Kendari is the provincial capital of Southeast Sulawesi. It sits on the east coast of the province and, although small, it’s a bit of a sprawling and uneventful place yet has a nice bay and a variety of sights.
Tourists may find Kendari rather boring after visiting other cities in the region, and to top it off it is also relatively expensive and a pain to get to. Kendari presides over Moramo Bay and there are many beaches within reach, including Kendari Beach. It is often referred to as the Hong Kong of Indonesia because of its topography.
What Kendari lacks in charm, it makes up for to some extent with its spread of accommodation and eateries. There are many decent seafood restaurants where Indonesian and Chinese specialties can be sampled. The floating restaurants down at the bay are a must.
Swimming and sailing are popular pastimes in Kendari, while Moramo Waterfall, 65kms from Kendari across the bay, makes a decent daytrip.
Getting There & Away
Wolter Monginsidi Airport is 26kms from Kendari and is the most sensible way to get in. It receives flights from Makassar’s Hasanuddin International Airport within the hour. Taking a bus or ferry from South and Central Sulawesi is time-consuming.
Things to Do
Kendari Attractions
- Moramo Bay and beaches
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Kendari beach is one of the main tourist attractions here where water sports and a bit of nightlife can be had.
Side trips from Kendari
- Moramo Waterfall
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Situated an hour or so from kendari across the bay, this low waterfall is beautiful and is nice for a dip on a hot day.
Events
- Kendari Bay Festival
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A mid-august festival featuring boat racing, traditional dancing, bamboo music and the catching of fish the old-fashioned way.