Makassar City
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Port
Ujung Padang, Sulawasi, Indonesia
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$140
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Experience the beguiling culture of Makassar and its liveliest locales -- fishermen and their traditional sailing boats at Paotere Harbor, the cheery bustle of shoppers at a traditional market, the grounds of Fort Rotterdam, and bargain hunting at Somba Opu. Go local and examine the daily life of Sulawesi as you travel by air-conditioned coach to some of Makassar’s favorite spots.
Head north of the city to Paotere Harbor -- the busiest and most colorful port in Makassar. Modern ships are excluded from this 700-year-old harbor. Instead, it is for the beautiful wooden boats called phinisi. These large wooden schooners, built entirely traditionally, are the last of an immense fleet that once plied these waters; seeing them today is a rare and wonderful (and very photogenic) opportunity. Watch the phinisi with their tall sails and witness fishermen and dock workers scurry across the wooden planks, loading and unloading their precious cargo.
The Terong Traditional Market is one of the largest markets in southern Sulawesi. Stalls are piled high with mango, papaya, guava, rambutan, palmyra, and starfruit. Never seen a durian before? This delicious fruit is not for the faint of heart -- its scent is so notoriously vile that it is banned in many places.
A fort built by a medieval Gowa king was captured by the Dutch, renamed Fort Rotterdam, and redesignated the East Indies center of the Spice Trade. Today, this 230-year-old fortress remains one of the finest examples of Dutch architecture in Asia. Explore its sprawling grounds and take in the panoramic ocean views. For an in-depth look at the island’s rich heritage, visit the Museum Negeri La Galego.
The Somba Opu shopping strip is the perfect spot for bargain shopping and souvenir hunting, with regional arts, handicrafts, jewelry, Chinese pottery, and silk cloth on offer.
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.