Things to Do in Makassar
50 curated spots from Makassar itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Fort Rotterdam
Explore the preserved Dutch-era fort, grassy courtyards, and sea views; let the kids climb the walls (within allowed areas) and imagine old trading ships.
1h 30m · $2-4 (donation/entry plus small guide tip)
Losari Beach Promenade
Stroll along the wide seafront promenade, take photos with the ‘Makassar’ sign, and watch locals fishing and families relaxing.
1h 30m · Free
Fort Rotterdam & La Galigo Museum
Explore the pentagon-shaped Dutch fortress, its grass courtyards, and thick stone walls, then step into the La Galigo Museum to see Bugis–Makassar artifacts, traditional boats, and historical displays. There are shaded spots and a bit of green within the fort’s grounds.
1h 30m · $1-3 (donation/entry)
La Galigo Museum (inside Fort Rotterdam)
Small museum showcasing South Sulawesi culture, traditional boats, and artifacts; exhibits are simple enough for kids to follow with your help.
45m · $2-3
Losari Beach Sunset Promenade
In the early evening, stroll the wide promenade, watch locals gathering, enjoy sea breezes, and find a quiet spot near the 'Makassar' sign to watch the sun drop behind the islands.
1h 30m · Free
Paotere Harbor
Walk along the pier to see traditional wooden pinisi schooners, busy fish landings, and salty harbor life.
1h 30m · Free
Akkarena Beach Park
Small city beach and park with palm trees and sunset views, a short walk from Trans Studio Mall area.
1h 30m · $1-3 entry
Asmaul Husna 99 Kubah Mosque
Visit the striking 99-dome mosque by the sea, accessed via roads through the Center Point development area.
1h 30m · Free
Bantimurung Waterfall & Butterfly Area
Visit the national park with a broad waterfall, short walks, and remnants of butterfly breeding areas; kids can splash in shallow spots under supervision.
2h 30m · $5-8 per person
Boat Trip to Samalona Island
Hire a local boat from Kayu Bangkoa pier (price is per boat) for a 30–45 minute ride to the small coral island of Samalona, with clear water and palms.
3h · $25–40 per boat (round-trip, negotiable)
Fort Rotterdam (Benteng Ujung Pandang)
Explore the old Dutch star‑shaped fort, coastal walls, and small museums inside (including La Galigo Museum) and wander the grassy courtyards and bastions.
1h 30m · $1-3 (small entry + optional donation)
Free-Explore Time in Fort Rotterdam Area
After lunch, wander the nearby streets and small parks; look for shaded spots, small local snack shops, and waterfront viewpoints. You can also sit at a simple café for cold drinks while the kids rest.
1h 30m · Free (drinks $1-3)
Grand Mosque of Makassar (Masjid Raya)
Visit one of the city’s main mosques with its large prayer hall and distinctive architecture. Dress modestly; outside prayer times, you can sit quietly, cool off, and take in the calm atmosphere.
1h · Free (donation appreciated)
Hertasning Green Fringe Walk
Walk near the greener outskirts where small fields, trees, and scattered houses give a semi-rural feel; stay on main lanes and go in daylight.
1h 30m · Free
Lae-Lae Island Half-Day Trip
Take a small public boat from the Makassar waterfront to Lae-Lae; enjoy swimming, simple beaches, and fishing-village vibes.
3h · $3-6 per person (boat roundtrip) plus small island fees
Last Coastal Walk at Tanjung Bunga
Walk the quieter coastal stretch near The Rinra and Tanjung Bunga, watching local families and enjoying open sea views.
1h · Free
Last Sunset Walk by Tanjung Bunga Waterfront
If time and light allow, take a brief stroll along the nearby waterfront area to say goodbye to the Makassar Strait.
45m · Free
Last Walk Along Losari Beach
Take one final relaxed stroll by the water, maybe sit on a bench and reflect on the trip.
