Makassar, which until 1999 was called Ujung Pandang, is not only the capital of South Sulawesi, but also a flourishing trading city and hub for air and water transport between the western and the eastern parts of Indonesia. Makassar has a population of almost 1.5 million. The inner city boasts many sights, including e.g. Fort Rotterdam, countless beautiful old houses, Chinese temples and an orchid garden. The nearby resort of Losari is excellent for shopping with particularly lovely gold and silver work, silk sarongs and fabrics, seashells and all kinds of carvings.
