Areas to Avoid in Makassar
Indonesia
|⚠️ ModerateHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Makassar. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Makassar is generally Moderate
1 area to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Losari, Panakkukang, Ujung Pandang
Travel Insurance for Makassar
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Makassar are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Some very narrow backstreets in older residential areas
Can be poorly lit and feel isolated at night, increasing petty crime risk.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Losari
A bustling waterfront promenade with vibrant street food and sunset views.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Makassar
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Makassar Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Makassar on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Makassar Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Makassar with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Makassar: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Makassar's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
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Day Trip from Makassar: Scenic Excursion
Escape Makassar for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Makassar Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Makassar's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Makassar
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Makassar on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Makassar safely with a local guide
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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Losari
A bustling waterfront promenade with vibrant street food and sunset views.
Generally safe during the day with plenty of people around; at night, stick to well-lit main areas and be aware of your surroundings.
Panakkukang
A commercial and residential hub with shopping malls and local eateries.
Safe during the day, but be mindful of pickpockets in crowded market areas; at night, stick to main roads and well-lit areas.
General Safety Tips for Makassar
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas like major roads or busy promenades. Avoid isolated streets. Be cautious of opportunistic petty crime.
Solo Female Travel
Generally safe, but exercise usual precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, dress modestly, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night.
Emergency Number
112
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Makassar
- 1Overcharging by unregistered taxi drivers.
- 2Street vendors selling counterfeit goods.
- 3Requests for money or 'donations' from persistent individuals.
Travel Insurance for Makassar
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Losari
A bustling waterfront promenade with vibrant street food and sunset views.
Generally safe during the day with plenty of people around; at night, stick to well-lit main areas and be aware of your surroundings.
Panakkukang
A commercial and residential hub with shopping malls and local eateries.
Safe during the day, but be mindful of pickpockets in crowded market areas; at night, stick to main roads and well-lit areas.
Ujung Pandang
The historic heart of Makassar, centered around the Dutch fort and colonial architecture.
Generally safe during the day, but some side streets can be deserted at night; stay on main roads and be aware of your surroundings.
Safety in Makassar
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Generally safe, but exercise usual precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, dress modestly, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas like major roads or busy promenades. Avoid isolated streets. Be cautious of opportunistic petty crime.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by unregistered taxi drivers.
- 2Street vendors selling counterfeit goods.
- 3Requests for money or 'donations' from persistent individuals.
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