Garuda to fly Singapore - Makassar from June 1st, 2011

GARUDA Indonesia will launch a new daily service from Singapore to Makassar from June 1^st.  This is in line with the carrier’s plans to develop Makassar as its third domestic hub after Jakarta and Bali, and as a gateway to East Indonesia, reports TTG Asia from Singapore.  

The route will be operated using Boeing 737-500 aircraft, with 12 executive-class and 84 economy-class seats. Risnandi, Senior General Manager, Area Asia, Garuda Indonesia said that Garuda was experiencing strong growth in passenger traffic from Singapore to Makassar via Jakarta. “There is enormous potential in this market particularly in the leisure segment.”

With 2011 being declared Visit Makassar Year, and the city busy adding new events and festivals to its attractions, Risnandi said Garuda would be “teaming up with the local tourism officials to promote Makassar as one of the Indonesian destination of choice”.

“We will be launching great deals and offers to entice travellers from Singapore,” he said.

To celebrate the launch of the new route, Garuda is running a sale from now till May 31^st . Singapore-Makassar economy-class return tickets are available for S$220, valid for travel from June 1^st  to August 31^st , writes TTG Asia.

Makassar, capital of South Sulawesi, is fast growing into an attractive destination in its own right, besides being known as the entry point to the picturesque highlands of Tana Toraja. The city has a brand new airport, many luxury hotels and convention facilities and is an airline and business hub to east Indonesia. 

For Indonesians, Makassar is a haven for shopping for its beautiful Bugis silk sarongs, gold ornaments and pearls besides offering mouth-watering fresh seafood and crabs that can also be packed to take home. Makassar is the home of the Phinisi schooners and the  sandeq fast boats, while the islands off Makassar offer beautiful beaches and diving opportunities.