So, I just got back from Makassar, and let me tell you, the best things to do in Makassar are way more than just checking off touristy spots. I didn't even expect much; I mean, you hear “Makassar,” and it's easy to think of just another city with a beach. Spoiler alert: it's so much more than that. As I sit here, half-finished coffee in my hand, I feel like I need to ramble about my experience.
A Moment of Doubt
I remember the moment I stepped off the plane, feeling that familiar pang of doubt. It was 10 PM, and I wasn't exactly brimming with excitement. I thought, “What have I gotten myself into?” The airport is small, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed with all the activity around you, especially when you don't speak the language. My hotel was supposed to be a quick grab, but my taxi driver didn't seem to understand my halting Bahasa. We spent a good 15 minutes going back and forth. I was ready to throw in the towel, but eventually, we figured it out. By the time I got to my hotel, it finally dawned on me—I was really in Makassar.
This Spot? Total Surprise
So, the first place I ended up exploring was this little café, Taman Anggrek. I honestly had no plans to go there, but I was wandering around the Arung Callow neighborhood after checking out the fort—it looked really cool from the outside, but let's be real, I was just trying to shake off that travel fatigue. When I stumbled into Taman Anggrek, it felt like walking into someone's cozy living room.
They had this gorgeous outdoor seating area, all fairy lights and plants everywhere, which somehow made the chaos of the outside world fade away. I ordered some local Makassarese coffee and a banana fritter. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from the food. But I still remember taking that first bite—crispy on the outside, soft and sweet inside. Heaven. The coffee was vibrant and rich, far beyond what I usually get back home. Suddenly, I didn't feel so lost anymore.
The Afternoon That Changed My Whole Mood
Later that day, something unexpected happened that flipped my whole mood upside down. I was just wandering around Losari Beach, contemplating life, when I met a local named Rani. She was sketching in her notebook, and we struck up a conversation. Turns out, she was an art student from Makassar. We started talking about my travel plans, and before I knew it, she was recommending all these hidden gems in her city. She even insisted on showing me around her favorite spots.
Of course, I was initially skeptical. I mean, this was a stranger I just met, and the whole ‘local giving you secrets' vibe feels kinda cliché, right? But I went with it. That afternoon, she took me to a spot where the sunset looked like pure fire on the horizon. We plopped ourselves down on a little patch of sand, the fading light reflecting off the ocean. Honestly, I'd never seen anything quite like it. Rani shared stories about her childhood—how she grew up fishing and the local myths surrounding the sea. It felt genuine, you know? Like I wasn't just a tourist; I was part of her world for a moment.
I Almost Missed This
Speaking of not being a tourist, I almost missed out on trying a dish called Coto Makassar. I was all set to grab some street food, thinking it would be a safe bet—perhaps some grilled skewers? But as I was wandering through the market, I got distracted by the hustle and bustle around me. I noticed a little hole-in-the-wall spot bustling with locals.
It was like one of those moments from a movie where everything seems to slow down—the smell of spices, the laughter, the chatter, and the clinking of plates. I'm telling you, my bad sense of direction led me straight to the best thing on the menu. The Coto was this savory beef soup served with rice and just the right amount of spices. Eating it surrounded by locals, with everyone's animated conversations buzzing around me, was way more special than any fancy sit-down meal I could've had. Every slurp felt like an adventure in itself.
Small Mistakes, Big Lessons
Now, let's talk about how my navigation skills clearly need some work. One morning, I wanted to check out the local vegetable market. I got lost of course and ended up at a park instead. Complete detour. At first, I thought, “Ugh, not again.” But the park was surprisingly beautiful. It was filled with families enjoying picnics and kids flying kites.
I sat on a bench, watching a group of kids playing soccer, completely forgetting about my original plan. It turned into a wonderful moment of just soaking in the local life. Sometimes these small mistakes can be the best experiences—letting go of the rigid itinerary and just being present, you know?
Closing Thoughts
So here I am, sipping the last bit of my lukewarm coffee, attempting to process everything from my trip. Makassar turned out to be a whirlwind of rich experiences, unplanned encounters, flavors that left me wanting more, and a sense of connection that I didn't expect to find. I mean, I went in thinking I'd just see a beach, but instead, I sat watching a sunset and felt like I stepped into a friend's backyard for a barbecue.
Honestly, I can't wait to tell you more when we meet up next. And who knows? Maybe I'll take you to Makassar myself one day. Who knows what we might find together.
Just like that banana fritter from that little café, maybe the best things unfold when you least expect it.
