
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
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.