Set down at Sulawesi's southwestern corner and facing Java and Kalimantan, MAKASSAR (until recently known as Ujung Pandang) is a large, hot and crowded port city with good transport links between eastern and western Indonesia, and several attractions. More than anything, Makassar offers an introduction to Sulawesi's largest ethnic group, the Bugis , who continue to export their goods and presence well beyond Sulawesi in prahu, distinctive vessels with steep, upcurved prows. The city has a long and distinguished history as a crucial trading port and coastal defence.

The City
A monument to Sulawesi's colonial era, Fort Rotterdam on Jalan Makassar (daily 7.30am-6pm, donation expected; museum Tues-Thurs 8am-1pm, Fri 8-10.30am, Sat and Sun 8am-noon, Rp750) was established as a defensive position in 1545 and enlarged a...
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