Summary
Leang Leang Maros is a karst mountain geopark in Sulawesi featuring ancient limestone caves and Indonesian cave art.
The prehistoric caves in this area are renowned for housing the oldest cave paintings in the world. I had the opportunity to see these remarkable human handprints up close during my visit to Sulawesi in 2018, and it was utterly fascinating!
This travel guide details how to get there and everything else you need to know before your visit!
History Of Leang Leang
The limestone mountains at Leang Leang Maros constitute one of the largest karst areas worldwide, ranking right after the Tsingy region in Madagascar and Shilin in China.
You will also notice some resemblances to Krabi in Thailand and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, although this site is no longer submerged!
Interestingly, the limestone erosion is conducive to cave formation, resulting in hundreds of caves in Leang, many of which were occupied during prehistoric times.
Discovered by two Dutch explorers in the 1900s, the caves at Leang Leang gained recognition recently for their age and value.
Current estimates suggest that the Indonesian cave paintings here are over 40,000 years old, making them the oldest figurative artwork and the first known hunting scene globally.
Further caves and prehistoric art continue to be uncovered in this region, and Indonesia has applied to UNESCO for recognition of this site as a world heritage location.
Leang Leang Maros – What To Expect
• Cave Paintings
The cave paintings at Leang are located in a high cave, accessible only by climbing 25 steps up a metal staircase set into the rock.
Take care, for the path is narrow, and the smooth rocks at the cave’s entrance can be quite slippery.
At the summit, suspended on a cave wall, you will observe several primitive paintings featuring human handprints and babi rusa (wild boar).
Around you, seashells embedded in the rocks serve as remarkable evidence that this entire area was once submerged beneath the Java Sea.
It is indeed an interesting and thought-provoking locale. Long ago, someone left their mark here.
• Karst Rock Garden
Upon finishing your exploration of the caves, venture outside to discover a rock garden laden with uniquely shaped limestone formations.
These natural rock formations boast intriguing and whimsical shapes, including representations of a dog, heart, and various rock windows to peer through.
Entrance Fees
- Foreigners: 20k IDR (~$1.50 USD)
- Indonesians: 5k IDR
How To Get There
Leang Leang Maros is situated in south Sulawesi, Indonesia.
The closest airport is Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) in Makassar, which features direct flights from Bali (DPS) or Kuala Lumpur (KUL). For convenient travel options, you can search for flights to Makassar on Skyscanner.
Leang is a one-hour drive from the Makassar airport and a 1.5-hour drive from the city center.
The two top transportation options include hiring a day driver or taking a taxi (details below).
Best Time To Visit
The optimal months for visiting Leang Leang Maros fall within the dry season, particularly from April to August when the greenery is at its peak.
While it is certainly possible to visit outside of these months, you may find the area either more arid (at the end of the dry season) or subjected to rainfall (during the wet season).
The best time of day for a visit is early morning, before temperatures soar. Daytime temperatures can exceed 32°C (90°F).
Where To Stay
For those seeking to stay near the karsts or wishing to embark on an early sunrise adventure, there are some very basic homestays available in Rammang Rammang village. The most popular homestay is Nasrul House.
We opted to stay in Makassar city instead, which I generally recommend, as it offers a wide array of restaurants and hotels in various price ranges.
Below are some of our top hotel recommendations in Makassar, providing you with the best options in this bustling city!
Where We Stayed
We chose the 3-star Pesonna Hotel in Makassar city, at a price of $20 USD for a private double room featuring cold A/C and hot showers.
The hotel includes an on-site restaurant and a pleasant pool area. My only critique is that the WiFi service is rather slow. Nevertheless, I haven’t found a better value in the Makassar area! Securing such an affordable rate for a clean double or twin room is indeed a rare find.
Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate, so stay vigilant for any great deals.
