A trip from Makassar to Rammang-Rammang requires a private car for the 90-120 minute drive north to Maros regency. This karst village, reached by a river boat, is often combined with the nearby Bantimurung waterfall into a half-day or full-day excursion from the city or airport.
As the Routes & Pricing Editor here at Makassar Car Rental, I keep our day-trip schedules for the Maros regency current. The routes to Rammang-Rammang and Bantimurung are some of the most requested by our international, corporate, and domestic guests. They are close to the city, yet feel like another world. They are also located in the same direction from Makassar, making them a logical pair to visit on the same day.
This is my first-hand guide to planning your transport. I will cover the practical details: where these sites are, how long the drive takes, what to expect on the ground, and how to structure your day. The information is based on our operational logs and the latest publicly available data we reconcile for our drivers.
Where are Rammang-Rammang and Bantimurung?
Both attractions are in the Maros regency, north-east of Makassar’s city centre. This is also the regency where you find Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG). Their proximity to the airport is a key detail for planning.
The geography matters. Rammang-Rammang is a village area set amongst a dramatic limestone karst landscape—the third largest of its kind in the world. It is not accessible directly by road; the final part of the journey requires a small motorised boat up the Puteh river. Bantimurung is the main feature of the Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, a protected area centred around a large waterfall and a butterfly sanctuary.
Here are the typical distances our drivers log:
- Makassar City Centre to Rammang-Rammang Jetty: Approximately 40-45 kilometres.
- UPG Airport to Rammang-Rammang Jetty: Approximately 20 kilometres.
- UPG Airport to Bantimurung Park Entrance: Approximately 15 kilometres.
- Rammang-Rammang Jetty to Bantimurung Park Entrance: Approximately 15-20 kilometres.
As you can see, both are closer to the airport than to the city itself. This makes combining them with an airport transfer very efficient.
How Do You Get There by Car? The Makassar-Maros Corridor
The only practical way to get from Makassar to Rammang-Rammang and Bantimurung is with a private vehicle. There is no direct public bus or train service that serves the specific entry points for tourists. The journey follows the main Makassar-Maros road, a major arterial route that can experience significant traffic, especially during peak morning and afternoon hours.
This is why drive-time estimates vary. A clear run is rare. I always advise guests to budget for the following one-way driving times, not including stops:
- From Makassar City Centre: 90 to 120 minutes.
- From Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (UPG): 30 to 45 minutes.
Hiring a car with a local driver provides two main advantages. First, the driver understands the traffic patterns and can navigate the smaller, final roads to the correct boat jetty or park entrance. Second, it provides a secure place to leave your belongings while you are on the boat or inside the park. This is the most common form of makassar ramang ramang transport for visitors.
Can I Combine This Trip with an Airport Transfer?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the most efficient ways to see Maros, especially if you have a late flight out or an early flight in.
Because the sites are between the airport and the city, you can integrate them seamlessly into your arrival or departure day. This saves you from making a separate trip out from your hotel and back again.
Typical Airport Transfer Itineraries
- Arrival Day: Your driver meets you at UPG arrivals. From there, you travel directly to Rammang-Rammang and/or Bantimurung. After your visit, the driver takes you to your hotel in Makassar to check in. This works well if you land in the morning.
- Departure Day: Your driver picks you up from your Makassar hotel after you check out. You visit the sites, and the driver then proceeds to the airport for your flight drop-off. This is a good option for guests with afternoon or evening flights.
This approach transforms a simple airport transfer into a productive half-day tour. You can book this service directly through our airport car hire desk. A makassar airport to bantimurung transfer, for instance, can take as little as 25-40 minutes of driving, leaving plenty of time to explore before heading to your hotel or the departure terminal.
What is the Rammang-Rammang Boat Trip Like?
The journey to the village of Kampung Berua inside Rammang-Rammang is a core part of the experience. You cannot drive there. Access is controlled via official jetties, with Dermaga 1 Salenrang being the primary one.
Here, you hire a small wooden boat with an outboard motor. The boatman navigates you up the serene Puteh river, which is flanked by towering karst cliffs and dense Nipa palm forests. The trip itself takes about 20-30 minutes each way. The boat will wait for you in the village while you explore on foot. You can walk through the paddy fields, see the traditional Bugis houses, and visit caves like Goa Berlian.
The cost for the boat is paid directly at the jetty. As a company, we do not add any markup; our driver will simply facilitate the transaction for you. The official published rates are:
(Source: Dermaga 1 Salenrang tariff board, checked August 2026).
These prices are per boat for the return trip, not per person. It is essential to bring enough Indonesian Rupiah in cash, as card payments are not available.
What to Bring for Rammang-Rammang
- Cash (IDR): For the boat hire and any small purchases in the village.
- Sun Protection: A hat and sunscreen are vital. The boat is partially covered, but you will be exposed to the sun while walking.
- Insect Repellent: You are on a river and near wet paddy fields.
- Comfortable Footwear: You will be walking on unpaved paths.
- Water: Stay hydrated, especially in the middle of the day.
Planning a trip to Maros? Our team can help you build the right itinerary. Request a quote through our desk or chat with us on WhatsApp for personalised planning.
Exploring Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park
Just a 30-45 minute drive from the Rammang-Rammang jetty is the entrance to Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park. It is a completely different environment: a lush, forested valley dominated by its famous waterfall.
The park was famously documented by naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in the 19th century, who called it the “Kingdom of Butterflies.” While there is a butterfly sanctuary and the modern Helena Sky Bridge for viewing, it is important to set realistic expectations. Butterfly sightings are highly dependent on the season, weather, and time of day; they are not guaranteed.
The main attraction for most is the powerful Bantimurung waterfall. It is wide and accessible, with a large, shallow pool at its base where visitors can swim and relax. You can also climb steps alongside the waterfall to explore caves higher up.
