Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Visit Makassar, Please!



During a visit to Bali, we met a tourist from Mecca. He helped us get some photos. While further ado, he also asked our origin. We proudly replied, "we're from Makassar". "Makassar? Jakarta?" he asked. We replied, "no, Makassar in Sulawesi, South Sulawesi exactly. Makassar not part of Jakarta". Apparently the tourists only know Jakarta and Bali, not with other places. I asked again , "Do you know the Toraja? Tana Toraja". I hope he knows this place, as Tana Toraja is the most famous tourist attractions in South Sulawesi. Again, the answer is "I don,t know". Oh well, many people in the world don't know my village, Makassar. Through this article I will tell you a little about Makassar and why you must visit here.

Makassar (sometimes spelled Macassar, Mangkasar, from 1971 to 1999 officially known as Ujungpandang) is a city and also the capital of South Sulawesi province. The city is the largest city in eastern Indonesia. Located on the west coast of the island of Sulawesi, facing the Makassar Strait. Makassar Strait adjacent to the west, Pangkajene Islands regency in the north, to the east of Maros and Gowa in the south. The city is considered one of the largest cities in Indonesia from the demographic aspects of development and with different ethnic groups residing in the city. Spare a significant amount of interest in the city is Makassar Makassar, Bugis, Toraja, Mandar, Buton, Javanese, and Chinese. Typical kulinary foods that are common Makassar like Coto Makassar, Maros Bread, Jalangkote, Cake Tori, Palubutung, Banana Ijo, Brother Soup and Konro Soup. Makassar has an area of ​​175.77 km² and a population of approximately 1.4 million people.

Losari Beach, Icon of Makassar

 
Losari is right in the heart of the city of Makassar, on Jalan Penghibur, which is located to the west of the city of Makassar, South Sulawesi. Losari is an icon of the city of Makassar. First, beaches are approximately one kilometer beach was once dubbed as the world's longest dining table, because the tent stalls lined the shore embankment. Now, these stalls have been relocated to a place not far from the tourist area. 

Makassar City Government has beautify beaches by making the bridge area of ​​100 thousand square meters, making it look more beautiful, clean, pollution-free and comfortable place to visit. Sightseeing is the most visited in the afternoon, between the hours of 5 pm to 9 pm. In addition, Losari beach crowded city residents to exercise in the morning during the holidays. 

Losari is typical icon Makassar which is one of the popular in Indonesia, situated overlooking the sea off is the most popular attractions South Sulawesi. The area beaches are flanked the location is very strategic straits and artificial platforms, buildings, five-star hotel, restaurant, cafes and a variety of places to shop. In general, the beach is often an attractive option, especially for the newcomers.

Samalona, The Paradise Island


Samalona Island is one of the beautiful islands in the Strait of Makassar. The distance is about 7 km from the mainland Makassar, precisely in the southwest of the west coast of South Sulawesi, can be clearly seen from the fort Fort Rotterdam Makassar. Samalona Island is one nautical tourism in South Sulawesi that must be visited. White sand and clear sea water make this island perfect for sunbathing. In addition, the island is great for snorkeling and diving (diving), as it is surrounded by a diversity of flora and fauna are beautiful.

Formerly used as a base Samalona island arsenal when fighting the Dutch colonial fortress of the Kingdom of Gowa Sultan Hasanuddin facing the sea, known as Fort Pannyua (Rotterdam). Rotterdam Area fortress that reaches about three acres at the center of defense in Makassar, while the nearby island Samalona into place to attack colonial Makassar. It is said also that this small island formerly used for a place of exile of lepers. Since then, not many people dare to visit this island. But now the island has become a very ideal place to visit for its beauty and its proximity to the city center.

How to get there? Many boat owners will kindly offer you get there by boat. You can rent a small motorized boat would cost IDR 300,000 to IDR 400,000. The ship in front of Fort Rotterdam dock. If you bring the motor vehicle, it can be parked safely at the dock with rental parking IDR 10,000 per night. Small boat trip is around 20 minutes.