MakassarNeighbourhoods of Makassar
- LosariWaterfront sunset promenade, great as a base for casual street-food and relaxed evening strolls.
Dining: Seafood Nightlife: Lively Shopping: Stalls Stays: Mixed- Pantai Losari: Seafront promenade for sunset gatherings and people-watching.
- Pisang Epe vendors: Grilled pressed-banana snack sold along the boardwalk.
- Losari food stalls: Seafood carts and coto sellers lining the promenade for informal feasting.
- Fort Rotterdam & Old TownHistorical old quarter with a relaxed vibe, ideal for history fans and quiet visits.
Dining: Cafés Nightlife: Quiet Shopping: Souvenirs Stays: Mid-Range- Benteng Rotterdam: 17th-century Dutch fort with shaded grounds for exploring.
- Museum La Galigo: Museum of Bugis-Makassar history with cultural exhibits and artefacts.
- Fort waterfront: Calm promenades and historic cafés for lazy afternoon breaks.
- Somba OpuBustling shopping street for textiles and haggling, good for bargain hunters.
Dining: Street Food Nightlife: None Shopping: Markets Stays: Budget- Jalan Somba Opu: Long shopping street specialising in tenun, sarongs and souvenirs.
- Craft alleys: Small workshops selling traditional textiles and carved wooden goods.
- Evening food stalls: Evening food stalls serving coto, konro and Makassar specialities.
- PaotereWorking harbour of wooden phinisi, ideal for maritime scenes and island trips.
Dining: Seafood Nightlife: Quiet Shopping: Local Stays: Limited- Pelabuhan Paotere: Traditional port where wooden phinisi schooners are moored.
- Phinisi wharves: Up-close views of classic Bugis sailing vessels and boatbuilding.
- Spermonde departures: Main embarkation point for day trips and charters to the Spermonde Islands.
- Panakkukang & MallsModern mall district with air-conditioned comforts, ideal for family evenings.
Dining: Diverse Nightlife: Family Shopping: Malls Stays: Mid-Range- Trans Studio Mall Makassar: Large mall combining shops, restaurants and an indoor theme park.
- Mall Ratu Indah: Long-standing shopping centre with cinemas and a range of eateries.
- Panakkukang dining strips: Clusters of modern cafés and family restaurants near the malls.
- Tamalanrea / UNHASUniversity district with a student scene, cheap eats and lively evenings.
Dining: Cheap Eats Nightlife: Student Shopping: Markets Stays: Budget- Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS): Large university campus that supplies the area’s youthful energy.
- UNHAS cafés and warungs: Inexpensive cafés and warungs serving student-friendly coffee and meals.
- Tamalanrea markets: Local markets and night-time food vendors popular with students.
Currently it is the high season, with temperatures ranging from 23-32°C (73-90°F).
September
September is high season here, with warm, mostly dry days and comfortable humidity. Days feel warm to hot by midday but mornings and evenings are pleasant; that keeps restaurants and hotels busy and prices up. Expect crowds along the Losari waterfront and Fort Rotterdam at sunset; for quieter sightseeing, plan early starts or pick a hotel near the coast to catch the breeze.
Next 3 Months
October stays similarly dry and comfortable, so crowds and prices remain steady. In November rain increases and clear skies become rare. By December Makassar turns noticeably wetter and stickier, so book flexible travel and indoor plans.
Makassar at a Glance
Costs: Very affordable: $25-$70 daily - backpacker budgets around $25; comfortable travel $50-$70 per day.
Safety: Generally safe, petty crime and traffic risks - watch belongings, avoid late-night isolated areas; motorbike traffic is hazardous.
Best Time: May to September (dry season) - least rain, calmer seas for island trips and diving.
Makassar is Sulawesi’s historic port city, famed for its vibrant Losari waterfront, Fort Rotterdam and bold Bugis-Makassar cuisine. Travelers come for seafood, sunsets and lively markets.
Getting around: Use Gojek or Grab for motorbike taxis, Trans Mamminasata BRT for longer routes; Losari waterfront and Fort Rotterdam are easy destinations.
Infrastructure & convenience: Decent mobile coverage and ride‑hailing; Alfamart/Indomaret convenience stores everywhere, busy traffic at Jampea and Pettarani-expect slower trips during peak hours.
