Welcome to the Makassar & Toraja, Indonesia Guide

Makassar is the gateway not only to Southern Sulawesi, but also to the whole of eastern Indonesia. Many travellers prefer to travel to Makassar by air and there are regular domestic air services and international links to Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia. One cause for confustion for many a traveller is how the Makassar airport code is actually UPG. Since Makassar was called Ujung Pandang from 1971 to 2000, this airport code is still used for the hub today. 

Makassarese are highly skilled at creating crafts, pottery and weaving, and they have also managed to preserve these traditions admirably, making some excellent souvenirs and decorative pieces. The people of Toraja are famously known for their masterful wood carvings. 

Toraja lies around 328km north of Makassar and at 300 to 2880 meters above sea level, it combines tropical lushness with alpine freshness. Traditional Tongkonan houses stand proudly in the picturesque landscape, and rice, cacao, coffee, and clove are cultivated most of the year, with Toraja's arabica coffee known as one of the best in the world.

There are number things to see and do in Makassar and Toraja. Makassar acts as a gateway to famous Sulawesi attractions like Tana Toraja, Bunaken Marine Park, Takabonerate Marine Park and Wakatobi Marine Park. One simply must take a trip out to Selayer Island's fantastic beaches with outstanding diving spots and the Taka Bonerate National Park with the largest atoll in the entire country. Check out Makassar tours and Toraja activities available to see the best Makassar and Toraja attractions.

In the mountainous region of Toraja, there is good fishing, and excellent opportunities for water sports like diving, snorkelling and swimming. Some of the islands nearby have lodging facilities and Makassar restaurants. To get your bearings and find the locations of hotels in Makassar and hotels in Toraja take a look at our map of the region that shows both a map of Makassar and a map of Toraja.

A lot of seafarers and traders who came to Makassar chose to settle here so you will find a mix of cultures that include Chinese, Javanese, Indian and Balinese. The dominant religion is Islam, though there are a sizable number of people who belong to the Christian faith. Hindus and Buddhists are also represented in smaller numbers. The diverse cultures have intermingled for a long time and have assimilated many local practices. 

The three largest ethnic groups that reside in the South Sulawesi Province. The Makassarese live mostly in the west and until the southern coast of the province, while the Toraja ethnic group lives in the northern interior. The Bugis are populous throughout the entire South Sulawesi Province.

We are local to Makassar and Toraja and know all there is to know about Makassar and Toraja. Whether it is booking a quality Makassar hotel or Toraja hotel, or finding the ideal Makassar and Toraja tours we can help you with all you need to know for the perfect Makassar and Toraja holiday.