The Leang-Leang archaeological park, in Maros district, South Sulawesi province, houses one of the oldest ensembles of figurative rock art ever documented. Dated between 35,000 and 45,500 years, the paintings of hands, deer, wild boar and hunting scenes push back the boundaries of world prehistory and place the Indonesian archipelago on equal footing with major European sites.

Why visit Leang-Leang

• See parietal works contemporary with those of El Castillo (Spain) and Gorham (Gibraltar), with datings confirmed by uranium isotope analysis.
• Approach the Leang Tedongnge cave, which contains the oldest known figurative painting in the world: a warty Sulawesian wild boar over 45,500 years old.
• Combine archaeology and remarkable karst landscape, just an hour from Makassar airport.
• Visit a site officially protected since 2014 and a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status.

History of the site

Known locally as Gua Leang Leang, these caves were the subject of initial excavations in the 1950s by Dutch archaeologists. In 1973, British archaeologist Ian Glover conducted an in-depth study of the Pettakare cave, one of the park's most emblematic sites.

The scientific turning point came in 2011, when uranium isotope analysis of the limestone crust formed on the paintings allowed them to be dated between 35,000 and 40,000 years ago. The works proved to be as old as the most famous European rock paintings, such as those of the El Castillo Cave in Spain and the Gorham Cave in Gibraltar.

In October 2014, the Indonesian government officially inscribed the site as part of national cultural heritage and began a candidacy process for UNESCO World Heritage status. Subsequent discoveries in other caves of the Maros-Pangkep karst have since confirmed the region's international significance for understanding the origins of figurative art.

What to see on site

Leang Leang means "many caves" in the Makassar language. The park includes several cavities, three of which are particularly well-known: Pettakare, Leang Bulu' Sipong and Leang Tedongnge.

Pettakare Cave

This is the most accessible cave and the main stop for visitors. The wall displays 26 hand imprints, red and white, framing a painting of an elk deer. The white imprints result from a negative image technique: the hand is pressed against the rock while a mixture of red ochre and water is blown around it. The red imprints, meanwhile, are obtained by dipping the hand in a solution prepared from leaves. According to hypotheses retained by researchers, these marks would have served a protective function: warding off evil forces and wild animals. The niches carved into the wall would have served as sleeping places for the inhabitants.

Leang Bulu' Sipong

Located further north, near Pangkep, this cave houses representations of animals and semi-human, semi-animal beings (therianthropes). A fresco here depicts a hunting scene involving anoa, dated to over 43,900 years ago. According to archaeologist Maxime Aubert, who coordinated the datings, this is the oldest known hunting scene in prehistoric art to date. Access to this cave is generally reserved for research teams; check with the park before traveling.

Leang Tedongnge

This is where the world's oldest figurative painting is found: a warty Sulawesian wild boar (Sus celebensis) over 45,500 years old. The cave is located in an enclosed valley of the karst and its access is strictly regulated for conservation reasons.

The karst rock garden

Beyond the caves, the park extends into a series of limestone rocks sculpted by erosion. Several formations are identifiable at first glance, including one that draws a dog-like silhouette. The path between the blocks offers an overview of the typical karst relief of southern Sulawesi.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours on site to explore Pettakare, the rock garden and the park's small museum.
• Entrance fee: modest, payable on site in Indonesian rupiah.
• Guide: not mandatory, but highly recommended for interpreting the paintings and archaeological context. English-speaking guides can be arranged in advance through an agency in Makassar.
• Cave access: Pettakare requires climbing a few metal staircases. Closed-toe shoes advised, water and sun protection recommended.
• Photography: permitted without flash to preserve pigments.

When to go

Southern Sulawesi experiences a tropical climate marked by two seasons. The dry season, from May to October, is the most comfortable period: passable trails, favorable light for observing paintings, bearable temperatures mid-day. The rainy season (November to April) can make some access slippery and caves more humid. Prefer the morning to avoid heat and the rush of school groups.

How to get there

The park is located about an hour's drive from Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar and an hour and a half from the city center. Two options dominate: renting a car with driver (most convenient for combining Maros and Pangkep in one day) or a private taxi. Public transport exists but requires several transfers and is not suited to a half-day visit.

What to combine in the region

The Leang-Leang caves are part of the Maros-Pangkep karst, classified as a UNESCO global geopark. You can extend the day with the Bantimurung waterfall and its butterflies, or return to Makassar to explore its Bugis maritime heritage. For a broader journey through the archipelago, Komodo island and Rinca island rank among the emblematic natural stops, while the Sipiso-Piso waterfall in Sumatra offers another face of Indonésie.

Frequently asked questions

Include Leang-Leang in your trip

Sulawesi remains one of the least visited islands in the archipelago, and its Maros archaeological sites benefit from specialized guidance. To build an itinerary that combines prehistory, Toraja culture and nature, consult our suggestions for custom travel in Indonésie.