that have aired on Net TV :

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