Fast. Reliable. Free.
Made for travelers, by travelers
Indonesia · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Makassar scores 66/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Makassar is generally safe for visitors, but requires a high degree of caution due to petty crime and occasional civil unrest. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Indonesia · Assessed 13 October 2026
66
/ 100
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“Volcanic eruptions Volcanic eruptions occur frequently across Indonesia. In the event of a volcanic eruption, follow the latest advice issued by the local authorities, including on areas to avoid, exclusion zones and actions to take if air quality is affected.”
Updated 2026-10-07T10:44:39Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Indonesia: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:34.2730629-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateRobbery incidents can occur, particularly at night or in less populated areas.
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded areas such as markets and public transport hubs.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Cautiously positive
62/100
Online travel sites suggest Makassar is generally safe for visitors, with scores around 67/100, but emphasize the need for caution. Travelers report feeling safe enough to explore but advise vigilance.
Makassar is generally safe for visitors, but requires a high degree of caution due to petty crime and occasional civil unrest.
While Makassar has a low homicide rate, petty crime like pickpocketing and bag-snatching is common in crowded areas. Travelers should also be aware of occasional civil unrest and exercise caution when traveling at night or in less populated areas. Volcanic hazards are a regional concern.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Makassar presents a mixed safety profile, with a low homicide rate but significant risks from petty crime and occasional civil unrest. Travelers should be prepared for common occurrences of pickpocketing and bag-snatching, particularly in busy areas like markets and transportation hubs. While violent crime is reported as relatively low, incidents of robbery can happen, especially after dark or in quieter districts.
Recent news highlights instances of civil unrest in Makassar, including protests where students and counter-protesters clashed, resulting in injuries. Broader protests across Indonesia in recent years have involved violence and the torching of public buildings, indicating a potential for localized disturbances. The government advisories from Canada and the UK, while not advising against travel, do recommend exercising a high degree of caution.
To stay safe, visitors should remain vigilant, especially in crowded public spaces, and avoid displaying valuables. Limiting nighttime travel and sticking to well-lit, populated areas is advisable. Utilizing reputable ride-hailing services like Gojek or Grab is recommended over unmetered taxis. Awareness of common scams, such as overcharging in markets or taxi fare disputes, is also crucial for a secure visit.
Was this Makassar, Indonesia report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 7 Makassar districts for visitors: 3 safer, 4 needing caution. See them plotted on the Makassar safety map.
Ujung PandangcautionThe central business district and historic area; can be crowded, increasing petty crime risk, especially after dark.
BontoalacautionOlder parts of the city; exercise caution, especially in less-trafficked areas after dark due to potential for petty crime.
TallocautionA more industrial and densely populated area; be aware of surroundings and avoid isolated spots at night.
Makassar City CentercautionWhile a hub of activity, be vigilant against pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded tourist spots and transport hubs.
PanakkukangsaferGenerally considered a safe and developed district, suitable for visitors.
TamalatesaferA residential and commercial area, generally safe with good amenities.
RappocinisaferA mixed-use district, typically safe for daily activities.
07 · After Dark
63% of people in Indonesia say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2020).
Robbery incidents can occur, particularly at night or in less populated areas.
After dark, be most careful around Ujung Pandang, Bontoala, Tallo, Makassar City Center. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Makassar is generally safe for visitors, but requires a high degree of caution due to petty crime and occasional civil unrest. While Makassar has a low homicide rate, petty crime like pickpocketing and bag-snatching is common in crowded areas. Travelers should also be aware of occasional civil unrest and exercise caution when traveling at night or in less populated areas. Volcanic hazards are a regional concern. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Makassar report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
Makassar ranks #9 of 9 Indonesia destinations we've assessed, scoring 66/100. See the Indonesia safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
Keep exploring
Raw data: makassar.json (CC BY 4.0).
