STORY OF MAKASSAR

THE GATEWAY TO SULAWESI

Located to the east of the Java Sea, the port city of Makassar is the capital of Sulawesi. Steeped in history, it offers visitors access to unspoiled beaches, an array of exotic vegetation, little explored mountains and jungles along with some of the best coral reefs and marine life in Indonesia.

The first written mention of Makassar dates back to the 14th century, but it was King Tumaparisi Kallonna (1510-1546) who is credited with its development. When the Portuguese reached Makassar in 1511 they became the first Europeans in Sulawesi. Throughout the ensuing colonial era, Makassar was an important gateway to the eastern part of the East Indies, however the kings of Makassar managed to resist the Dutch attempts at creating a monopoly and the city maintained a free-trade policy. The city became a base and home for Malays working in the spice trade, as well Indian, European and Arab traders.

Today the city is home to over 1.6 million inhabitants who live, work and play in this rapidly growing city. The Dutch impact is evident with a host of important heritage buildings, as well as a well- established city centre, port and beachfront. New and popular suburbs have evolved, such as Tanjung Bunga to the southwest and Panukkukang to the east, famed for its modern shopping malls.

EXPLORE

Makassar is famous for its numerous pedicabs, with daeng being the local slang for the drivers; hence the popular name for Makassar is The City of Daeng. In fact, for intrepid explorers, this is an excellent method to see the sights and sounds of the city.

The city is home to some of the best- preserved Dutch architecture in Indonesia. Fort Rotterdam, for example, continues to guard the harbour. Inside the fort discover Museum Negeri La Galigo, home to a host of exhibits that includes traditional boats, rice bowls from Tanah Toraja, kitchen tools, musical instruments and ethnic costumes.

Pre- dating colonialism, to the south east the remnants of the former kingdom of Gowa, which include Sultan Hasanuddin’s tomb, can be found. Further afield discover Benteng Sungguminasa, Sungguminasa and the former royal residence, now known as Museum Balla Lompoa.

Sulawesi offers some of the most diverse marine life in the world and Makassar is an excellent base for diving trips to the group of small islands and atolls that make up the Spermonde Archipelago. Back on land, Makassar is the point of entry to Balai National Park and its mountainous beauty, while further north is the mystic Toraja regency.

DINING OUT

Naturally Makassar offers all the things you would expect to find in a large cosmopolitan city, but it also throws up some must-try indigenous dishes that are unique to the city. Try traditional soups like Sop Saudara and Coto Makassar – rich spicy offalbased dishes, or the beef and coconut Pallubasa. The Chinatown area offers a great collection of places to eat and a popular dish called Mie Kanton, crispy fried noodles served with chicken or pork. The local breakfast speciality is Pangsit Mie, Chinese- style noodles served with wantons, BBQ pork, chicken and a broth served on the side.