Paotere Fish Market - Image 1
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Paotere Fish Market

4.4
·703 reviews·, Indonesia

Makassar's vibrant heart for fresh seafood, offering direct catches, lively auctions, and delicious grilled meals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Morning

Freshest catch, best prices

CrowdHigh
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Paotere Fish Market - Image 1

Paotere Fish Market

Best Time

Early Morning

Freshest catch, best prices

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Makassar's vibrant heart for fresh seafood, offering direct catches, lively auctions, and delicious grilled meals.

4.4
(703 reviews)

"The best and largest seafood market in Makassar, be early as choice products sell out fast."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Before Sunrise

Be there early for the best selection! Fresh catches arrive daily.

🗣️ Speak Indonesian

Essential for bargaining and interacting with traders.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seafood Auction Hall

Seafood Auction Hall

Main Market Area

Witness the vibrant energy of the fish auction and buy seafood straight from the boats. A true taste of local life.

Freshly Grilled Seafood

Freshly Grilled Seafood

Outside the Market

Have your market purchases expertly grilled on the spot for an unforgettable, delicious meal.

Diverse Seafood Selection

Diverse Seafood Selection

Throughout the Market

Explore a vast array of fish, shrimp, octopus, and squid. A paradise for seafood lovers.

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Planning Your Visit

Arrive Early for the Freshest Catch

The Paotere Fish Market is bustling with activity from dawn. Arriving early ensures you get the best selection of fresh seafood directly from the boats before it's all snapped up. Be prepared for a lively, authentic experience.

Master the Art of the Bargain

Negotiation is key at Paotere! Fish traders expect you to bargain for the best price. Practice your Indonesian phrases and be ready to haggle for your seafood haul. It's part of the fun and the local culture.

Best Times

When
Early Morning
Why
Freshest catch, best prices
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays
Why
Slightly fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Yang mau berwisata kuliner ke paotere efent saja.. Masih dalam kota makassar ji.. #wisatakuliner #jalanjalan #wisatamakassar #pelabuhanpaoteremakassar #fypシ゚viral #vidioviral
@fitria_ni_
45.7K likes • 912.6K views

🎯 Arrive Before Sunrise

Be there early for the best selection! Fresh catches arrive daily. Reddit

🗣️ Speak Indonesian

Essential for bargaining and interacting with traders. Reddit

💰 Be Ready to Bargain

Negotiate prices; it's expected and part of the experience. Reddit

🍽️ Grill Your Catch

Many stalls outside the market grill your fresh seafood. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Before Sunrise

Be there early for the best selection! Fresh catches arrive daily. Reddit

🗣️ Speak Indonesian

Essential for bargaining and interacting with traders. Reddit

💰 Be Ready to Bargain

Negotiate prices; it's expected and part of the experience. Reddit

🍽️ Grill Your Catch

Many stalls outside the market grill your fresh seafood. Reddit

🛍️ Bring Your Own Bags

Large plastic bags are useful for carrying your purchases. Reddit

👃 Brace for the Smell

It's a working fish market; the strong smell is part of the atmosphere. Reddit

🔒 Watch Your Valuables

Be aware of your surroundings and keep belongings secure. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(703 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Paotere Fish Market for its incredibly fresh seafood and unbeatable prices, especially when you master the art of bargaining. The option to have your catch grilled on-site is a major highlight, offering a delicious and authentic local dining experience. However, be prepared for the strong market smells and potential crowds, and always keep an eye on your belongings.

"If you want to buy fresh fishes, so many types of fishes, with the best price in town you should go here"

Indah Lestari

"This is most recommended fish-market/fish-auction-hall for seafood-lover. You can buy your fresh fish that are taken right out of the fishing-boat docked near the market. This is the right place to test out your skill on negotiation and making a deal. The fish-trader allow you to bargain the price of the fish. The art of the deal takes place within the hall."

Kumara Tungga Dewa

"The best and largest seafood market in Makassar
Be early as choice products sell out fast.
Be ready to bargain
You must speak Indonesian there
Try to take your fish in front of the market to have it grilled there if you want to eat it right away"

Jean-Christophe Blachere

What People Like

Incredibly fresh seafood
Best prices in town
On-site grilling option

What People Dislike

Strong market smell
Crowded, especially weekends
Need to bargain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Paotere Fish Market is located in the northern part of Makassar. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing apps like Gojek or Grab, or by local public transport (angkot). It's advisable to use a navigation app for the most direct route. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available, though it can get quite busy, especially during peak hours. Be prepared for a small fee for parking. Reddit

For an authentic local experience, consider taking an 'angkot' (public minivan). It's a budget-friendly option and a great way to see more of the city, though it might take longer. TikTok

While it's a working market, it's generally accessible. Just be mindful of the busy environment and the strong smells. Reddit

Absolutely! Ride-sharing apps like Gojek and Grab are widely used in Makassar and are a convenient way to get to and from the market. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to enter the Paotere Fish Market. It's a public market, so you can wander freely. Reddit

The market is most active very early in the morning, typically from around 5 AM. It starts to wind down by late morning. Reddit

Weekdays tend to be slightly less crowded than weekends, but the freshest catch is available daily. If you prefer fewer people, aim for a weekday morning. Reddit

While it's always busy, the absolute peak is very early morning. If you dislike extreme crowds, perhaps visit a bit later, but you'll miss the initial auction buzz. Reddit

The market is significantly less active in the afternoon. For the best experience and selection, it's crucial to visit in the early morning. Reddit

🎫 🎣 Onsite Experience

You'll find an incredible variety, including many types of fish, fresh shrimp, octopus, and squid. It's a seafood lover's dream! Reddit

