Rammang Rammang
It is almost impossible to imagine, but about an hour’s drive from chaotic Makassar, you are in the middle of the Rammang Rammang nature reserve. Beautiful mangroves, gigantic limestone cliffs and lots of greenery. A fairytale setting absolutely worth visiting.
Rammang Rammang is part of the Batimurung Natoinal Park. It is a small village which is best known for its breathtaking scenery. The village can only be reached by boat because it is surrounded by gigantic karst mountains. In the village you will find traditional cottages (often on stilts on the water), many fishing ponds and caves. The area is huge, so big that it is among one of the largest limestone areas in the world.
Rammang Rammang village
For us, Rammang Rammang was the beginning of our journey through Sulawesi and we were immediately surprised by its beauty. Sulawesi is still a piece of undiscovered Indonesia. Many areas are still untouched and pure. Even at Rammang Rammang one of the busiest sights in the area, we were almost the only tourists. We have had the opportunity to visit many beautiful places around the world, but sometimes national parks feel more like a museum than a livable area. That was absolutely not the case here. Daily life just went on quietly, and the locals actually cared pretty little about the few crazy tourists walking around here in the sobbing heat. Children playing, whole groups who were fishing and families seeking shade with little ones. Life in Rammang Rammang.
How to get to Rammang Rammang
In Makassar, there are numerous people who are happy to take you to the area and also tell you a little about the area. Super convenient and still very affordable. You don’t have to worry about anything then. You agree on a time and they pick you up in front of your hotel. You will spend about 20 euros for this.
If you prefer to save some money, you can also grab a Grab for a few euros. You will then be dropped off at the port, where you can arrange a boat ride. Once you arrive at the park, you can explore the area yourself. It’s all pretty simple. Transportation is very easy to arrange in the Makassar area. And if there are no cabs there is always someone nearby who again knows someone to take you away.
Taking a boat to Rammang Rammang
Once you have arrived at “the port” of the national park, you will be taken to the village by a small traditional boat. The boat ride down the Pute River is an experience in itself. The beautiful surroundings and gigantic limestone mountains make these a special experience. The boat ride takes about half an hour.
Caves, beautiful rice fields and viewpoints
Visiting Rammang Rammang is actually quite simple. When you have arrived in the village you find your own way. There are some small makeshift signs pointing to one of the caves. You can follow the narrow paths and enjoy nature. A must is to go to a viewpoint where you can admire the whole area. Although I’m not really the world’s biggest cave fan, the caves here are very unique. In fact, handprints and drawings dating back thousands of years have been found here. Fancy a kopi coffee or a tasty snack, a number of traditional cottages are available for a snack and a drink.
Our final verdict: a big fat 8.5! This area is really a beautiful surprise. Especially the contrast with the city of Makassar is bizarre. Highly recommended and a wonderful start to your journey through Sulawesi.
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Travel further to
- Route Sulawesi 4 weken
- Tana Toraja: breathtaking landscapes and the most extraordinary rituals
- Makassar – Starting point of our Sulawesi Trip
- Manado Cityguide
- Togian Islands: bounty island paradise
- Duiken op de Togian Islands
- Bounty eiland Bangka: onontdekt paradijsje van Sulawesi
- Tentena: de verassing van Sulawesi
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