Local tips: Respect Islamic customs: dress modestly near mosques, observe Friday prayer times; haggle gently at Pasar Butung and greet with a smile.
Dining: Feast on coto Makassar and konro ribs at local warungs, seafood along Losari, try pisang epe and sambal for bold local flavors.
Why Visit Makassar?
Travelers come for its mix of seafaring history, lively markets, and bold culinary traditions. Sample coto Makassar and konro ribs at the night stalls along Losari Beach or in the Jalan Somba Opu food alleys, then tour Fort Rotterdam’s Dutch-era bastions and the wooden phinisi schooners of Paotere Harbor. Bugis-Makassar boatbuilding and festival customs offer a strong local character, and the city’s role as a gateway to nearby islands and Toraja makes it a practical base for exploring South Sulawesi.
Who's Makassar For?
Couples
Makassar is great for sunset dates on Losari Beach and quiet walks around Fort Rotterdam; many seaside cafés and seafood restaurants set a relaxed mood. Boutique hotels and rooftop bars in Panakkukang make for affordable, intimate overnight stays.
Families
Good family options include Trans Studio Makassar (indoor theme park), easy island trips to Samalona for snorkeling, and wide sidewalks at Losari for stroller-friendly sunset strolls. Affordable warungs and seafood restaurants keep meals fuss-free for kids.
Backpackers
A practical backpacker hub: cheap guesthouses near Jalan Penghibur, plentiful warungs, and bus/minibus connections to Tana Toraja. Hostel scene is small but affordable; use Makassar as a gateway for island hopping in the Spermonde archipelago.
Digital Nomads
Mobile 4G is reliable and many cafés in Panakkukang and around the mall strip offer decent Wi‑Fi, but dedicated coworking spaces are limited. Low cost of living and affordable villas help, though occasional power cuts and noise can disrupt flow.
Foodies
A top pick for food lovers: coto Makassar, konro ribs, grilled seafood along Losari and Paotere fish market, and pisang epe for dessert. Street stalls and family-run warungs deliver bold flavors at very low prices-expect generous portions and spicy broths.
Adventure Seekers
Day trips to the Spermonde islands offer snorkeling and diving; Samalona and Kodingareng Keke have clear reefs. Tana Toraja’s highland treks, cliff graves and karst landscapes are a few hours away, giving strong options for multi-day adventures.
Party Animals
Nightlife centers on Losari beachfront bars, live-music venues and several late-night cafés; weekend clubs in Panakkukang draw crowds. The scene is lively but compact-expect local DJs and casual crowds rather than big international club nights.
Nature Buffs
Close to Bantimurung-Bulusaraung national park (butterflies and waterfalls), nearby mangroves, and excellent coral reefs around the Spermonde chain. Birdwatching, cave exploration in Maros and easy island hopping make it a solid base for nature-focused itineraries.
Plan Your Visit to Makassar
Best Things to Do in Makassar
Makassar Bucket List
Don't Miss
Fort Rotterdam (Benteng Ujung Pandang) - Dutch colonial fort housing La Galigo museum and historical exhibits, central to Makassar history.
Pantai Losari (Losari Beach) - Sunset promenade famous for seafood stalls, locals gathering, and iconic city skyline views.
Trans Studio Makassar - Large indoor theme park offering rides, live shows and family-friendly entertainment all day.
Jalan Somba Opu - Historic shopping street for souvenirs, Makassar textiles, and a wide range of local eateries.
Hidden Gems
Pelabuhan Paotere (Paotere Port) - Traditional phinisi schooners dock here; photographers and maritime-history enthusiasts frequent the quay.
Pasar Butung (Butung Fish Market) - Early-morning wholesale fish market where locals buy the day’s freshest catches and observe bustle.
Pantai Akkarena (Akkarena Beach) - Quieter beachfront with seafood cafés, calm swimming areas and relaxed fishermen’s village atmosphere.
Lapangan Karebosi (Karebosi Field) - Shaded city square popular for evening strolls, weekend markets and casual local gatherings.
Museum La Galigo - Small ethnographic museum inside Fort Rotterdam focusing on Bugis-Makassar culture and the La Galigo epic.
