Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin Layover Guide (UPG)

This one-day trip invites you to explore the prehistoric limestone hills of Leang-Leang Archaeological Park, then cruise along the Pute River into Rammang-Rammang village to soak up verdant rice paddies and karst scenery. Return via Losari Beach at sunset before being dropped back at your hotel » book this tour

Begin with a 1.5-hour drive from Makassar to Leang Leang Archaeological Park for a guided walk through a stone garden and a climb to ancient handprint caves. Then venture on to Sumpabita Prehistoric Cave to discover 68 millennia-old paintings before returning to your hotel » book this tour

Experience a thrilling 3-in-1 day in Rammang Rammang Geopark: cycle through verdant rice paddies and karst hills, explore the Leang Leang Archaeological Park, then drift by boat through the limestone forest and stroll Berua Village—capped off with a coffee break and scenic drive back to Makassar » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Fort Rotterdam Historic Dutch fortress with museum, traditional exhibits and scenic courtyards overlooking the harbor. Rich cultural insight into Sulawesi history. Good photo opportunities. Guides explain local artifacts, colonial architecture in detail. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 30-minute taxi or ride-hailing.)
• Losari Beach Waterfront promenade famous for stunning sunsets, local street food vendors, jogging paths and live performances. Relaxing atmosphere ideal for evening strolls and people-watching. Enjoy fresh coconut drinks from friendly vendors. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 25-minute taxi or Trans Mamminasata bus.)
• Trans Studio Makassar Indoor theme park with thrilling rides, attractions, live shows and family-friendly entertainment. Escape the heat while exploring zones inspired by local culture and modern thrills. Delicious snacks available on-site. Unique. (Time required: 3–4 hours. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi or ride-hailing.)
• Somba Opu Street Vibrant historic shopping street lined with traditional Bugis houses, local handicraft stalls, antique shops and cafes. Bargain for textiles, silverware and souvenirs. Experience friendly haggling culture while tasting local snacks. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 25-minute taxi.)
• Paotere Harbor Traditional wooden schooner harbor where majestic phinisi boats dock. Marvel at handcrafted vessels, capture unique photography angles, learn seafaring heritage of Makassar from local sailors. Guided tours available daily. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 30-minute taxi.)
• Samalona Island Serene island paradise a quick boat ride away. Pristine beaches, snorkeling sites with vibrant coral reefs and fish. Perfect escape from bustle for nature lovers. Boat tickets sold at port. (Time required: Half-day. / Airport to here: 15-minute taxi to Losari then 20-minute boat.)
• Coto Makassar Savory beef and offal stew simmered in aromatic spices, served with rice cakes and rich broth. Beloved local specialty offering flavors and authenticity. Perfect culinary adventure. Ask for extra lime. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: 20-minute taxi to city center.)
• Masjid Raya Makassar Striking mosque featuring elegant domes, towering minarets and intricate calligraphy. Visitors welcome outside prayer times. Enjoy tranquil gardens and panoramic views of the city skyline at sunset. Photography permitted respectfully. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 25-minute taxi or ride-hailing.)

Things to Do in Makassar Airport (UPG)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Several lounges operate at Makassar’s Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, including the Concordia Lounge and Garuda Indonesia Lounge. Located airside after security, they open daily from 05:00 to 23:00 and offer comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, restroom facilities, and charging stations, ensuring a peaceful retreat pre-flight for business travelers. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Cordia Hotel Makassar Airport, steps from the terminal, features 119 modern rooms with air conditioning, plush beds, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Ideal for short stays and transit passengers, it provides 24-hour reception, airport shuttle service, and on-site dining options, ensuring convenient rest without leaving the airport vicinity. view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Although Sultan Hasanuddin Airport lacks formal sleeping pods, it offers several quiet seating zones and open lounges ideal for dozing. Benches and padded chairs are located near Gates 2 and 5, equipped with power outlets and subdued lighting. Travelers should carry earplugs and eye masks to enhance comfort during layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi throughout Makassar Airport; connect to SSID ‘HASANUDDIN_WiFi’ or ‘SWARA_INTERNET’. Registration requires entering mobile number or email for OTP. Speeds are sufficient for browsing and messaging, though bandwidth may slow during peak hours. Hotspots are available in departure lounges and near food courts for uninterrupted connectivity. Service is free.

SIM/eSIM Card: Travelers can purchase physical SIM cards from Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat kiosks in the arrivals hall. Packages start at IDR 100,000 for data and calls. eSIM alternatives are available online pre-arrival for instant activation. Both options require passport registration and support 4G LTE across South Sulawesi with guaranteed nationwide coverage. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis queue outside the arrivals terminal at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, offering fares to Makassar city center from around IDR 200,000. Ride-hailing services like Grab and Gojek also operate here. All airport taxis are registered; passengers should look for official counters and avoid unlicensed vehicles to ensure safety and fair pricing.

Train: Sultan Hasanuddin Airport has no direct rail connection. The nearest Makassar train station is Mandai Station, approximately 15 km away in the center. Travelers must take a taxi or shuttle to conveniently reach it. State-owned PT Kereta Api Indonesia operates intercity and commuter services from Mandai Station. (more info)

Bus: Perum DAMRI operates airport shuttle buses between Sultan Hasanuddin Airport and Makassar city center for IDR 25,000 per ride. Buses depart every 30 minutes from 05:00 to 19:00, stopping at TransMall, terminal, and Sultan Hasanuddin circle. Tickets can be purchased onboard or at the arrivals bus stop counter. (more info)

Shuttle: Several nearby hotels, including Ibis Budget and Dalton, run free shuttle services to Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. Shuttles operate on fixed schedules aligned with major flight arrivals and departures. Booking is recommended by contacting the hotel reception. Timetables vary by property, so confirm pickup and drop-off times directly with the hotel.

Car rentals: Car rental desks for Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and local operator TRAC are located in the arrivals hall at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. Vehicles include compact, SUV, MPV classes. Pre-booking online is advised for best rates and availability. Drivers must present a valid international or Indonesian driving license and passport for registration. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Sultan Hasanuddin Airport offers multi-storey parking adjacent to the terminal, with short-term rates of IDR 3,000 per hour and a daily maximum of IDR 30,000. Long-term parking is available on P2 for extended stays. Designated disabled bays are close to entrances. Payment can be made by cash or electronic kiosks upon exit.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Sultan Hasanuddin Airport offers luggage storage at a staffed counter inside the terminal near the arrivals hall. Passengers can deposit suitcases for a few hours or up to days. Rates start at IDR 20,000 per item for the first hour, with additional fees for extended periods. Collection requires a claim ticket. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Makassar Airport (UPG) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks