Best things to do in Makassar
Makassar is the biggest city of the whole east Indonesia and the city is the capitol of south – Sulawesi. The city has a rich history which you can see from the several buildings and monuments within the city. Makassar is also the big gate of arrival of east Indonesia. From Makassar, you can start a wonderful journey through east Indonesia. In this part, you can encounter with beautiful landscapes, interact with different cultures which you have never seen before and you can do many more things. The city also has a big beach where you can admire the sunset. During the time of sunset, you’ll see many locals at the beach to catch some fresh air and enjoy the sunset.
Visit the city its iconic landmark
Fort Rotterdam also called ‘Benteng, Fort Jupandang or Ujung Pandang is built In 1545 which is also the era of the tenth king of Gowa. The monument is located in the heart of Makassar which is not too difficult to reach. The fort itself is made by a mixture of clay and stones. The fort is made in the shape of a sea turtle which is a unique shape for a fort. The reason why the fort has the shape of a sea turtle is, that a sea turtle lives at land and sea. Just like the residence of the Gowa kingdom. The fort was also destroyed and after that, it was rebuilt by a Dutch general called mister Speelman. He rebuilt the fort in Dutch style and named the fort to his city of birth ‘Rotterdam’.
The tomb of the national hero
The tomb houses the memory of the Indonesian national hero Sultan Hasanuddin. This was the ruler of the Gowa kingdom which he protected fiercely against the Dutch during the 17th century. Sultan Hasanuddin held fort Somba Opu up against 94 Dutch and 2000 Bugis soldiers for 8 days, which is an impressive achievement. The fort felt eventually in the year of 1669. You will find a stone which is named the ‘Pelantikan Stone. This stone is the location where the kings of Gowa were crowned.
Relaxation on the beach
The beach of Makassar is called Pulau Samalona. This beach has a lot things to offer which you can do. The sand of the beach is white which gives the beach a beautiful scenery. There are a lot of day trippers during the weekends, but you will find a more quiet beach during the weekdays. The beach has beautiful reefs to discover and there are a lot of places on the beach where you can hire a snorkelling set, so you don’t have to bring a snorkelling set yourself. The waters at Pulau Samalona a clear. There are also enough of places on the beach where you can get a cold drink of something to eat.
Explorer the port of Makassar
You will find the harbour of Makassar 4 km north from the city centre. The harbour is a very large port which houses many sailing ships. The port is still in use by the city and the ships which arrive in the ports are beautiful for the eye to see. The Indonesian residence who are working in the port are really friendly for locals and tourists. There is also a fish market where you can buy freshly caught fish nearby the port. The local atmosphere during the morning till dawn is one you have to see during your visit to Makassar.
Ever seen a floating mosque
The Masjid Amirul Mukminin also called ‘the floating mosque’ is located on the Pantai Losari. The mosque is called the floating mosque due to its floating appearance. The mosque is built on pillars on the see which makes the mosque looks like it’s floating. You can go to the mosque if you want to see a beautiful sunset. The mosque is surrounded by clear water which makes the sunset even more beautiful to see due to the reflecting effect on the water. This mosque is for the locals the place where they take their daily break during the Ramadan.
