Kendari

Kendari is the capital of Southeast Sulawesi, located on Kendari Bay on the eastern side of the island. With a population of around 350,000, it is the largest city in Southeast Sulawesi and the region's economic, administrative, and transport hub. The city is built around a beautiful natural bay and is known for its seafood, relaxed atmosphere, and proximity to the unique landscapes of Southeast Sulawesi.

Kendari was originally a small fishing village of the Tolaki people before becoming the provincial capital in the 1960s. The bay is the centre of the city's life — lined with stilt houses, seafood restaurants, and the bustling harbour. The surrounding hills are covered in forest and traditional villages.

The climate is tropical with a dry season (June–October) and wet season (November–April). Temperatures average 25–33°C.

By Plane

Haluoleo Airport (KDI) serves flights from Makassar, Jakarta, and Surabaya. The airport is about 30 minutes from the city centre (taxi Rp 100,000–150,000).

By Ferry

Pelni ferries connect Kendari with Bau-Bau, Makassar, and other ports. The harbour is in the city centre.

By Car / Road

From Makassar, the Trans-Sulawesi highway is roughly 12–14 hours. From Bau-Bau, it's 5–6 hours.

Angkot and ojek serve the city. Taxis are available. Bentor (motorised becak) are common for short trips. The waterfront and central market area are walkable.

• Kendari Bay: The scenic bay with its stilt villages and fishing boats — especially beautiful at sunset.

• Bungkutoko Island: A small island in the bay with a floating village and fish market.

• Museum Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara: The provincial museum with exhibits on Tolaki culture and regional history.

• Pasar Mandonga: The largest market in Kendari.

• Pantai Nambo: A beach near the airport on the outskirts of the city.

• Boat Tours on Kendari Bay: Explore the bay by fishing boat — visit floating villages and Bungkutoko Island.

• Seafood Feast: Kendari is famous for its seafood, especially grilled fish and crab.

• Gateway to Wakatobi: Arrange dive trips from Kendari to the Wakatobi archipelago.

• Tolaki Cultural Performances: Traditional dance and music at cultural events.

Kendari is a seafood destination:

• Ikan Bakar Kendari: Grilled fish with a distinctive Southeast Sulawesi spice paste.
• Sup Ikan: Fresh fish soup with vegetables and herbs.
• Kepiting (Crab): Prepared in various styles — chilli crab, black pepper crab.
• RM Pantai Wisata: A popular seafood restaurant on the waterfront.
• Pasar Malam (Night Market): Food stalls along the bay.

Bottled water is essential. Sweet tea, fresh juices, and coconut water are widely available.

• Budget: Losmen near the harbour (Rp 100,000–200,000/night).
• Mid-range: Hotel Zahra Kendari (Rp 250,000–450,000/night), Hotel Claro Kendari (Rp 350,000–600,000/night).
• Business: Swiss-Belhotel Kendari (Rp 400,000–700,000/night).

Southeast Sulawesi woven fabrics (kain tenun Tolaki). Local snacks and dried fish. Wakatobi-themed souvenirs.

• Bau-Bau: 5–6 hours south — historic Buton fortress city.
• Wakatobi: 4–6 hours by speedboat — world-class diving archipelago.
• Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park: 2 hours east — savanna and wetland bird reserve.
• Kolaka: 4 hours northwest — port town on the western coast.