The Highlights of Old Makassar

The Highlights of
Old Makassar

The Dutch have left a historical mark on Makassar during its trading days. From Fort Rotterdam to the
bustling harbour with its wooden Phinisi schooners, admiring Dutch architecture and
mingling with the locals, Makassar packs a nice half-day exploration.

WHY THIS TOUR?

The once-mighty port city of Makassar in South Sulawesi has seen its fair share of Dutch in the past. A central point for the trading routes for transporting spices and goods from around the world, Makassar still bears lots of resemblance during its past days of prosperity.

Food plays a crucial part in Indonesia’s sixth-largest city, where the abundance of seafood Warungs (local street stalls) along the main streets and alleys brighten up the mood for almost 24 hours. The social interaction with its very hospitable residents and the historical sites that are spread around within easy distance and the blend of various nationalities makes Makassar a city not to skip on your Sulawesi travel endeavours.

TRAIL ITINERARY

The Highlights of Old Makassar

09:00 - 12:00

Ready for a half-day of seeing the historical and cultural sites of Makassar, your guide and driver will be waiting for you at around 9 am to get exploring. Formerly known as Ujung Pandang and still bearing the prestigious title as the capital city of South Sulawesi, the Dutch have left some remarkable buildings behind that remain intact. We commence our morning tour heading towards Fort Rotterdam and the enclosed Lagaligo Museum (closed on Mondays). The remains of the ancient Gowanese fort and typical Dutch architecture are striking examples of the influences of this sea-faring nation centuries ago.

La Galigo Museum is located within Fort Rotterdam, an old Dutch fort. Its exhibits tell the story of the people from the local area and it features historical, military and cultural artefacts from many centuries. Visitors can see and learn the type of instruments that people used to play, the traditional clothes they used to wear and see statues at the museum. Collections include ancient weapons, coins, shells, utensils, drawings and stamps. We highly recommend trying to avoid making reservations on Mondays when this suits your interest!

A visit to Makassar requires a visit to the old harbour; the main gateway for centuries, Makassar Harbour has been the focal point for all trading between the East and West for decades. A collection of traditional, wooden schooners, called Phinisi or Bugis, are used in a more modern version for sailing the waters. Excellent photo opportunities await, once you follow your guide as he explains how these boats played an essential role in Indonesian maritime history. We end the morning with a stop at the Clara Bundts where a nice collection of shells and orchids can be admired before heading back to your Makassar overnight address.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

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INCLUSIONS

  • A half-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide only
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
  • All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

EXCLUSIONS

  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
  • Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
  • Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
  • Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
  • Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
  • Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

  • This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply
  • Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in downtown Makassar. Transfers outside these areas, including Tanjung Bunga, Panukkukang, Makassar’s Sultan Hasanuddin Airport and main harbour are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
  • We regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
  • We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
  • Please note pick-up and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.
  • Due to the absence of ATM machines and credit cards payment portals, particularly on islands and inside nature reserves, we highly recommend to bring sufficient cash with you. Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment.
  • It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this.
  • Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
  • We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests.
  • The protection of the country’s flora and fauna is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities for guests that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles.
  • It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.
  • In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.
  • This excursion is operated only in the morning.
  • The La Galigo Museum at Fort Rotterdam is closed every single Monday and possible alternatives may be offered during that day.

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