Before You Go Checklist: What to Pack for Makassar

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Lonely Planet Makassar.

For the most up-to-date details, check South Sulawesi Provincial Government before you go.

Make sure to organize all your important digital travel documents in one secure folder. Having offline access to your local hotel address is extremely helpful for city navigation. You might lose your mobile signal in the middle of crowded traditional markets.

Choose lightweight clothing made from high quality natural fibers like very breathable cotton. Synthetic fabrics often feel far too hot in the intense Indonesian tropical humidity. You will feel much fresher throughout the long day of urban discovery and walking.

Consider booking a free walking tour in Makassar to save your limited travel budget. Local guides provide excellent and deep insights into the many hidden city corners. They can also help you navigate the busy and chaotic streets very safely.

• Printed copies of your passport and entry visa
• Reusable water bottle with a built-in filter
• Lightweight power bank with a charging cable
• Small umbrella for sun or rain protection
• Hand sanitizer and a pack of tissues
• Sunscreen with a high protection factor
• Comfortable walking shoes with excellent grip
• Lightweight backpack with multiple secure compartments

On the Day Checklist for Your Tour

Start your morning with a very hearty breakfast and plenty of fresh bottled water. Walking through the hot city streets requires a lot of physical energy and stamina. You should check Fort Rotterdam entrance fees and hours to plan your morning stop.

Apply a thick layer of high quality sunscreen to all your exposed skin areas. The sun in South Sulawesi is very strong even on the most cloudy days. You do not want a painful sunburn to ruin your entire Indonesian holiday trip.

Pack your day bag with only the most essential items needed for city walking. A heavy bag will cause back pain after several hours of deep urban exploration. Keep your movements light and easy for the best possible local travel experience.

Double check your camera battery and memory card space before leaving your hotel room. Makassar is full of beautiful street art and many historical colonial port buildings. You will want to capture every single moment of your exciting and educational walking tour.

• Apply a fresh layer of waterproof sunscreen
• Fill your water bottle with clean water
• Charge your smartphone to one hundred percent
• Wear your most comfortable pair of socks
• Carry enough cash in small local denominations
• Check the meeting point for your walking tour
• Put your camera inside a waterproof bag
• Eat a light and healthy morning meal

Common Mistakes Checklist for Travelers

Many travelers make the common mistake of wearing brand new walking shoes. You should always break in your footwear well before arriving in Indonesia. This prevents painful blisters from forming during your long and hot city walk.

It is also very easy to forget about the conservative local dress code. Makassar is a traditional city where modest clothing is always highly respected by the locals. Avoid wearing very short shorts or sleeveless tops while visiting any public areas.

You should learn how to join a walking tour in Makassar correctly before starting. Some tours require advanced registration or specific meeting point confirmations via your email. Always double check your booking status at least one day before the tour.

Do not ignore the absolute importance of staying hydrated in the tropical heat. Many visitors wait until they feel very thirsty to drink some fresh water. You should sip water constantly to maintain your high energy levels and health.

• Wearing brand new shoes that are not broken in
• Forgetting to apply sunscreen before leaving the hotel
• Carrying too much heavy camera equipment all day
• Neglecting to drink enough water during the tour
• Arriving late for the scheduled meeting with guides
• Wearing revealing clothes that disrespect the local culture

Don't Pack List for Your Sulawesi Trip

Packing too much is a very common error for many first time visitors. You do not need heavy denim jeans in the intense tropical Sulawesi heat. These heavy items take a very long time to dry if they get wet.

Leave your expensive jewelry and flashy watches at home for your personal safety. While Makassar is generally safe, it is better to avoid attracting any unnecessary attention. Focus on the Makassar colonial history walking route instead of your luxury accessories.

Avoid packing large bottles of toiletries that take up too much luggage space. Most hotels provide basic items or you can buy them locally very cheaply. This keeps your luggage light for any domestic flights within Indonesia.

You should also skip packing heavy winter jackets or thick wool sweaters. The temperature in Makassar rarely drops below twenty-five degrees Celsius at night. A light cardigan is enough for air conditioned indoor spaces or airports.

• Heavy denim jeans that take long to dry
• Expensive jewelry that might attract unwanted local attention
• Multiple pairs of heavy and bulky formal shoes
• Large bottles of shampoo or heavy liquid toiletries
• Valuable items that you do not use daily
• Too many thick sweaters or heavy winter jackets

If You Are a Solo Traveler Checklist

Solo travelers need to be extra careful with their personal safety and communication. Always share your daily walking itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. You can easily learn how to find local tour guides in Makassar for added security.

Keep a digital copy of your passport on a very secure cloud drive. This ensures you can access your identification if your physical bag is lost. It is a simple step that provides great peace of mind during travel.

Carry a small power bank to keep your phone fully charged at all times. You will rely on GPS and translation apps throughout your solo city journey. A dead battery can be a major problem in unfamiliar Indonesian streets.

Trust your instincts when interacting with strangers in the busy city markets. Most people are very friendly but staying alert is always a very good idea. Enjoy the freedom of exploring this historic port at your own personal pace.

• Emergency contact numbers saved on your mobile phone
• Portable door lock for extra security at night
• Whistle or small personal safety alarm for emergencies
• Local SIM card with a reliable data plan
• Small map of the city for backup navigation
• Basic Indonesian phrases written in a small notebook