The province of South Sulawesi comprises the narrow south-western peninsula of this orchid-shaped island which is mainly mountainous.
The seafaring Bugis dominate the southern tip, whereas the northern part of South Sulawesi is inhabited by the Torajas whose unique culture rivals that of the Balinese.
Famed for their seafaring heritage and Pinisi schooners for centuries, the Bugis possess to the present day one of the last sailing fleets in the world.
The Bugis vessels have sailed to as far as the Australian coast, leaving behind drawings of their ships on stone with words that have been integrated into the Aboriginal language of north Australia. Situated on the crossroads of well traveled sea-lanes, its capital and chief trading port of Ujung Pandang, is till today the gateway to eastern Indonesia. Spanish and Portuguese galleons, followed by British and Dutch traders sailed these s
eas in search of the spice trade, escorted by their men of war to protect them against the daring raids of the Bugis and Makassarase who attacked the intruders.
Ujung Pandang, was formerly Makassar, well known for its Macassar oil from which the English word "antimacassar" evolved for small covers to protect upholstery. The fortifications which overlook the harbor were originally built in 1545. Gowa's most famous king is considered a national hero, named Sultan Hasanuddin, the 16th king of Gowa who waged a long and fierce war against the colonial forces.
The Tomanurung stone with inscriptions can still be seen in a plot neighboring the royal graves, near Sungguminasa, formerly the seat of the kings of Gowa. The Bugis kingdom of Bone, Wajo and Soppeng and the Makassarase kingdom of Gowa emerged in the 13th century. Though interrelated through marriage, Bone and Gowa have for centuries battled against each other. The southern coast is protected by small archipelagoes and has excellent facilities for water sports. These islands have been developed for holiday resorts. Further north, through rugged country is Tana Toraja, often referred to as the "Land of the Heavenly Kings".
An ethnic group who believes that their forefathers descended from heaven onto a mountain some twenty generations ago, t
he Torajas have a unique culture based on animistic beliefs. Known for their grand burial ceremonies on cliffs or hanging graves, they practice an ancestral cult even today where death and afterlife ceremonies are great feasts when buffaloes are sacrificed in the final death ceremony, after which the deceased's remains are placed in a coffin and interred in caves hollowed out in high cliffs.
The mouth of the cave is guarded by lifelike statues, looking out from a "balcony". As death has such an "important meaning" when the souls are released, burials are elaborate and follow days of feasting. Rock graves are also a form of burial. A strict hierarchy is followed in the villages.
"Tongkonan" ( family houses) are built on stilts with roofs on each end rising like the prows of a ship, representing the cosmos. The mountains offer a fantastic panorama of natural beauty, including the long drive from Ujung Pandang to Tana Toraja. South Sulawesi is also known for its silk industry and silver-work whereas its economy is based on agriculture. Ujung Pandang is easily accessible by air. There are several daily flights from Jakarta and also daily services from Bali, Surabaya and Manado.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Makassar
The provincial capital of Ujung Pandang has in its history played an important role 
as the gateway to the former kingdom of Gowa and now to the whole province because of its natural harbor. The center of business and administration, the city has expanded outwards from its most important landmark, that of Benteng Ujung Pandang which faces the sea front.
One of the eleven fortresses of the kingdom, it was built in 1545 during the reign of Tuni Pallanga, the 10th sultan of Gowa. When Gowa capitulated to the colonial forces under the treaty of Bungaya in 1667, the fort was renamed Rotterdam by Admiral Speelman who constructed bastions and buildings of typical Dutch architecture making it the center of the civilian government, including a church on its premises. One of the best preserved forts of that area, only the thick walls of earth and stones remain of the original complex, now occupied by educational and cultural offices of the provincial government. The two buildings house the Ujung Pandang State Museum, exhibiting archaeological and historical objects, manuscripts, numismatics, ceramics and ethnic costumes and ornaments.
Visiting hours of the museum are from 8.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. daily except on Mondays and public holidays. The fort itself is open daily till 17.00 p.m. Dedicated as a center of culture, the Conservatory of Dance and Music is located here and on the open stage in the center of the fort, dance classes for children can be seen in progress.
Though unmarked, but of historical interest is the dungeon where one of Indonesia's most prominent heroes in the struggle for freedom, Prince Diponegoro was imprisoned for 27 years. Prince Diponegoro was buried in a family plot in the middle of the city on a street named after him: jalan Diponegoro. The family tree displayed on the wall indicated that none of his descendants returned to the courts of Yogyakarta, instead, they settled in Ujung Pandang and their custodian is a great-grandson.
Mr. Bundt, a Dutchman, has in his private residence at No. 15 jalan Mochtar Lutfi a collection of seashells and corals. His spacious garden is filled with rare Indonesian orchids and hybrids. A visit is worthwhile and several of the collections are on sale. Mr. Bundt is registered in the Sander's List of London as an expert in orchid cultivation.
Sunsets in the Makassar Strait can be viewed 
from a promenade at jalan Penghibur or the Paotere anchorage in the north end of the city where the Pinisi schooners are berthed.