Day Trips
Pulau Samalona - Tiny coral isle off Makassar, excellent snorkeling and quick boat trips from Losari.
Pulau Kodingareng Keke - White-sand island with clear water, reef snorkeling and local fishermen’s platforms.
Rammang-Rammang (Maros) - Karst village with boat rides through limestone cliffs, rice paddies and unique landscapes.
Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park - Waterfalls, butterfly caves and limestone formations make this a rewarding day excursion.
Sungguminasa Royal Cemetery (Gowa) - Historic Gowa royal burial complex featuring ornate tombs and panoramic views of surrounding countryside.
Best Time to Visit Makassar
The best time to visit Makassar is during the dry season (May-September) for sunnier weather, lower humidity and calmer seas ideal for island-hopping and diving. The wet season (October-April) is rainier and more humid, but the landscape is lush and prices often fall.
Dry Season
Sunny, lower humidity and calmer seas make May-September best for beach trips, island hopping, and exploring Fort Rotterdam without daily downpours.
Wet Season
Frequent heavy rains and high humidity October-April bring dramatic skies, lush landscapes, cheaper rates - but expect disrupted boat services and soggy afternoons.
Transitional Season
Short windows of drier weather between rains; unpredictable but rewarding with fewer tourists and greener scenery, great for snagging deals and quick island outings.
Makassar's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2853 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 653 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.3h |
| February | Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 498 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.2h |
| March | Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 361 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 183 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Good | 24° - 32° | 31° | 146 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| June | Very Good | 23° - 32° | 31° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| July | Excellent | 23° - 32° | 30° | 44 mm | some cloud | 76% | 2.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.7h |
| August | Excellent | 23° - 32° | 30° | 17 mm | mostly sunny | 72% | 2.4 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.8h |
| September | Excellent | 23° - 33° | 30° | 44 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 2.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Very Good | 24° - 32° | 31° | 79 mm | some cloud | 69% | 2.2 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 243 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.3h |
| December | Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 504 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.3h |
How to Get to Makassar
Makassar is reached most easily by air via Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG). Overland connections rely on regional buses from Terminal Daya; Sulawesi has limited passenger rail links, so flying or taking buses are the usual options.
Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG): Sultan Hasanuddin (UPG) is Makassar’s main airport, about 20-25 km northeast of the city centre. From the terminal you can take the airport DAMRI shuttle to Terminal Daya (approx. 45-60 minutes, around Rp 30,000), book an online ride-hailing car (Gojek/Grab; typically Rp 50,000-120,000 depending on demand, 30-50 minutes) or use a metered/airport taxi such as Bluebird (airport fares to the city centre typically range Rp 120,000-200,000, 30-50 minutes depending on traffic).
Train: Makassar has a station (Stasiun Makassar), but Sulawesi currently has very limited passenger rail services and there are no regular intercity train links to other islands; rail travel on Sulawesi is minimal and mostly non-passenger/industrial. If you were expecting rail connections from Java or Sumatra, travel to Makassar is primarily by air or road instead.
Bus: The main long‑distance bus terminal is Terminal Daya. Intercity buses and minibus operators run routes to nearby Sulawesi towns (Parepare, Bone, Palopo and others); prices vary by distance - roughly Rp 30,000-150,000 - with travel times from about 1-3 hours to nearby towns and up to 5-7 hours to farther destinations like Palopo, depending on route and traffic.
How to Get Around Makassar
Makassar is easiest to navigate using ride‑hailing apps or taxis for door‑to‑door trips; the BRT and angkot networks provide cheap options for regular routes. Renting a motorbike or car is practical if you plan day trips outside the city, while walking is best limited to compact central areas.
- Gojek & Grab (ride-hailing) (10,000-80,000 IDR) - App-based motorbike taxis (ojek) and car services are the most convenient way to get around Makassar for short trips or when traffic is bad. Motorbike rides are cheap and fast for single passengers; expect motorbike fares from about Rp 10,000-40,000 and car fares roughly Rp 30,000-80,000 within the central areas. Use the apps for fixed pricing, trackable drivers, and airport pickups (watch surge pricing at peak times).
