Heri Sisworo
The Capital City of South Sulawesi, Makassar is the biggest city in eastern Indonesia. It serves as the most important hub to explore the eastern part of the country, connecting biggest cities in Java, Sumatra, Bali, and Kalimantan to the relatively remote east. Makassar has a busy seaport and airport. But that just one of the importance of the city.
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In term of tourism, Makassar is not only a hub as it is also a great tourist destinations. Within the city or the car ride reach of it, there are lots of marvelous tourist attractions around Makassar. From beautiful natural spectacles to curious rituals, Makassar and South Sulawesi is an amazement in its own right. When visiting Makassar, you can go to these places.
Numerous Beautiful Beaches
South Sulawesi has a very long coastline and in turns, there are lots of beautiful beaches along the coast. Within Makassar City, there is Losari Beach that is very popular for locals, where many restaurants, cafes, and many forms of entertainment exist.
If you want a white sandy beach, there is Tanjung Bira Beach or might as well take a boat to Selayar Islands for ultimate beaches. Many beaches are free, some has entrance fees ranging from IDR10000 to IDR50000
Rammang-Rammang Rock Forest
50km north of Makassar, there is Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, an area dominated by karst area. The entrance fee is only IDR25000. Rammang-rammang karst (part of the park) is the second largest karst area in the world after the one in China.
Rammang-rammang offers an otherworldly sights all over the region. There are countless caves to explore, several waterfalls, and a rock forest! This park is also a heaven for butterflies as there are hundreds of species of butterflies still inhabit the place. This park also ideal for light hiking with very great vistas.
The Many Hidden Waterfalls
With its vast mountainous landscape, South Sulawesi has many gorgeous waterfalls. Maddenge waterfall is well hidden in Maros, with the water literally falling between to black cliffs. Parigi has 109 meter drop Takapala Waterfall.
Bulan (moon) Waterfall is located in an idyllic valley with several traditional hut nearby. Parangloe Waterfall is not really high drop, but it compensate in form ow wonderful setting with three tiered falls. Batulappa Waterfall at Tompo is majestic view with its two layered falls. Most waterfalls are free albeit they are rather challenging to reach.
Picturesque Canyons
Kampili Dam is just another dam with its main function for irrigation. However, during dry season and the water level drops, an amazing canyon comes into view. Water flow between uniquely shaped boulders, earning this place a nickname as mini Grand Canyon.
Other spot with similar attraction is Celebes Canyon in Barru. This naturally carved rocks provide a dramatic setting for a meandering river. The name Celebes Canyon is also a homage to the Grand Canyon. Apart from enjoying the canyon, this area is also ideal for camping and observing night sky as there are not much light pollution.
How to Get There and What to do in Makassar
Makassar is easily accessible by air and sea. Hasanuddin Airport is served by many airlines, connecting big cities in Southeast Asia with most cities in eastern part of Indonesia. Sukarno-Hatta seaport is busy with many Pelni ships arrive and departs daily.
Makassar is reachable by land from several cities in Sulawesi. You will need a vehicle to get around the city by renting a car or motorcycle. Otherwise, you can also rely on public transportation. Next