Across the harbor is Kayangan Island which can be reached in 15 minutes by ferry. A popular recreational resort for the people of the city, there is entertainment in the evening and on Sundays.
Paotere Anchorage
On the outskirts of Ujung Pandang, Paotere is where sailing boats and other small vessels anchor to unload their cargo. The setting casts a glow over the sea with the silhouettes of the boats. This scenery is most often photographed by tourists.
Samalona Island
Across the harbor of Ujung Pandang is Samalona Island which has been developed into a pleasant recreational resort. It can be reached by boat in 45 minutes and has simple accommodation. Recreational sports include diving, snorkeling, water skiing and fishing. Best months to visit are from February to October.
Sungguminasa
Formerly the seat o
f the kings of Gowa, about 11 km. from Ujung Pandang is the old palace of wood, standing on stilts facing the town square across the administration office. Now the Ballalompoa Museum, weapons and costumes of royalty are on display in glass cases.
The royal regalia which includes a stone studded gold crown weighing 1769 grams can be seen only on special request.
Tomb of Sultan Hasanuddin
Sultan Hasanuddin (1629-1690) was famous for his exceptional bravery in his struggle against colonial encroachment in South Sulawesi. His tomb and those of other kings of Gowa are located in a secluded cemetery not far from Sungguminasa, about 8 km from Ujung Pandang.
The huge crypts are gray with age and just outside the walls of the cemetery, a small fenced-off plot contains the Tomanurung stone on which the kings of Gowa were crowned in a show of pomp and splendor. Not far from th
e tombs is the oldest mosque in the area, built in 1603.
Malino
Formerly the holiday resort of the kings. Malino, which is 70 km from Ujung Pandang offers a haven from city-life. Located on the slopes of Mt. Bawakaraeng it has a cool climate with forests of pine trees making it picturesque. Deer hunting on horseback was a royal sport in the days gone by.
Bulukumba
You will find white sandy beaches at Bira, 178 km from Ujung Pandang to the south. Traditional ship building is also located in this area. Not far from this area visitors can cross to the island of Selayar.
Goa Mampu
The largest cave in South Sulawesi, the legendary cave of Mampu is about 140 km from the capital. Besides stalagmites and stalactites, rock formations resemble human figures and animals to which legends are attached.
The cave is inhabited by bats who shriek and flutter around when bright lights pierce the darkness.
Bantimurung
To the north of Ujung Pandang and driving east along the mountain range, is the Bantimurung waterfalls, about 41 km from the capital. A cascade of sparkling water gushes out between rocky cliffs into a stream shaded by tall trees. Here the air is filled with butterflies which fly from shrub to shrub over the water.
These rare brightly colored ornithoid butterflies are considered the most beautiful in the world.
Leang-Leang
Now declared an archaeological site, these prehistoric caves have strange rock carvings of hands and a wild pigs, believed to be 5,000 years old. The road leads from Maros through the cave-riddled limestone hills to the site about half an hour's drive from the airport.
Pare-pare
Pare-pare is a lunch stop along the road from Ujung Pandang to Toraja, through paddy-fields and typical Bugis houses made of wood and bamboo, built on stilts. Here we can find the museum Labangenge, located at jalan Bau Massepe No. 82, Pare-pare.
Sengkang
THe capital town of Wajo Regency is well-known for its silk weaving and therefore is the center of Buginese silk. This area is populated by the Buginese ethnic group, known for their crossing to other islands as traders of silk, sarongs and other material. Here we can find lake Tempe, one of the tourist resorts. Sailing and boating can be enjoyed on this lake.
Soppeng
Another center of the silk industry, this spinning mill produces thread from silk worms. Weaving can be seen in many private homes along this route which is 240 km to the northeast of Ujung Pandang. The finest silk is hand-loomed by village women who individually need a whole month to produce two meters of silk. Visitors are welcome to stop and watch, or make a purchase if there is any readily available.
Tana Toraja
Tana 
Toraja, (Toraja Land) which lies in the north of the province is known for its unique culture and ancient traditions. The center of tourism is Rantepao, 328 km from Ujung Pandang by road. There are several small bungalow hotels at Rantepao, and Makale, the district capital. The entry to Tana Toraja is marked by a gate built in traditional boat-shaped architecture. The road passes through the mountains of Kandora and Gandang on which, according to Toraja mythology, the first ancestors of celestial beings descended from heaven.
The majority of the people still follows an ancestral cult called "Aluk Todolo" which governs all traditional ceremonies. From Rantepao, side trips can be made to Kete, a traditional village where there are handicraft and unique shops. Behind the village there is a grave site on a hillside. Life-size statues guard
over old coffins. As roads are not always paved, it is necessary to use a jeep or walk if the weather is good (between May and October). Two cliff graves easy to reach are Lemo and Londa. Londa is one of the oldest hanging graves belonging to the nobility. A large balcony is filled with effigies of the dead. Kerosene lamps with young village guides, can be hired to enter the caves to see skeletons and old coffins. At Lemo, burial chambers are cut out of the rock and several balconies filled with effigies look out while new caves are being dug to serve as family graves.
