Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park

Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park is a protected area in South Sulawesi, about 40 km north of Makassar in the Maros district. Covering approximately 437 km², the park is famous for its dramatic karst limestone formations, prehistoric cave paintings, and as the "Kingdom of Butterflies" — home to hundreds of butterfly species including the striking Troides helena (common birdwing) and Papilio blumei (green swallowtail).

The park features two main sections: Bantimurung, a valley with a beautiful waterfall and butterfly colony, and Bulusaraung, a mountainous karst area with caves and hiking trails. The limestone towers rise sharply from the surrounding plains, creating a landscape reminiscent of Ha Long Bay on land. Ancient human hand stencils in Pettakere Cave are estimated to be at least 40,000 years old — some of the oldest rock art in the world.

The climate is tropical with a dry season June–October and a wet season November–April. The dry season is the best time for hiking and visiting the waterfall.

By Plane

Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) in Makassar is 30 km south of the park — about 1 hour by car.

By Train

Limited Information available

By Car / Road

From Makassar, take the Trans-Sulawesi highway north to Maros (30–45 minutes), then continue to the park entrance. Public minibuses (pete-pete) run from Makassar's Terminal Daya to Maros (Rp 15,000–20,000), then connect to the park. A taxi from Makassar costs approximately Rp 200,000–300,000.

The park has well-marked walking trails between the main attractions. Local guides are available at the entrance for cave exploration and hiking. A car or ojek is needed to travel between the Bantimurung area and the Bulusaraung section.

• Bantimurung Waterfall: A 15-metre cascade in a lush valley — the park's centrepiece. Swimming is permitted in the pool below.

• Butterfly Colony: Thousands of butterflies gather around the waterfall area — the park is one of the world's richest butterfly habitats.

• Pettakere Cave (Leang Pettakere): A prehistoric cave with 40,000-year-old hand stencil art — among the oldest known figurative art on Earth.

• Leang Leang Caves: A complex of caves with prehistoric paintings and archaeological significance.

• Karst Tower Formations: The dramatic limestone pinnacles that surround the park — best viewed from the Bulusaraung hiking trails.

• Cave Exploration: Guided tours of the prehistoric caves — Pettakere is the most accessible.

• Hiking: Trails of 1–4 hours in the Bulusaraung section offer panoramic views of the karst landscape.

• Butterfly Observation: Visit year-round but best during the dry season.

• Swimming: The pool beneath Bantimurung Waterfall is a popular spot.

• Rock Climbing: The limestone cliffs attract climbers.

Warung at the park entrance serve nasi goreng, mie goreng, and ikan bakar. Local specialities include pisang epe (grilled banana) and coto Makassar (beef soup). Makassar city, 40 km south, offers the full range of Sulawesi cuisine.

Bottled water is essential. Es teh manis (sweet iced tea) is available at park warung. Tap water is not drinkable.

• Budget: Basic homestays and losmen in Maros town (Rp 100,000–200,000/night).
• Mid-range: Hotels in Maros or Makassar (Rp 250,000–500,000/night).
• Eco-lodge: Simple accommodation near the park entrance (Rp 200,000–350,000/night).

Souvenir stalls at the park entrance sell butterfly-themed memorabilia, local crafts, and Maros snacks. Handwoven Tenun (traditional silk fabric) is a speciality of the Maros region.

• Makassar: 40 km south — the capital of South Sulawesi with Fort Rotterdam and excellent seafood.
• Maros Town: 15 km south — gateway town with markets and the prehistoric cave sites.
• Rammang-Rammang: 20 km north — spectacular karst village with river tours through limestone towers.
• Bira: 200 km southeast — white-sand beaches and world-class snorkelling.
• Tana Toraja: 300 km north — the famous highland region with dramatic funeral ceremonies and traditional architecture.