- Bluebird & metered taxis (20,000-200,000 IDR) - Bluebird and other metered taxis are a reliable, air‑conditioned option if you prefer not to use apps; they accept cash and sometimes card. Short city rides often cost Rp 20,000-60,000, while trips from the airport or across town can hit Rp 120,000-200,000. Agree on the meter or book via the office at the airport rather than taking unofficial drivers.
- Trans Mamminasata (BRT) & city buses (5,000-10,000 IDR) - Makassar operates bus services including the Trans Mamminasata corridors that connect parts of the city and nearby suburbs. Fares are low (around Rp 5,000) and buses are the cheapest way to cover longer intra-city distances, though service frequency can vary and buses may be crowded at peak times. Useful for budget travel and reaching busier transit corridors - carry small change and check route maps locally.
- Angkot (shared minibuses) (3,000-15,000 IDR) - Angkot (angkutan kota) minibuses cover many local routes and are extremely cheap for short hops; expect fares of a few thousand to around Rp 15,000 depending on distance. They don’t always stop at formal stops, so flag them down and be ready with exact change; routes are color‑coded but can be confusing for newcomers. Angkots are a good way to reach neighbourhoods not well served by BRT or taxis.
- Car & motorbike rental (70,000-600,000 IDR) - Renting a motorbike or car gives the most flexibility for exploring Greater Makassar and nearby coastlines. Motorbike rentals are typically around Rp 70,000-150,000 per day; cars start roughly Rp 300,000-600,000 per day depending on model and insurance. Be prepared for busy traffic and limited dedicated lanes; carry an international driving permit if required and always wear a helmet on a motorbike.
- Walking - Central areas such as Losari waterfront, Fort Rotterdam and parts of Jalan Jenderal Sudirman are pleasant and walkable for short sightseeing trips. However, the city is spread out, pavements can be uneven and the tropical sun is strong - plan short walks, drink water, and avoid walking long distances in heavy traffic or at night.
Where to Stay in Makassar
Budget
Pettarani / Losari - $10-35/night
Cheap guesthouses and small hotels around Pettarani and Losari; expect basic rooms, limited English, and simple breakfasts. Good for short stays and tight budgets.
MaxOneHotels at Pettarani Makassar - Simple rooms near university areas
Local guesthouses (Booking listings) - Many cheap homestays and budget rooms
Mid-Range
Losari / Panakkukang - $40-90/night
Mid-range hotels near the waterfront and shopping malls offer comfortable rooms, restaurants, and pools - a good balance of comfort and value.
Swiss-Belhotel Makassar - Reliable mid-range chain by the coast
Hotel Claro Makassar - Comfortable rooms with decent facilities
Luxury
Panakkukang / Losari - $110-220/night
Higher-end hotels with full-service restaurants, pools and conference facilities; convenient for business travelers and those wanting more amenities.
Four Points by Sheraton Makassar - Upscale rooms near central attractions
Aston Makassar Hotel & Convention Center - Large rooms and event facilities
Best for First-Timers
Losari / Panakkukang - $40-150/night
Stay near Losari or Panakkukang for easy access to the waterfront, Fort Rotterdam and main dining streets - walkable and convenient for newcomers.
Swiss-Belhotel Makassar - Central location, easy access to sights
Four Points by Sheraton Makassar - Familiar brand, helpful staff
Best for Families
Panakkukang / R.P. Soeroso - $60-150/night
Choose hotels with pools and larger rooms near shopping malls and easy dining options; quieter neighborhoods toward Panakkukang work best for families.
Hotel Claro Makassar - Family rooms and pool area
Aston Makassar Hotel & Convention Center - Spacious rooms and kid-friendly facilities
Digital Nomads
Pettarani / Panakkukang - $30-120/night
Look for hotels near coworking cafes in Pettarani or Panakkukang; prioritize strong Wi‑Fi, quiet rooms and plug-friendly workspaces.
MaxOneHotels at Pettarani Makassar - Affordable with decent Wi‑Fi
Swiss-Belhotel Makassar - Good central location and workspace areas
Unique & Cool Hotels
Makassar has a mix of practical chains and a few boutique-style properties near Losari waterfront and university neighborhoods; expect functional, Indonesian-style service and convenient sea views.
Swiss-Belhotel Makassar - Modern coastal hotel with sea views.
Hotel Claro Makassar - Classic city hotel with pool.