There are several grave sites and traditional villages of which Palawa is a classic example of a village on a small hill with "Tongkonan" or a burial place with celebrations and festivals. Visitors are welcome but they are expected to adhere to local customs of dress, seating and bringing a token present.
Enrekang
236 km to the north of Ujung Pandang, you can see beautiful landscapes at Bambapuang, located 20 km from Enrekang to the north on the way to Tana Toraja. Here can be seen an erotic mountain called Batu Kabobong, by its shape formed by the valley and slopes. A rest house is built on an elevation, giving a clear view of the countryside.
Polewali - Mamasa (Polmas)
Polewali is the capital town of Polmas Regency located 246 km north of Ujung Pandang. It is inhabited by Mandarnese, Buginese, Torajans and Javanese ethnic groups. This town is well-known for its silk sarongs which is called "Sarung Mandar" and rattan furniture and crafts. There are several small islands to be reached by fishing boats in 10- 16 minutes. All these islands, have white sandy beaches.
Makasar City - South Sulawesi Travel Guides
Makasar City ( Formerly Ujung Pandang )
Makassar, (Macassar, Mangkasar) is the provincial capital of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and the largest city on Sulawesi Island. From 1971 to 1999, the city was formally named Ujung Pandang, after a precolonial fort in the city, and the two names are often used interchangeably. The port city is located at 5°8′S, 119°25′E, on the southwest coast of the island of Sulawesi, facing the Makassar Strait.
Its area is 175.77 km² and has population of 1.25 million.
History
The first European settlers were the Portuguese sailors. 
Beginning in the sixteenth century, Makassar was the dominant trading/pao center of eastern Indonesia, and soon became one of the largest cities in island Southeast Asia. The Makassarese kings maintained a policy of free trade, insisting on the right of any visitor to do business in the city, and rejecting the attempts of the Dutch to establish a monopoly over the city. Further, tolerant religious attitudes meant that even as Islam became the dominant faith in the region, Christians and others were still able to trade in the city. With these attractions, Makassar was a key center for Malays working in the Spice Islands trade, as well as a valuable base for European and Arab traders from much further afield.
The importance of Makassar declined as the Dutch became more powerful in the region, and were better able to enforce the monopoly over the spice trade that they desired. In 1667 the Dutch, allied with the Bugis prince of Bone state Arung Palakka, invaded and captured Makassar, eliminating its role as an independent trading center. It became a free port in 1848.
Economy
The city is southern Sulawesi's primary port, with regular domestic and international shipping connections. It is n
ationally famous as an important port of call for the pinisi boats, sailing ships which are among the last in use for regular long-distance trade.
During the colonial era, the city was famous for being the namesake of Makassar oil, which it exported in great quantity. Makassar ebony is a warm black, streaked with deep red, and highly prized for fine cabinetry and veneers.
Makassar is also a major fishing center in Sulawesi. One of its major industries is the trepang (sea cucumber) industry
Makassar Hotels Travel Information and Guides
MAKASAR GOLDEN HOTEL
Makassar Golden Hotel in Makassar in Indonesia is a well known Budget Hotel. It is one of the good Budget Hotels in Makassar in Indonesia. This place will not put much pressure on your purse. You will have a pleasant yet affordable stay at Makassar Golden Hotel in Makassar in Indonesia. In fact that was the reason that Hotels in Makassar in Indonesia have introduced this Budget hotel option. Though cheap yet Makassar Golden Hotel in Makassar in Indonesia has facilities for businessmen and family people.
Makassar Golden Hotel in Makassar has a convenient location. Location of Makassar Golden Hotel in Makassar is in Jalan Pasar Ikan. This location is quite suitable for sightseeing. There are various places nearby that you cannot afford to miss.
Makassar Golden Hotel at Makassar also offers better room facilities among all other budget hotels. Room Facilities at Makassar Golden Hotel in Makassar include 60 well furnished rooms. All the rooms have air-conditioners. There is a non-smoking room. Tea and coffee makers are also available. You will also have ironing facilities here.
Hotel Amenities and Services at Makassar Golden Hotel in Makassar include a business center that is absolutely perfect for organizing meeting or running your business. The hotel has a lounge that provides cocktails. You can relax by the side of the outdoor pool. The safe is a good place to keep your belongings. You can also contact the travel counter to get a good tour package. The restaurants are absolutely perfect for dining. They serve different cuisines, both local and international.
GUEST ROOMS.
Makassar Golden Hotel boats the largest guest room in Makassar. 59 stylishly appointed air conditioned rooms including 10 cottages and royal suite offer guests a comfortable yet distinctly luxurious stay. All rooms equipped with refrigerator, mini bar, color TV, radio, IDD facility and complimentary shoe shine, tea/coffee maker. Electricity: 220 Volt.