In Makassar one finds remains of the early history of Dutch conquest of the Indonesian islands. In the 16th and 17th century, the Spanish, Portuguese, English and Dutch fought each other and the local kingdoms in these waters for hegemony over the lucrative spice trade that has its source in the Spice Islands in the Moluccas. While the latest attraction in Makassar is a large indoor theme park called Trans Studio. Visitors to Makassar will love the fresh seafood served with spicy sauces, or shop for trinkets and more expensive gold accessories and pearl necklaces.

Fronting Makassar are beautiful islands to swim, snorkel or dive, while not far from the city are waterfalls and prehistoric caves.  

Fort Rotterdam

Fort Rotterdam stands prominently on the waterfront of Makassar along the Losari Beach, a must for visitors to see.  Originally called the Fort of Ujung Pandang, it was built by the 9th King of Gowa, Imanurung Daeng Bonto Karaeng Lakiung in 1545. However, after the defeat of Gowa which was followed by the signing of the Treaty of Bungaya in 1667, Fort Ujung Pandang was surrendered to the Dutch, who under Admiral Speelman rebuilt and strengthened the fort, renaming it Fort Rotterdam, after his own birthplace.
The Fort takes the shape of a turtle ready to go out to sea, symbol of Gowa, which described the kingdom as being on land but powerful at sea. Prince Diponegoro of Yogyakarta who rebelled against the Dutch in the Java War of 1825-1830, was imprisoned in the dungeons of Fort Rotterdam after he was treacherously captured and deported first to Manado and then to Makassar, where he died in 1855. Diponegoro’s tomb is here in Makassar.  
Today, Fort Rotterdam houses the La Galigo museum, dedicated to the history of South Sulawesi and Makassar.

For more information, do visit: Fort Rotterdam and the I La Galigo Museum within: History of South Sulawesi

Losari Beach and Paotere Harbor

The Losari Beach prides itself as Indonesia’s longest Esplanade, followed only by the Boulevard in Manado. Here are Makassar’s top class hotels offering a splendid view over the sea, the islands fronting Makassar, and the spectacular sunsets for which Losari Beach is famous.
Past the esplanade’s most northern end is the Paotere port for traditional vessels and fishing boats, where one can see Bugis pinisi schooners, and local prahus like the pantorani, the lepa-lepa and the Mandarese Sandeq tied along the quay. Further north is the Soekarno-Hatta harbor where large ships load and unload their cargo.
In the Chinese area one finds four old temples, most important of which is the Tian Hou Gong temple, or the Temple of the Heavenly Queen, built in the early 18th century on Jl. Sulawesi and Jl. Serui.  Also on Jl. Sulawesi is the Long Sian Gong temple, or the Temple of the Apparition of the Dragon, built in 1868.
While at the south end of the Losari Beach esplanade is Tanjung Bunga area where now stands Trans Studio.
In the evenings, couples gather to watch the romantic sun slowly setting over the horizon, while food stalls appear to serve the crowds with a wide variety of seafood and deserts.     

Trans Studio Theme Park

The new pride of Makassar is Trans Studio, the 20,000 m2 wide and 20 meters high indoor theme park that was inaugurated by then Vice President Jusuf Kalla on September 9, 2009 (09-09-09). Trans Studio itself is part of The Trans Studio World project, which will include Trans Walk and Rodeo Drive, Trans Studio, and Trans hotels. The Project will also include a shopping mall, supermarket, hotel, office area, recreational beach area, and residential area.
Trans Studio theme park has 22 features and rides including Central Studio, the Lost City, Magic Corner, Tsunami Island and Cartoon City. Many of the rides are adopted from TransTV's and Trans7's shows such as Dunia Lain, Si Bolang, Jelajah, Ayun Ombak, and Angin Beliung; others are adopted from Universal Studio and Disneyland in the United States. The rides also contain space simulation program of several television stations such as TransTV, Trans7, and other events in Indonesia. One ride that is pretty unique is "Dunia Lain", - "Another World". It is an Indonesian style haunted house with different kinds of Indonesian ghosts such as the kuntilanak and jailangkung.

The Al-Markas Al-Islam mosque

This is one of grandest mosques in Indonesia , and the largest in the eastern part of the archipelago.
Located in the center of town, the mosque is built on 10 hectares of land. Its architecture is a blend  featuring Islamic values, local culture and modern design which together reflect the pride and identity of today’s inhabitants of Makassar.   

The Islands

Fronting the city of Makassar are 13 pretty islands, easily accessible by boat. Most visited are Kayangan Island, Gusung Island, and Samalona Island. The sea surrounding these islands is home to diverse marine wildlife, making it perfect venue for underwater sports such as snorkeling or diving. More information can be found on Dive the Islands off Makassar .

Fort Somba Opu of Gowa

Located some 7 km. south of Makassar at the mouth of the Jeneberang river are the ruins of Fort Somba Opu, once the stronghold of the kingdom of Gowa. Next to the ruins is a park where various style houses of all South Sulawesi’s ethnic groups are displayed. The annual South Sulawesi Cultural Festival usually held in October is staged at this site.

Bantimurung: waterfalls and butterflies

Travelling north of Makassar before arriving at the Bantimurung waterfalls is the archeological park of Leang-leang. Here are caves where prehistoric man lived some 8,000 to 3,000 years BC. Inside one finds prehistoric drawings of babirusa, which early man used to hunt.
The Bantimurung waterfall, situated some 45 km. distance from Makassar, is an impressive wide fall where the clear water thunders down some 12 meters over a large bulbous rock to a deep pool below. At weekends the waterfall is overcrowded with locals, so the best time to visit  is during week days.

By the side of the waterfall are iron stairs that lead up to the river above it, which one can wade through during the dry season. Here is a second fall, home tomany species of colorful butterflies. The British naturalist Alfred Wallace found here the Papilio Androcles, one of the largest and rarest swallow-tailed butterflies.

More information are available at :BANTIMURUNG Bulusaraung National Park: Roaring Waterfall, Kingdom of Butterflies