MaxOneHotels at Pettarani Makassar - Stylish budget design hotel near campus areas.
Where to Eat in Makassar
Makassar eats like a port city: hearty, smoky, and unapologetically savory. The must-tries are Coto Makassar (a beef-offal stew brightened with toasted nut oil), sop/konro (rich beef-rib soup or its grilled sibling), and pallu basa - all best sampled at busy local counters where the broth has been simmering for hours. Don’t miss the Pisang Epe sellers along Pantai Losari for an after-dinner sweet: flattened grilled banana with palm-sugar sauces and quirky toppings.
For a proper food crawl, start in the Somba Opu area and weave toward Losari at sunset. Somba Opu’s market stalls and little warungs serve the classics, while the Losari strip turns into a lively evening scene of seafood grills and snack vendors. If you want something less streetwise, hotel restaurants and mall eateries around Panakkukang provide international choices and air-conditioning - handy on a humid Sulawesi night.
Local Food
Makassar’s soul is in bowls and grills: think Coto Makassar, sop/konro ribs and pallu basa. Head to Somba Opu and the Losari waterfront to sample the street stalls locals queue for.
- Coto Nusantara - Classic coto Makassar; rich, fragrant beef-offal stew.
- Konro Karebosi - Spiced beef ribs, served in soup or grilled.
- Pasar Somba Opu stalls - Market counters selling pallu basa and jalangkote.
- Pisang Epe vendors (Pantai Losari) - Beachside grilled bananas with sweet sauces and toppings.
International Food
For non-local cuisine you’ll find dependable chains and a few hotel restaurants doing western, Japanese and Asian fusion. Mall and hotel dining is the easiest way to get sushi, steaks or a more formal meal.
- Sushi Tei (Makassar) - Reliable Japanese chain in major shopping centres.
- The Rinra Hotel rooftop restaurant - Hotel dining with seafood-focused international plates and views.
- Mall food courts (Panakkukang area) - Global fast-casual options, from burgers to Asian favourites.
Vegetarian
Vegetarian options are easy to cobble together: many cafés and chains offer tofu and veggie bowls, while market stalls and Losari vendors sell fresh-fruit snacks and simple meat-free dishes.
- Upnormal (local branches) - Casual bowls and noodle dishes with veg and tofu options.
- Cafés around Jalan Somba Opu - Small cafés with salads, sandwiches and vegetarian mains.
- Pasar Somba Opu vegetable stalls - Fresh produce and simple cooked vegetarian street snacks.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Makassar’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Makassar
Makassar’s nightlife is low-key and practical: sunset promenades, hotel rooftops and pockets of live music rather than a sprawling club scene. Rooftop bars and hotel lounges are the most polished options; look for sunset crowds around Losari and weekend gigs at Fort Rotterdam. Expect most hotel bars to close around midnight-1 AM on typical nights and main clubs or late events to finish by 2-3 AM.
Dress smart-casual for hotel bars and rooftops; streetside eateries and cafés are casual. Be mindful of local norms - public drunkenness draws attention, and Makassar is more conservative than major Indonesian party cities. Safety tips: use Gojek/Grab for late rides, avoid isolated streets after hours, keep valuables secure, and carry cash for smaller stalls that don’t take cards.
Rooftop & Cocktail Bars
Best for sunset drinks and date nights - expect hotel-style service and a smart-casual dress code. Prices run mid-range; most rooftops close around midnight to 1 AM on weekdays and a bit later on weekends.
- Sky Lounge - Claro Hotel Makassar - Panoramic sea views; cocktails and light bites; mid-range prices.
- Skybar - Four Points by Sheraton Makassar - Hotel rooftop bar popular at sunset; smart-casual; moderate prices.
- Rooftop spots along Losari Promenade - Informal hotel/restaurant terraces for sunset drinks; variable prices.
Live Music & Clubs
Makassar’s live scene is grassroots - local bands and occasional touring acts. Clubs and late-night venues typically wind down by 2-3 AM; check listings or ask hotel staff for that night’s line-up.
- Fort Rotterdam (event nights) - Historic fort that hosts outdoor concerts and cultural shows on weekends.
- Live bars along Jalan Penghibur / surrounding districts - Small venues with local bands and acoustic nights; cheap-to-mid prices.
