Description
Spanish and Portuguese galleons, followed by British and Dutch traders, sailed these seas in search of the spice trade, escorted by their Men of War to protect them from the daring raids of the Bugis and Makassar pirates. Famed for their seafaring culture, the Bugis are still the driving force behind this world.
History
From as early as the 14th century, this are was filled with famous kingdoms, most notably are Luwu, Gowa, Soppeng, Tallo and Bone.
European influence started in the 16th century, when in 1538 Portuguese arrived in Makassar and sought audience with Gowa king.
Bone and Gowa kingdoms had a major war in 1562, but later on managed to resolve their differences. After Dutch and Japan were driven away, South Sulawesi became a part of Indonesia and was made into a separate province in 1964.
Entry
There are many flights and daily service from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya and Manado. Through an asphalt road with some winding slopes, feel the fresh & cool air with its natural scene, a nice way to travel by car.
People & Culture
Makassarese and Bugis are religious people, most are Muslims and very strong minded. Bugis people are among the best sailors in the world. Seafarers of Bugis, Bajau, Butonese and Makassarese have traded with neighboring countries, most notably with the Australian Aborigines, for hundreds of years.
Cuisine
This place is a haven for culinary lovers. From fresh sea food, cooked Chinese or Indonesian style to the famed coto makassar--soup made from innards of cow, there is something new to try everyday. Sop saudara is quite similar to coto but it's more bland compared to coto. Konro or beef ribs soup is tasty and filling. For snacks you might want to try jalangkote, some kind of pastry with tasty filling, eaten with a spicy sauce.
For dessert, try pisang epe--flattened banana with palm sugar sauce, usually mixed with jackfruit or durian. Es pallu butung, made of sliced banana, ice chips, coconut milk and red sauce is also filling and refreshing. Pisang hijau is banana coated with flour and pandan leaves, thus causing the outer layer to be green-colored. It's sliced and then coated with cocopandan syrup.
Tourism Office
JL. Jend. Sudirman No.23, Makassar 90231
Phone. (62-411) 878912, 443355, 872336
Fax. (62-411) 872314
Email : disbudpar-sulsel@telkom.net
Website : http://www.phinisiq.com
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