Gowa – The Gowa Sultanate and Highland Retreat in South Sulawesi
Gowa Regency lies in the central part of South Sulawesi province, directly neighbouring Makassar city. The regional capital is Sungguminasa. Gowa was the centre of the historic Gowa Sultanate – one of the most powerful maritime empires in eastern Indonesia. Today the region is also Makassar's highland retreat zone.
Attractions and Activities
Benteng Somba Opu (Somba Opu Fort) was the Gowa Sultanate's former capital and fortress – now an archaeological park with a museum. Balla Lompoa (Royal Palace) displays the sultanate's crowns, weapons and ceremonial objects. Malino Highland is a retreat approximately 2 hours from Makassar – cool climate, pine forests, strawberry farms and Takapala Waterfall. Tomanasa Waterfall is another spectacular highland waterfall.
Culture and Cuisine
Makassar culture draws from the sultanate's heritage: the pakarena dance (elegant women's dance) and sinrilik epic poetry are living traditions. Makassar cuisine is spicy and fish-based: coto Makassar (spiced beef offal broth), pallubasa (similar, with coconut milk), konro (spiced beef rib soup), and pisang epe (grilled banana with palm-sugar sauce) are unmissable.
Public Safety
Gowa is a safe region. Highland roads towards Malino are winding – drive carefully. Rocks near waterfalls can be slippery. Medical care: Makassar (approx. 20–30 minutes) has excellent hospitals.
Practical Information
From Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, approximately 30 minutes to Sungguminasa by car; Malino approximately 2 hours. The best time to visit is May to October. Accommodation: mountain villas and guesthouses in Malino; simple hotels in Sungguminasa.