- Select hotel lounges (weekend gigs) - Hotel bars occasionally host cover bands or DJs; cover charge possible.
Casual & Local Bars
Go here for relaxed evenings and people-watching. Expect laid-back dress; most places accept cash and local e-wallets, and closing times vary-often around 10-11 PM for cafés, later for bars.
- Losari Promenade stalls & cafés - Seafood stalls and casual cafés for an easy drink with sunset views; very affordable.
- Bars near Mall Ratu Indah / Panakkukang - Casual watering holes frequented by locals; low-to-mid prices.
- Neighborhood cafés and kopitiams - Good for late-evening coffee or a quiet beer; inexpensive.
Late Night & After Dark
Nightlife after midnight is concentrated at a few late eateries and special event nights rather than a dense club district. Late-night venues are sparing; plan your transportation home in advance.
- Losari after-dark eateries - Open-air seafood spots that stay lively after sunset; cash recommended.
- Weekend night events at Fort Rotterdam - Special events can run late; timings vary by organizer.
- Ride-hailing pickup zones (Gojek / Grab) - Practical after-club option - reliable and safer than hailing taxis on the street.
Shopping in Makassar
Makassar’s shopping scene splits cleanly between modern malls and lively traditional markets. If you prefer air-conditioning, predictable prices and card machines, the big malls (Trans Studio Mall, Ratu Indah, Panakkukang) are comfortable and safe. If you want character, bargains and food that actually smells like the sea, hit Pasar Butung, Jalan Somba Opu and the Losari beachfront.
Bargaining is expected at market stalls and souvenir sellers - start about 30-50% below the asking price, be friendly, and don’t show too much eagerness. Malls and established shops have fixed prices. Practical tip: bring small bills and exact change for markets, wear shoes you can slip off when visiting fish stalls, and use ride-hailing apps (Gojek/Grab) to avoid parking and traffic headaches. Credit cards work in larger stores but carry cash for bazaars and street food.
Shopping Malls
If you want air-conditioning, credit-card acceptance and predictable prices, head to Makassar’s malls. They’re where locals shop on rainy afternoons and where you’ll find chain stores, cinemas and plenty of food courts.
- Trans Studio Mall Makassar - Big mall with indoor theme park attached.
- Mall Ratu Indah - Longstanding city mall with fashion and eateries.
- Panakkukang Mall - Popular for local brands and weekend crowds.
- GTC Mall Makassar - Budget electronics, clothing stalls and small shops.
Markets & Bazaars
Traditional markets are the heart of Makassar shopping - noisy, messy and rewarding. Come early for fish at Pasar Butung, and go later for evening stalls along Losari and Somba Opu.
- Pasar Butung - Wholesome, chaotic seafood market - best early.
- Jalan Somba Opu - Heritage shopping street for textiles and souvenirs.
- Losari Beach stalls - Evening vendors selling snacks and cheap souvenirs.
- Paotere Harbour area - Where phinisi boats and model sellers gather.
Local Crafts & Souvenirs
Makassar’s best buys are island crafts and maritime-themed items - think phinisi models, woven songket and regional spices. Expect both handcrafted pieces and mass-produced trinkets; look closely before you commit.
- Phinisi model makers (Paotere area) - Handmade wooden boat models, various sizes available.
- Songket & tenun shops on Somba Opu - Traditional woven textiles, good for special gifts.
- Benteng Rotterdam souvenir stalls - Small crafts and postcards near the fortress.
- Local spice and dried fish sellers - Spice blends and preserved seafood for travelers.
Food & Street Snacks
Eat where the locals eat: from grilled seafood along Losari to early-morning fish at Pasar Butung and small warungs on Somba Opu. Street food here is memorable - pick busy stalls and use common-sense food hygiene.
- Losari Beach food vendors - Pisang epe, grilled fish and evening snacks.
- Pasar Butung seafood stalls - Fresh catch sold and cooked nearby early mornings.
- Café and warung cluster on Somba Opu - Local coffee, kue and quick traditional meals.
- Paotere seafood restaurants - Seafood-focused eateries near the harbor district.