1h · Free
Last-Minute Shopping at Trans Studio Mall Area
Head to the mall area for souvenirs, snacks to take home, and any last coffee; it’s modern but still has pockets of greenery outside.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Makassar Grand Mosque (Masjid Raya Makassar)
Visit the main city mosque; admire its architecture and, if you like, join prayers or sit in the courtyard.
1h · Free
Makassar Morning Market Visit
Visit a traditional morning market (like Pasar Terong or a smaller local one near your hotel) to see piles of spices, fruits, and daily life.
1h 30m · Free (plus any purchases)
Mall Panakkukang Leisure Time
Walk around this modern mall for air-conditioning, coffee, and people-watching after your long outdoor day; browse local brands and snack stalls.
1h · Free (shopping extra)
Masjid Amirul Mukminin (Floating Mosque)
Visit this mosque built on stilts over the water; step inside between prayer times or simply enjoy the architecture from the promenade.
45m · Free
Morning Walk at Losari Beach Promenade
Stroll the wide seaside promenade, watch locals exercising, and photograph the Makassar and 'City of Makassar' signs with the bay as a backdrop. Look for little pockets of greenery and palm trees for that wild-coast vibe.
1h · Free
Night View at Paotere Harbor
Walk a short distance to see the silhouettes of traditional phinisi boats; evenings are quieter and cooler, with a working-harbor feel.
45m · Free
Panakkukang Neighborhood Walk
Explore this lively local district on foot, with small shops, leafy side streets, and everyday markets; look for small mosques and warungs tucked between houses.
1h 30m · Free
Phinisi Point Mall (PIPO) & Indoor Play
Move to PIPO for an easy afternoon: kids can enjoy Kidzlandia (indoor playground) and you can browse shops or relax in café seating with greenery-themed interiors.
2h 30m · Free to enter (playground tickets $5-10 per child)
Samalona & Kodingareng Keke Island Hopping
Hire a local boat from near Losari/Kayu Bangkoa jetty (agree price and return time) to visit Samalona Island and, if sea conditions allow, Kodingareng Keke for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on small sandy islands with clear water.
4h · $25-40 (boat shared or solo, plus small island fees)
Snorkeling & Beach Time on Kodingareng Keke
Float over coral gardens and relax on the white-sand spit with turquoise water all around.
2h · $5-10 gear rental if needed
Souvenir Browsing at Mall Ratu Indah or Trans Studio Mall
Browse for small gifts, local snacks with halal labels, and practical items in a modern, air-conditioned space.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Coto Nusantara
Classic halal spot specializing in Coto Makassar (rich beef offal soup); you can request only meat without offal for the children, served with ketupat rice cakes.
1h · $3-6 per person
RM Nelayan
Well-known halal seafood restaurant near the waterfront; choose grilled fish (ikan bakar), fried squid, and vegetable stir-fries from the display.
1h · $8-15 per person
Apong Seafood
Popular halal seafood restaurant near the waterfront, ideal after your boat ride back. Order: crab in Padang sauce (if you like spicy), grilled fish, and veggies; confirm all sauces are halal and alcohol-free.
1h 15m · $10-18 per person
Bistropolis
A stylish, plant-filled bistro popular with locals; while not a traditional warung, it is halal-friendly and does not serve pork—go for grilled chicken dishes, pasta with seafood, salads, and mocktails, confirming halal ingredients with staff.
1h 15m · $10–15 per person
Dapur Karst Rammang-Rammang
Leafy open-air spot overlooking the river and cliffs. Go for ayam bakar, ikan goreng, cah kangkung (stir-fried water spinach), and fresh coconut; the kitchen is halal and used to hosting local Muslim visitors.
1h · $5-10 per person
Halal Food Court at Phinisi Point Mall
Inside Phinisi Point mall, choose from clearly labeled halal stalls offering Indonesian, fried chicken, and noodle dishes; avoid any stall that doesn’t show halal signage.