The smell is strong and characteristic of a busy fish market. It's best to just accept it as part of the authentic experience. Reddit

Absolutely! Bargaining is expected and a key part of the shopping experience here. Don't be afraid to negotiate. Reddit

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as the ground can be wet and slippery. Light, breathable clothing is also recommended due to the humidity. Reddit

The seafood is generally very fresh as it's brought in daily. However, always use your judgment and ensure it looks and smells fresh. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes! Many vendors outside the market offer to grill your fresh catch right there for a delicious meal. Reddit

While there aren't formal restaurants inside the market itself, the stalls outside that grill seafood function as casual dining spots. Reddit

Having it grilled is highly recommended. The smoky flavor complements the freshness of the seafood perfectly. Reddit

Prices vary depending on the type and amount of seafood, but it's generally very affordable. Bargaining might also apply to the grilling service. Reddit

The focus is heavily on seafood. You might find some basic drinks or snacks, but it's primarily a place to buy and eat fresh fish. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals. TikTok

Capture the bustling activity of the auction, the vibrant colors of the seafood, the fishermen at work, and the grilling process. TikTok

Early morning offers the best light and the most dynamic action. The golden hour light can be beautiful, but the market is less active then. TikTok

Be mindful of people's space, especially during busy transactions. Avoid using flash directly in people's faces. TikTok

Yes, the harbor area with the docked fishing boats is also a great spot for photography, showcasing the source of the market's bounty. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Paotere Fish Market offers a unique, albeit sensory, experience for families. While the strong smell might be challenging for very young children, older kids can be fascinated by the sheer variety of sea creatures and the bustling activity. Arrive early to avoid the peak crowds and the most intense smells. Focus on the grilling area outside the market, where kids can watch their food being prepared. It's a great opportunity to teach children about where food comes from and the importance of local markets. Reddit

Bring extra bags for any purchases and consider a stroller or carrier for younger children if navigating the crowded, potentially slippery walkways. Keep a close eye on children due to the crowds and ensure they don't wander off. The experience can be educational and exciting, offering a glimpse into the real life of Makassar.

💰 Budget Travelers

Paotere Fish Market is a paradise for budget travelers looking for fresh, affordable seafood. The prices are significantly lower than in restaurants, especially if you're willing to bargain. Reddit For a truly economical and delicious meal, buy your seafood and have it grilled on-site – it's much cheaper than dining out. Reddit

To save on transport, consider using local 'angkot' (public minivans) to reach the market, which is a very inexpensive way to travel around Makassar. TikTok Remember to bring your own reusable bags to avoid paying for them and to carry your haul comfortably. The market itself is free to enter, making it a fantastic low-cost activity.

🍜 Foodies & Culinary Adventurers

For food enthusiasts, Paotere Fish Market is an absolute must-visit. It's a chance to source the freshest ingredients directly from the source and experience the thrill of the hunt. The sheer diversity of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks is incredible, offering opportunities to try exotic or less common seafood. Reddit

The real culinary adventure begins at the grilling stalls outside the market. Choose your catch, negotiate a price for grilling, and savor the smoky, fresh flavors. This is the ultimate 'farm-to-table' (or rather, 'boat-to-grill') experience. Don't be afraid to ask vendors for recommendations or try something new – it's all part of the gastronomic journey. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heartbeat of Makassar's Seafood Trade

The Paotere Fish Market is more than just a place to buy fish; it's a vibrant hub that showcases the daily life and livelihood of Makassar's fishing community. From the crack of dawn, the air is filled with the calls of traders and the scent of the sea. This is where fishermen bring their fresh catch directly from their boats, creating a dynamic scene of auction and trade. The sheer volume and variety of seafood available are astounding, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in local culture and culinary experiences. TikTokReddit

Navigating the market requires a bit of preparation. Arriving early is crucial to witness the peak activity and secure the best deals. Be prepared for a sensory experience – the sights, sounds, and smells are intense but authentic. Bargaining is an integral part of the process, so brush up on your Indonesian phrases or be ready to use gestures to negotiate prices. It's a friendly, albeit sometimes boisterous, exchange that adds to the market's charm. Reddit

Beyond the buying, the market offers a unique culinary opportunity. Many vendors outside the main hall specialize in grilling the seafood you've just purchased. For a small fee, they'll expertly cook your fish, shrimp, or squid, allowing you to enjoy a fresh, delicious meal right there. This 'catch-and-cook' experience is a highlight for many visitors, offering an unparalleled taste of local flavors. Reddit

Navigating the Market: Tips for a Smooth Visit

Visiting the Paotere Fish Market can be an overwhelming yet rewarding experience. To make the most of your trip, arrive as early as possible, ideally before sunrise. This is when the freshest seafood is unloaded and the most exciting part of the auction takes place. Reddit The market can get very crowded, especially on weekends, so wear comfortable, non-slip shoes as the ground is often wet. Reddit

Communication is key. While some traders might understand basic English, knowing a few Indonesian phrases for bargaining and greetings will greatly enhance your interaction. Phrases like 'Berapa harganya?' (How much is it?) and 'Bisa kurang?' (Can it be cheaper?) are very useful. Reddit Bring your own sturdy bags for carrying your purchases, as plastic bags can sometimes be flimsy or unavailable. Reddit

Be mindful of your belongings. Like any busy market, pickpocketing can be a concern, so keep your valuables secure. Reddit Finally, embrace the atmosphere! The strong smell is part of the authentic experience, and the lively interactions are what make Paotere so memorable. Don't be afraid to explore, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

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