Living in Makassar
Long-term stays in Makassar usually start with a tourist VOA or B211A/visit visa (VOA approx. IDR 500,000, 30 days, extendable once). For multi-month or residency options you need a KITAS (work, spouse, or retirement KITAS) sponsored by an employer, family member, or registered sponsor - processing (including agent fees) commonly runs USD 1,000-3,000 for the first year. Retirement KITAS is available for foreigners meeting age and income requirements (commonly aged 55+ with proof of pension/savings) and requires local sponsorship. Extensions and renewals are handled through immigration offices in Makassar; expect several weeks for processing and mandatory local paperwork. Healthcare: Makassar has both public and private hospitals (RSUP Dr. Wahidin and Siloam Hospitals Makassar are widely used). Many expats carry private international health insurance; BPJS is available for residents but has limited coverage for foreigners. Typical private GP visits run about 150-400k IDR, specialist consultations 300-700k IDR, and hospital stays vary widely depending on facility and treatment.
- Panakkukang - Popular expat area, malls nearby, 4-8M IDR/mo
- Rappocini - Quiet residential, near universities, 3-6M IDR/mo
- Losari / Waterfront - Beachfront promenades, cafes, higher weekend traffic
- Tamalanrea - Affordable, student-friendly, close to Hasanuddin University
- Ujung Pandang / Pettarani - Central, transit links, mixed housing options
- Siloam Hospitals Makassar - Private hospital, English-speaking staff, higher fees
- RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo - Major public referral hospital, emergency services available
- RS Awal Bros Makassar - Private care, common for expat consultations
- Local clinics and apotek - Walk-in clinics, low-cost consultations, common for routine care
- Gyms & fitness studios - Small chains and studios, monthly passes 200-600k IDR
- Rent (1BR apartment) - Center 4-8M IDR/mo, outskirts 2-5M IDR/mo
- Local meals - Street food 15-35k IDR, mid-range restaurant 40-100k
- Transport (GoJek/Grab) - Short rides 10-40k IDR, motorbike taxis common
- Utilities & internet - Electricity 300-800k IDR, Indihome 300-600k IDR/mo
- Groceries & markets - Monthly 1.5-3M IDR typical, local produce cheap
Digital Nomads in Makassar
Makassar is an affordable place for remote work with a small but growing nomad scene. Most remote workers rely on cafés, mall Wi‑Fi and hotel lobbies for workspaces; formal coworking operators are limited, so day/memberships are often replaced by regular café routines. Expect to pay about 50-150k IDR for a long café session or lobby coffee, and monthly coworking-style alternatives (hotel business centers) from 700k-1.5M IDR. Connectivity is adequate for most remote work: mobile 4G averages around 20-40 Mbps in central areas and fixed Indihome fiber is available with typical packages from 20-100 Mbps (roughly 300-700k IDR/month). For stable upload-heavy work, choose accommodations in Panakkukang or central districts with fiber access.
- Cafés at Trans Studio Mall - Reliable Wi‑Fi, many seating options, AC indoors
- Mall Ratu Indah cafés - Central location, steady internet, power outlets
- Hasanuddin University library - Quiet study spaces, campus Wi‑Fi, daytime access
- Hotel lobbies (Swiss‑Belhotel, The Rinra) - Good Wi‑Fi, comfortable seating, paid access sometimes
- Losari cafés and seaside spots - Scenic work breaks, variable Wi‑Fi, busy at sunset
- Telkom Indihome (fixed) - Fiber plans common, 20-100 Mbps, 300-700k IDR/mo
- Telkomsel (mobile) - Best 4G coverage, average mobile 20-40 Mbps
- XL Axiata / Indosat - Good value prepaid data, decent city speeds
- Local SIM & eSIM options - Prepaid refill widely available, cheap data packages
- Internet cafes & mall Wi‑Fi - Free Wi‑Fi in malls, variable speeds, convenient locations
- Hasanuddin University events - Tech meetups and student startup activity, regular events
- Local entrepreneur meetups - Occasional startup and creative community gatherings
- Expat & local Facebook groups - Active groups for housing, jobs, meetups, classifieds
- Weekend markets and cultural events - Good for meeting locals, language practice, networking
- Coworking pop‑ups and hotel events - Workshops and networking at hotels or cafes sometimes
Demographics