Okay, so I just got back from Makassar, and honestly, I'm still trying to catch my breath. When I think about the best things to do in Makassar, I can't help but think about how I went in with no real expectations and came out with a heart full of memories. It's funny how that works, right? I mean, you want to explore a city, see the sights, but sometimes it's the unexpected twists that really get under your skin. Let me tell you about my jam-packed few days there.
This Spot? Total Surprise.
So, on my first day, I just wandered. I mean, I dropped my bags at the hotel, and instead of looking up the top tourist spots, I walked out and followed my nose. The scents in Makassar are something else—spicy street food wafting through the air, mixed with the salty breeze from the sea. I found myself in this tiny little stall selling something I couldn't quite pronounce. You know that feeling when you're vaguely aware of what might be on the menu but just gamble on whatever sounds foreign? Yeah, that was me.
I ordered this dish called “coto Makassar.” Honestly, when it hit the table, I was like, “What have I done?” It looked like a mix of soup and a science experiment gone wrong. But I took a spoonful anyway. Wow, I can't even explain the warmth it brought. The spices just danced on my tongue. Straight-up comfort food, you know? A perfect blend of beef and spices, soaking up in that thick broth. I wasn't expecting much from a street vendor but ended up finding my culinary highlight right there on the pavement, surrounded by locals who took no notice of the tourist swooping in for a taste.
The Afternoon That Changed My Whole Mood
I had some ups and downs during the trip. There was this one afternoon where everything seemed to go wrong—my camera died, I lost my way trying to find Fort Rotterdam, and I swear I had a mini existential crisis when I realized I read the map upside down. Seriously, who can't read a map? Me, apparently.
And just when I felt like crawling back to my hotel room to sulk, I stumbled upon this little art market. It's like, where did this come from? I don't know if it's always there or if I was just lost in a gloriously honest distraction, but everything around me was bursting with colors and creativity. Local artists displaying their works, laughter in the air, and some live music echoing into the streets.
I'm not even an artist; I paint like a five-year-old, but there was something in the atmosphere that just shifted my whole vibe. I ended up chatting with this young woman selling beautiful fabric, hand-painted batik. She was so passionate about her work; it was contagious. I bought a piece just because she seemed so genuinely happy that someone wanted it. It felt meaningful, like I was contributing to her story as much as she was to mine. I left the market with a smile, feeling like I had stumbled into and out of an alternate universe—even snagged some amazing photos on my phone when it miraculously decided to work again.
I Almost Missed This, No Thanks to My Bad Sense of Direction
And then there was this moment that almost didn't happen if I hadn't gotten lost for the second time that day. I was trying to find my way back to the hotel to drop off the batik when I took a wrong turn and ended up on this vibrant street lined with food stalls. And oh man, let me tell you, “food stall” in Makassar is not just a fancy term. This was a full-on fiesta of flavors.
I found this vendor grilling fish right there on the sidewalk. I know, it sounds cliché, but I have never had grilled fish like that in my life. They called it “ikan bakar,” marinated in rich spices and served with rice and this incredulous sambal that had me questioning every other condiment I'd ever used. I didn't just stop at one—a couple of locals sat beside me, laughing and joking, and they made me try their food: a sweet and spicy shrimp dish that was honestly addictive.
At that moment, I forgot all about the maze I had navigated, and it just clicked: this was what travel is about—getting lost in the mess and magic and finding treasures you didn't know you were looking for.
Reflecting on the Little Moments
Looking back, the best things to do in Makassar weren't just about hitting the big-ticket spots on some checklist; it was all the little moments that crept in during those detours. Whether it was that whirlwind of color in the art market or the laughter shared over grilled fish, it felt like a reminder that sometimes the universe pushes you in unexpected directions for a reason.
I learned to embrace the chaos, too. At one point, I dropped my phone while trying to get a selfie with a giant statue in the park, and everyone around me burst into laughter, including me. It's funny how those unplanned mess-ups can feel like a rite of passage in a foreign city.
By the end of the trip, I was feeling like I had really connected—not only with the places I visited but with the people who shape them. I learned that getting lost doesn't always lead to panic; sometimes, it leads to discovery and understanding.
As I sip the last bit of coffee and let my thoughts unwind, I realize that Makassar isn't just about exploring; it's about immersing yourself in a different rhythm of life—even if that means navigating a few wrong turns. I think I left a piece of my heart there, tucked between bites of coto and laughter shared with strangers who became friends, even if just for a moment.
