Welcome to the Makassar and Toraja, Indonesia Guide
The lively city of Makassar, previously known as Ujung Padang, is the 4th largest city in Indonesia and the capital of the South Sulawesi Province. It is also the gateway to explore the rich cultural heritage of Toraja (also known as Tana Toraja, Toraja Land, or Tator) in the interior Sulawesi Island. Makassar offers convenient Makassar hotels and is known for its superb seafood and delicious Indonesian cuisine. Toraja has a unique culture and gorgeous landascape, with stunning architecture, Toraja hotels, traditional rituals and beautiful scenery luring visitors from around the world.
Tall limestone outcrops and bright green rice terraces are set against a backdrop of beautiful horizons in Makassar and Toraja.
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.
From: IDR 525,000
Bara Beach Bungalows is nestled at the west end of Bira Beach at the southernmost tip of Sulawesi Island. It offers comfortable hideaways in a natural surrounding with green bushes and crystal clear water in its veranda.
[more info]Hotel Horison Makassar is one of the best hotels in Makassar. It is centrally located, making it easy for guests to access any of Makassar's amenities. Hotel Horison Makassar is locally owned and managed by the a native Indonesia hotel chain.
[more info]From: IDR 575,000
Mercure Regency Makassar is built in the style of Victorian architecture. Set in astrategic location, just walking distance to Losari - the well known waterfront of Makassar- yet distant enough from Makassar's busy main roads.
[more info]From: IDR 750,000
Hotel Aryaduta Makassar is one of the best hotels in Makassar. Well located at the Makassar water front, locally known as Losari Beach. It offers a superb red sunset almost all year round.
[more info]From: IDR 734,700
Toraja Heritage is now the highest hotel category in Toraja. It was once managed by an international hotel chain under the name of Novotel Toraja. Toraja traditional architecture is well adopted in Toraja Heritage's construction.
[more info]From: IDR 552,000
Toraja Misiliana Hotel or locally called as Hotel Misiliana is the only pioneer international standard hotel left in Toraja. The hotel started with just 5 rooms in 1980 and has grown to 101 rooms today. It was the late Bapak Tangkesalu who first realized the need of travellers for a better hotel standard in Toraja.
[more info]From: IDR 1,300,000
Amatoa Resort is the only resort in Bira Beach, South Sulawesi. Amatoa Resort is well designed to match to its natural sorounding. Sit on karst rocks right above the crystal clear water of Bira, Amatoa Resort offers supperb resort atmosphere.
[more info]From: IDR 525,000
Bara Beach Bungalows is nestled at the west end of Bira Beach at the southernmost tip of Sulawesi Island. It offers comfortable hideaways in a natural surrounding with green bushes and crystal clear water in its veranda.
[more info]Selayar Dive Resort is now the best resort next to Taka Bonerate atols. The bungalows are built on modified local architecture which is are housed on stilts using local material.
[more info](assuming 2 travellers)
Makassar has been long written in Indonesian history. The are that is now Makassar used to be the heart of the last biggest Indonesian Kingdom before independence-- Gowa.
(assuming 2 travellers)
Makassar offers culture and natural attractions through its neighbouring Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, which is just 45 km away. Visit Makassar's attractions in the morning and complete your day with a visit to Bantimurung.
[more info](assuming 2 travellers)
Toraja is one of the very unique civilizations in the world. Its house architecture-- built in boat shapes and decorated with colorful wood engravings-- depicts the philosophy of Toraja.
[more info](assuming 2 travellers)
The program gives you a chance to visit both Makassar and Toraja in 5 Days with more focus on Toraja Land. Makassar is the biggest town in Eastern Indonesia and offers you historical sites and superb local cuisine.
[more info](assuming 2 travellers)
South Sulawesi is home to many ethnic groups. They are Makassar, Bugis and Toraja. The program gives you a chance to have a close contact with locals, understand cultural values and take a peak into their daily lives.
[more info]Welcome to Makassar!
Selamat pagi, and welcome to Makassar and Toraja! We are Incito Tours -- your local connection in Makassar. On your travels to Makassar and Toraja we promise all you will see is fantastic natural beauty and witness a local way of life that will leave you begging for more. Incito Tours is owned & run by Ng Sebastian and his team who are only happy to help. Incito Tours is also our reliable local connection in Komodo and the Lesser Sunda Islands. Check out our sister website to find out more about other accommodations around Indonesia.
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