The park is an official government site with set operating hours and entrance fees.
- Opening Hours: 08:00 to 17:00 WITA daily.
(Source: Ministry of Forestry decree No. SK.434/MenLHK-KSDAE/KSA.0/7/2016, checked October 2026).
Again, you must pay this fee in cash (IDR) at the entrance gate. The fee contributes to the park’s conservation and maintenance.
Suggested Itineraries: Half-Day and Full-Day Options
How much time you allocate depends entirely on your schedule. Both a compact half-day trip and a more relaxed full-day tour are possible. I have outlined the most common structures our guests choose.
| Itinerary Type | Typical Duration | Pacing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Day (Airport Combo) | 5-6 hours | Efficient, focused | Arrival/departure days, layovers, cruise excursions |
| Full-Day (from Makassar) | 8-10 hours | Relaxed, includes lunch | Guests with a full day to spare, families |
Sample Half-Day Itinerary (e.g., from Airport)
- 09:00: Pick-up from UPG Airport arrivals.
- 09:45: Arrive at Rammang-Rammang jetty, take boat trip.
- 11:45: Depart Rammang-Rammang.
- 12:30: Arrive at Bantimurung National Park.
- 14:00: Depart Bantimurung.
- 15:30: Arrive at your hotel in Makassar.
This timing is ideal for many of our guests arriving on cruise shore excursion transport, who need to maximise a short port call.
Sample Full-Day Itinerary (e.g., from City Hotel)
- 08:30: Pick-up from your hotel in Makassar.
- 10:30: Arrive at Rammang-Rammang jetty, enjoy the boat trip and village walk.
- 13:00: Lunch at a local restaurant near Maros.
- 14:30: Arrive at Bantimurung National Park to see the waterfall.
- 16:30: Depart Bantimurung.
- 18:00-18:30: Arrive back at your hotel in Makassar.
What Kind of Vehicle and Driver Do I Need?
Choosing the right vehicle depends on your group size and comfort requirements. At Makassar Car Rental, we operate a fleet suitable for various needs. All our day charters include the vehicle, a professional driver, and fuel for a set number of hours.
- Toyota Avanza (or similar MPV): The standard choice for couples, solo travellers, or small families up to 4 people.
- Toyota Hiace Commuter (Van): Perfect for larger families or groups of 5 to 10 people, offering more space for comfort and luggage.
- Toyota Alphard (VIP MPV): Our premium option for corporate clients or those desiring a higher level of comfort and space.
Our drivers are all local to South Sulawesi and know the Maros area well. They speak Bahasa Indonesia, and we can arrange for an English-speaking driver upon request, subject to availability. They are not tour guides, but they are professionals who ensure you get to each location safely and efficiently.
Here are our base rates for a day charter, which you can use to budget your trip:
Booking Your Maros Day Car
You can arrange your vehicle directly with our reservations team. When you book with us, you are booking directly with the operator, not through a third-party platform. This means transparent pricing and direct communication.
Our charter price includes the private car, driver, and fuel for the agreed duration (typically 10 or 12 hours for a day trip). It is important to know what is not included:
- Entrance fees for all sites (e.g., Bantimurung Park).
- Activity costs (e.g., Rammang-Rammang boat hire).
- Parking and toll fees.
- Meals for yourself and the driver.
- Any fees for local guides you may choose to hire.
We provide a clear, all-inclusive vehicle price, and you handle the on-site costs directly. This ensures you pay the official rates without any hidden markups. For a dedicated vehicle and driver for your Maros exploration, please see our rental mobil Maros page for full details.
A day trip to Rammang-Rammang and Bantimurung is a fantastic way to see the natural beauty of South Sulawesi just outside the city. To start planning, you can request a quote on our website or send a message to our team on WhatsApp for a fast response.
Listed market rates we checked
Published operator rates in Makassar, each with its source and the year of the listing. Indicative only; fuel, driver and route terms vary, and the written quote from our desk is the binding figure.
| Vehicle / service | Listed rate | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avanza / Xenia (5–6 pax), per day with driver · self-drive | Rp550.000–1.000.000 · Rp300.000–450.000 | icanrentacar.com | 2026 listing, checked Oct 2026 |
| Innova Reborn / Zenix (5–7 pax), per day with driver · self-drive | Rp1.200.000–1.400.000 (Happy Bus incl. fuel + driver) · Rp500.000–800.000 | happybus.id | 2026 listing, checked Oct 2026 |
How long is the drive from Makassar to Rammang-Rammang?
The drive typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes one-way, depending heavily on traffic conditions along the Makassar-Maros main road. From the airport (UPG), the journey is much shorter, at around 30-45 minutes.
Do I need to book the Rammang-Rammang boat in advance?
No, advance booking is not usually necessary. You can hire a boat directly upon arrival at the main jetty (Dermaga 1 Salenrang). Our driver can assist you with the process. Payment is made in cash directly to the boat operators.
Is it possible to visit only Bantimurung from the airport?
Yes. A trip from UPG Airport to Bantimurung is very short, with a drive time of only 25-40 minutes. This makes it a great option if you have just a few hours to spare during a layover or before an evening flight.
What currency should I bring for entrance fees and boats?
You must bring Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) in cash. Credit cards are not accepted at the park entrance, the boat jetty, or at the small shops and cafes in the area. It is best to withdraw cash in Makassar or at the airport before you start the trip.
Can I swim at the Bantimurung waterfall?
Yes, swimming is permitted in the large, designated pool at the base of the waterfall. You can also rent inner tubes. However, always pay attention to the water levels and any safety notices posted by the park authorities on the day of your visit, especially during the rainy season.