How to Travel Makassar

How to Travel Makassar for Under $25 a Day

Makassar, the gateway to Eastern Indonesia, is a city packed with coastal beauty, historical richness, and delicious food. Whether you’re a backpacker, solo traveler, or planning a family getaway, it’s absolutely possible to travel Makassar on a budget—even under $25 a day.

This ultimate guide provides a data-driven, practical, and highly personalized approach to exploring Makassar while saving money. From top Makassar attractions to affordable eats, transport hacks, and hidden gems, here’s how to stretch your rupiah and enjoy a full Makassar experience.

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🌏 Why Travel to Makassar?

Located in South Sulawesi, Makassar Indonesia travel is often overlooked by international tourists—but that’s exactly what makes it a gem. It blends a rich maritime history, spicy street food, vibrant local culture, and nearby islands perfect for day trips.

Makassar tourism is steadily rising, but prices remain affordable. That makes now the best time to dive into its culture, coastlines, and cuisine—without overspending.

📆 Best Time to Visit Makassar

The best time to visit Makassar is during the dry season from May to September. These months offer pleasant temperatures, blue skies, and fewer rain interruptions—perfect for sightseeing and beach hopping.

✈️ Arriving at Makassar Airport: Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport

Once you land at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, budget options are plentiful:

• DAMRI Airport Bus to city: IDR 25,000 ($1.50)
• Shared taxis: IDR 60,000 ($3.75)
• Grab or Gojek (ride-hailing apps): ~$3–4 depending on destination

💡Tip: Download Grab before you arrive—it’s widely used across Makassar and cheaper than standard taxis.

🏨 Where to Stay in Makassar on a Budget

Makassar hotels and hostels are very affordable. These budget-friendly options will keep you under $10–15 per night:

• Ibis Budget Makassar Airport – Great for early arrivals/late departures
• RedDoorz near Losari Beach – ~$9/night
• D'Maleo Hotel Makassar – Comfortable, clean, and under $15/night

💡Pro Tip: Book mid-week and avoid national holidays for the lowest rates.

🍜 Eat Like a Local: Makassar Food Tour on a Budget

Makassar is a culinary capital of Sulawesi. With local stalls, traditional warungs, and street food aplenty, you can eat deliciously for under $5 a day.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Coto Makassar – Beef soup with rice cake (~$1.50)
• Pallubasa – Rich beef stew with grated coconut (~$1)
• Es Pisang Ijo – Banana dessert with shaved ice (~$0.75)
• Konro Bakar (grilled ribs) – Slightly pricier (~$2.50) but filling

💡 Tip: Try street stalls at Jalan Irian or near Losari Beach for authentic and cheap eats.

🚶‍♂️ Free & Cheap Things to Do in Makassar

1. Losari Beach Makassar – Free

Makassar’s most iconic beachfront is ideal for sunset views and socializing. While you can’t swim here, it’s perfect for evening walks, photos, and street snacks.

2. Fort Rotterdam Makassar – ~$1

One of the top Makassar historical sites, this Dutch-built fort now houses a museum. Learn about the city’s colonial past and traditional Bugis culture.

3. Somba Opu Street – Free (unless shopping!)

Famous for traditional souvenirs and gold jewelry. Great for people-watching and soaking in local life.

4. Pantai Akkarena – ~$1 entrance

A quieter beach option than Losari, ideal for relaxing, jogging, or budget-friendly family fun.

How to Travel Makassar

📸 Makassar Hidden Gems (Most Under $2)

🏞️ Leang-Leang Prehistoric Caves

• Ancient rock art and limestone caves, ~1 hour from the city.
• Entrance: ~$1
• Great for day-trippers interested in archaeology and nature.

🌿 Karst Maros

• Majestic limestone hills and rice paddies.
• Combine with Leang-Leang for a cheap Makassar day trip.

⛩️ Vihara Girinaga

• The largest Buddhist temple in Makassar.
• Peaceful, spiritual site often missed by tourists.

🏞️ Tanjung Bira (Overnight Option)

• Although 6 hours away, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Sulawesi.
• If you stretch your trip to 2–3 days, it’s a budget beach paradise.

🗺️ Sample Makassar Itinerary Under $25/Day

Here’s how to structure your day while keeping costs below $25:

🚌 Getting Around Makassar on a Budget

🚖 Ride-Hailing (Grab/Gojek)

• Most convenient and affordable way to move around the city.
• Short trips: ~$0.80–$2 depending on distance.

🚐 Pete-Pete (Angkot-style minivans)

• Flat rate: ~$0.25–$0.30
• Great for local color and super cheap, though not tourist-friendly for routes.

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Waterfront

• Losari Beach, Fort Rotterdam, and many markets are within walking distance if you're centrally located.

🎒 Who Should Travel Makassar on a Budget?

• Makassar solo travel: Safe, friendly locals, and tons of cheap eateries
• Makassar family travel: Plenty of low-cost activities and beaches
• Makassar luxury travel (on a budget): Boutique stays and seafood feasts are very affordable here
• Cultural enthusiasts: Dive into Makassar cultural tours, traditional dances, and maritime heritage

📌 Recommended Budget Makassar Tours

You don’t need to spend much for immersive tours. Look for locally-run or community-based experiences:

• Makassar food tour: ~$10–15 for 4–5 tastings
• Cultural walking tour: ~$8–10 for a 2-hour guide
• Day trip to Rammang-Rammang (Karst Maros): ~$15–20 if shared

🛍️ Cheap Shopping Spots

Don’t leave without visiting:

• Traditional Markets (Pasar Terong): Great for spices, snacks, and batik
• Somba Opu Street: Jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs

Always negotiate prices, especially in street markets!

💡 Makassar Travel Tips for Saving Money

1. Stay Central: You’ll save on transport and be near most attractions.
2. Use Local SIM Cards: Get a Telkomsel SIM for ~$2 with data for Grab access.
3. Avoid Peak Season: Domestic holidays see price hikes.
4. Go for Group Day Trips: Splitting transport and guides saves cash.
5. Carry Cash: Smaller shops and street vendors rarely take cards.

🧭 Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Travel Makassar on $25 a Day

Makassar budget travel is not just possible—it’s one of the best value experiences in Indonesia. With coastal beauty, rich history, amazing food, and welcoming locals, Makassar deserves a top spot on your Southeast Asia bucket list.

Whether you're drawn to Losari Beach, curious about Makassar cultural tours, or hunting for delicious Makassar food tour gems, there’s a lot to experience without burning through your travel funds.

✅ Quick Recap:

• Daily budget: $20–25
• Accommodation: $8–15
• Meals: $4–6
• Transport & Attractions: $3–5
• Perfect for: Solo travelers, families, and cultural explorers

So pack your bags, charge your phone, and get ready to visit Makassar the budget-savvy way!