Overview
Ujung Pandang - the historic name still widely used for Makassar, capital of South Sulawesi - is one of Indonesia's most characterful port cities and a genuinely rewarding stop for UK travellers looking beyond Bali and Java. Known for its Bugis seafaring heritage, waterfront sunsets over the Makassar Strait, and easy onward links to the Toraja highlands, it makes a fascinating addition to an Indonesia itinerary. There are no direct flights to Ujung Pandang from the UK, but with the right connection it's a very manageable long-haul trip, and this page's live price charts make it easy to see when fares are at their best.
Best time to fly to Ujung Pandang
Sitting almost on the equator, Makassar is warm and humid year-round, with temperatures typically in the high 20s to low 30s°C. The most comfortable window for sightseeing is the drier season from May to September, when rainfall is lower and outdoor trips such as Bantimurung waterfall are easiest to enjoy. October to April brings the wet season, with heavier afternoon downpours, though flights and hotel rates can be more competitive during these quieter months. For the best fares, check the When to book chart above to spot the months when prices to Ujung Pandang tend to dip.
Airlines and routes
No airline flies non-stop between the UK and Ujung Pandang, so the journey involves at least one, more often two, connections. The most practical routings pair a long-haul carrier such as Qatar Airways (via Doha), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) or Emirates (via Dubai) from London to Jakarta or Denpasar, followed by a domestic leg to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport with Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, Lion Air or Citilink. Flying time from London to Jakarta alone is around 15-16 hours; add the roughly 2-hour domestic hop plus connection time, and total journey time typically runs from 20 to 26 hours door to door depending on the routing and layovers.
Things to do in Ujung Pandang
Once you land, Makassar rewards a couple of days' exploring before heading further into Sulawesi:
- Fort Rotterdam: a beautifully preserved 17th-century Dutch colonial fortress right in the city centre, now home to small museums and shaded courtyards.
- Losari Beach waterfront: the city's much-loved promenade for an evening stroll, street food and watching the sun set over the strait.
- Paotere Harbour: a working port where traditional Bugis pinisi schooners still load cargo, offering a glimpse of centuries-old maritime trade.
- Bantimurung Waterfall and Butterfly Kingdom: a popular half-day trip from the city, with cascades, limestone caves and hundreds of butterfly species.
- Toraja highlands: reachable by road or a short onward flight, famed for dramatic hillside villages, striking traditions and cliffside burial sites.
At Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG)
Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport lies around 20km northeast of Makassar city centre, with the journey taking roughly 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Airport taxis and ride-hailing apps operate from the arrivals hall, while the Damri airport bus runs a cheaper, regular service into the city centre. Car hire and pre-arranged transfers are also available for those heading straight on to Toraja or other parts of South Sulawesi.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Ujung Pandang
- Book ahead where possible: fares on the long-haul leg to Jakarta or Bali tend to be best around 2-4 months before departure, before seat availability tightens.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend travel on both the long-haul and domestic sectors.
- Stay flexible with dates: shifting your trip by even a few days either side of the wet season can uncover noticeably lower fares.
- Compare airlines and routings: pairing a long-haul carrier with a well-timed domestic connection can often save both money and hassle - use the price charts on this page to compare options.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for Indonesia for stays of up to 30 days (extendable once), either purchased at the airport or arranged in advance online as an e-VOA; your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), though it's worth carrying a little cash in pounds or US dollars to exchange on arrival, as card acceptance can be patchy outside larger hotels. Routine travel vaccinations are worth checking before you go, and it's sensible to review the latest NHS Fit for Travel guidance for Sulawesi ahead of your trip.