1h · $3-7 per person
Konro Karebosi
Famous halal spot for sup konro (beef rib soup) and konro bakar (grilled ribs); request less spicy broth for kids, served with rice.
1h · $4-9 per person
Lae Lae
Renowned local halal seafood place near Losari, with simple plastic-chair vibes; pick your fresh fish and have it grilled or steamed with sambal.
1h 15m · $6-12 per person
Local Sate Maros (Halal Satay Stall)
Look for a busy halal sate stall in Maros serving chicken and beef satay with peanut sauce and rice cake; verify halal status but these stalls normally serve only halal meats.
45m · $3–6 per person
Mama Toko Kue & Es Krim (Halal Desserts & Snacks)
Popular halal bakery and dessert shop with cakes, traditional kue basah, and ice cream. Choose tropical flavors like avocado or coconut ice cream, and grab boxed cakes or pastries for the room or airport.
45m · $3-6 per person
Mie Titi Datu Museng (Halal Makassar Noodles)
Classic Makassar noodle spot serving crispy fried noodles with thick chicken-and-vegetable gravy. This branch uses halal chicken and no pork; order 'Mie Titi Ayam' (chicken noodles) or 'Kwetiau Ayam'. Avoid any dishes labeled with non-halal meats, and confirm 'semua halal, ya?' when ordering.
1h · $4-7 per personMie Titi Datu Museng (Halal)
Famous Makassar spot for halal crispy noodle dishes; order Mie Titi with seafood or chicken, plus fresh juices—confirm halal (they proudly advertise it) and avoid any non-halal sauces if you’re strict.
1h · $4–8 per person
New Dinar Seafood Resto
Large, family-friendly halal seafood restaurant with a semi-open, slightly garden-like setting and tanks of live fish. Choose your fish (ikan baronang, kerapu, or kakap), have it grilled or steamed, add shrimp, sotong (squid), sayur kangkung, and fresh coconut water.
1h 30m · $10-20 per person
Pallubasa Datu Museng
Specializes in pallubasa, a rich spiced beef or offal soup; the broth and meats are halal and there is no pork on the menu—ask for regular beef cuts if you prefer to avoid offal.
45m · $3–5 per person
RM Alam Rammang-Rammang
Simple riverside warung near the Rammang-Rammang jetty with a lush, wild backdrop of karst cliffs and trees. Order nasi kuning or nasi goreng, grilled ikan bakar (ask for no alcohol in marinade), and hot tea; all dishes are halal as it’s a local Muslim-run eatery.
45m · $3-6 per person
RM Alam Raya (Karebosi)
Lively halal Makassar restaurant near Fort Rotterdam. Order: coto Makassar (beef soup; confirm no blood or offal if you prefer), konro bakar (grilled beef ribs), and es pisang ijo dessert.
1h 15m · $6-12 per person
RM Apong
Well-known Makassar seafood restaurant a short walk or quick taxi from Losari; fully halal with no pork served—order grilled fish (ikan bakar rica-rica or with traditional spices), cumi bakar (grilled squid), and vegetable dishes like cah kangkung with rice.
1h 15m · $10–18 per person
RM Ayam Goreng Sulawesi
Halal restaurant specializing in fried and grilled chicken, served with rice, sambal, fresh vegetables, and sometimes tempeh or tofu.
1h · $4–8 per person
RM Bravo
Halal Makassar eatery known for sop saudara, nasi goreng, and other local dishes. Order: sop saudara (beef soup), fried rice, and es kelapa muda (young coconut).
1h · $4-8 per person
RM Losari Seafood
Casual open-air seafood restaurant just off the promenade with a semi-jungle tangle of potted plants and sea breeze. Choose your fish or prawns from the display and ask for them grilled or fried with simple spices, plus rice, kangkung, and sambal; all seafood is halal and no pork is served.
1h 15m · $8-15 per person