Bantimurung National Park & Makassar
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Port
Ujung Padang, Sulawasi, Indonesia
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$180
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Surrender to the beauty and history surrounding Makassar with a visit to Bantimurung National Park, a traditional market, Fort Rotterdam, and the fascinating bat village. The imposing mountains and verdant jungles just outside of Makassar are an exotic landscape, and a leisurely 60-minute scenic drive leads you into the island’s rugged interior. You’ll pause in the Bat Village -- Parang Tinggia -- named for the thousands of bats living here in harmony with the villagers.
Continuing north, you’ll drive through Bantimurung National Park -- a sprawling 106-acre jungle nature reserve brimming with wildlife. Some endemic animals call this place home, including the endangered Sulawesi moor macaque, the red-knobbed hornbill and more than 90 butterfly species. Beautiful Bantimurung Waterfall cascades 50 feet over gnarled limestone cliffs -- a cool, refreshing escape from the day’s heat.
Take a seat in the park’s open-air garden café for a refreshment; then, head back to Makassar for a little shopping.
The Terong Traditional Market is one of the largest markets in southern Sulawesi. Check out the mango, papaya and guava, the hairy red rambutan, palmyra, starfruit and the hideously foul-smelling durian.
Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch of local specialties.
Makassar, formerly known as Ujung Pandang, was the dominant trade center of eastern Indonesia in the 16th century, known for cargos of precious pearls, gold, copper, camphor and spices. A fort built by a medieval Gowa king was captured by the Dutch and renamed Fort Rotterdam. Today, this 230-year-old fortress is one of the best examples of Dutch architecture in Asia. With five commanding towers and walls almost 20 feet tall, the fort looks much like it did when it was the center of Dutch colonial rule in Sulawesi. You’ll have 45 minutes to walk about and photograph the fort’s impressive exterior before returning to the ship.
Please note:
Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Bring a rain jacket. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, inclines, gravel, grass, and steps. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations.