The capital of South Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s most vibrant economic engines. But it is not merely a business city. Makassar also boasts a gigantic indoor theme park, beautiful islands that lie off its shore and various unique culinary treats that employ exotic local spices. Recommends eight reasons why you should pay this fair city a visit.
Trans Studio Makassar
Once the record holder for the largest indoor theme park in Indonesia (a distinction subsequently claimed by Trans Studio Bandung), Trans Studio Makassar (www. trans studioworld. corn) occupies a 24-hectare site that has been split into three areas: Trans Studio Theme Park, Trans Studio Resort and Trans Studio Mall. Director of Trans Studio Makassar explains, ‘Don’t forget that this is the first place filled with indoor entertainment inspired by Universal Studios, and boasts attractions that you will never tire of.”
Losari Beach
Makassar is a sea port of course, however it can also boast some enchanting beaches. Losari Beach is popular with locals and can get quite crowded in the late afternoons, and its clean boulevard allows visitors to relax while watching the sunset. “There is no other place in Indonesia in which you can see the sun both rise and set,” former Vice President Jusuf Kalla claimed of Losari. Kalla owns a house near Losari, so this is straight from the horse’s mouth.
Fort Rotterdam
The fortifications that still remain from past wars and conflicts tell us much about Indonesia’s rich history. Unfortunately, very few of these sites are still maintained as historical assets. One such site though is Fort Rotterdam. Often referred to as Benteng Ujung Pandang, this building is a legacy of the Gowa-Tallo Kingdom and is located on the west coast of the city, not far from Losari. Construction on the fort began in 1545 and was inaugurated by the ninth King of Gowa. In accordance with the Treaty of Bongaya, the Gowa Kingdom ceded control of the fortress to the Dutch and its name was changed to Fort Rotterdam.
Coto and Mie Titi
Coto (soup) is to Makassar what spaghetti is to Bologna, and the city’s culinary classic can be found on offer in many Indonesian cities. The best-tasting stuff can only be found in its hometown however. Aside from coto, visitors should also try mie titi, a dish resembling Chinese ifumi noodles that comes served with a thick broth containing pieces of prawn, chicken, mushrooms and a variety of vegetables. Mi titi was allegedly introduced here by Ang Kho Tjao from Canton in China. As for beverages, Makassar’s heat is best tackled with iced green banana and an iced dessert known as pa/u butung, a blend of creamy banana and coconut milk.
Coffee Shops
President of the Telecommunication, Media and Information Forum for the East Indonesia Region, coffee shops have played a significant role in the changing face of Makassar. It was in these cafes that many of the ideas for developing Makassar were first dreamt up. The story started in Warung Kopi Phoenam, which served Toraja coffee and which was often patronised by businessmen and women, activists, journalists and even bureaucrats. Once, when discovered relaxing here, the Governor of South Sulawesi, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, referred to the coffee shop as the most democratic of spaces. Indeed, Phoenam has now initiated a programmed known as, “Round Table Discussion”, which is broadcast by local radio. Nowadays, Makassar has around 100 coffee shops.
6. Paotere Port
Wooden ships II have now been largely consigned to ocean- faring history, but not in Makassar. At Paotere Harbour it is possible to see a number of impressive wooden ships that still ply Indonesia’s sea lanes bearing commodities, just as they did five centuries ago. Paotere’s function has not changed since it was built, much like Jakarta’s Sunda Kelapa harbour or Surabaya’s Kalimas harbour.
7. Sea Adventures in Spermonde
Jakarta may have its Thousand Islands, however Makassar can boast Spermonde. Comprising of 1 20 islands, Spermonde is the best place to enjoy marine tourism in Makassar. The islands feature natural splendor, clear waters, long stretches of white sand and enchanting sunset vistas. The Spermonde Archipelago is located close to the Makassar mainland and includes Kayangan, Samalona, Kodingareng Keke and Lanjukang islands. At present, only Kayangan contains a permanent resort. The islands can be reached from three harbours; Dermaga Kayu Bangkoa, Dermaga Wisata Pulau Kayangan and Dermaga POPSA.
8. Meeting in CCC
The opening ‘I’ of the Celebes Convention Center (CCC) in 2007 has given tourists even more reasons to pay a visit to Makassar, namely seminars and exhibitions. Located close to the hotel complex near Losari, the CCC is the largest MICE building in the eastern part of Indonesia. Head of the Association of Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants (PHRI) in South Sulawesi, Anggiat Sinaga, asserts that over the last five years, the hotel trade in Makassar has been dominated by visitors attending MICE events. “Around 55 percent of hotel occupancies have indeed been groups of MICE participants,’ explains Anggiat, who is also General Manager of the Grand Clarion Hotel and convention
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