Mamuju

Although it is the capital of South Sulawesi Province, the town of Mamuju is not an autonomous town and still lies under the administration of the Mamuju Regency. Situated strategically between Palu, capital of Central Sulawesi, and Makassar, capital of South Sulawesi, Mamuju has grown into an economic bridge between the two cities. Flanked by a coastal area and a mountain range, the town is highlighted with green and brownish hills to its immediate interior, and lines of fishing boats and Mandar’s distinct Sandeq sailing crafts along its shoreline. Being a coastal town, the obvious choice on the menu is fresh sea food. You can find many restaurants and foodstalls along the Manakara Beach all the way to the Mamuju Fishing Port that sell fried or barbecued fish, crabs, squids, prawns, and other sea food delicacies.

Get There

If you plan to fly to Mamuju from other parts of the country, then you must first make your way to Makassar. This is because the only direct flight to Mamuju’s Ahmad Kirang Airport in Tampa Padang, Mamuju Regency is served by Wings Air which flies daily from Makassar to Mamuju. Other airlines may offer flights to Mamuju from other cities but through connecting flights. From the airport, downtown Mamuju is approximately 30 km away and can be reached by rented or chartered car or public mini buses.

If you wish to try the overland course, the trip from Makassar to Mamuju will take about 8-10 hours. Although it is a long drive, you will be presented with some of the most magnificent views of shorelines and mountain ranges through the regencies of Polewali Mandar, and Majene. If you wish to take public transportation, you can take the Makassar-Mamuju buses from Makassar Bus Terminal and the trip will take 10-12 hours.