Plizio Visual Lab

Kendari

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
State capital
—°13
Kendari (Indonesia)
ℹ️

Practical info — Kendari

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Mikrolet (minibuses locally called 'angkot') are cheap, but renting a scooter is much better for exploring the coastline at your own pace.
  • The road around Kendari Bay gets heavily congested during the evening rush hour and on weekends; plan your travel accordingly.
  • Take a short boat ride to Bokori Island for clearer waters and white sand, as the city beaches are mostly used for fishing and dining.
  • Carry cash in small denominations for street food and parking fees around the bay area.

🍽 Food

🍽
Sinonggi

A traditional Tolaki staple made from sago starch, typically eaten with fish broth and vegetables in local warungs.

🍽
Ikan Bakar

Freshly grilled seafood, best enjoyed at the bustling night stalls along Kendari Beach.

🍽
Sate Pokea

Spicy freshwater clam satay, a unique local delicacy often sold by wandering vendors near the bay.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Kendari Silverwork

Intricate silver filigree jewelry, a historic craft of the region; look for authentic pieces in specialty shops downtown.

🛍
Kacang Mete

Cashew nuts, a major local product, sold in various flavors at souvenir centers and markets.

🧘
Tahura Nipa-Nipa

A forest park offering hiking trails and quiet greenery just outside the city center.

🧘
Kendari Bay Promenade at Dawn

Walk along the water early in the morning before the traffic starts, enjoying the calm harbor views.

Kendari, the capital of Southeast Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tenggara), is a thriving port city located along the scenic and sheltered Kendari Bay on the southeastern peninsula of Sulawesi. The city's growth was historically sparked in the early 19th century when Dutch trader Pieter Vosmaer recognized the bay's strategic potential as a safe harbor and established a trading post in 1831. Today, Kendari is the administrative and commercial epicenter of a province that has become globally significant due to its vast nickel reserves, with the city serving as a management and logistical hub for the mining sector. Architecturally, the city's skyline is dominated by the Kendari Bay Bridge, a major cable-stayed bridge completed in 2021 that spans the bay, significantly improving urban connectivity. Culturally, Kendari is renowned throughout Indonesia for its exquisite silver filigree work, known as 'Kendari silver,' which features intricate hand-crafted designs that are highly prized by collectors. The dominant ethnic group, the Tolaki people, maintain a strong cultural presence, particularly through the communal 'Lulo' dance, which is performed at weddings and official ceremonies. The city is also an educational cornerstone, hosting Halu Oleo University, the province's largest academic institution. For nature lovers, Kendari acts as a gateway to the Moramo Waterfall and the pristine dive sites of the nearby Bokori and Labengki islands. The local cuisine, centered around the sago-based dish 'Sinonggi,' remains a staple of the city's identity. As Southeast Sulawesi continues to develop, Kendari is evolving into a modern urban center that successfully bridges its colonial trading past with a future driven by industrial expansion and regional leadership.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727272626252527282827
Rain mm191214256251262233166796574149211

Geography

Population
351,085 (2026)
Coordinates
-3.98400, 122.59000

Facts

  • Kendari is positioned at coordinates 3° 59' S and 122° 35' E.
  • The city celebrates its anniversary every year on May 9th.
  • The Kendari Bay Bridge cost approximately 800 billion IDR to construct.
  • The silver filigree industry reached its peak popularity during the colonial era.
  • Kendari’s population is estimated to be over 350,000 residents.
  • The Tolaki term for the city's region is 'Kandari,' meaning 'clay' or 'muddy place.'
  • Moramo Waterfall is a granite-based multi-tier cascade located in the Tanjung Peropa reserve.
  • The Haluoleo Airport is located about 25 km from the city center in South Konawe.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kendari (13)

Museum Negeri Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara🏛 museum

The Museum Negeri Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara is a notable museum located in kendari-cities-v2.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:00-15:00

Tugu Religi Sultra🏺 historical

Tugu Religi Sultra is a monument located in kendari-cities-v2.

Tugu Religi Sultra Letter Sign🏺 historical

Tugu Religi Sultra Letter Sign is a monument located in kendari-cities-v2.

Tugu Menara🏺 historical

Tugu Menara is a monument located in kendari-cities-v2.

GBI Kanaan Kendari⛪ religious

GBI Kanaan Kendari is a place of worship located in kendari-cities-v2.

Gereja Bethel Tabernakel Kendari⛪ religious

Gereja Bethel Tabernakel Kendari is a place of worship located in kendari-cities-v2.

Masjid Nurul Muhajirin⛪ religious

The Masjid Nurul Muhajirin is a local mosque located in Kendari.

Pasar Sentral Kota Lama🎭 culture

Pasar Sentral Kota Lama is a traditional marketplace serving the residents of Kendari.

Pasar Rakyat Lapulu🎭 culture

Pasar Rakyat Lapulu is a lively public marketplace found in Kendari.

Tempat Pelelangan Ikan Kendari🎭 culture

Tempat Pelelangan Ikan Kendari is the local fish auction market in the city of Kendari.

Masjid Heshah Bint Mohammad Al Qadri📍 landmark

Masjid Heshah Bint Mohammad Al Qadri is an Islamic place of worship in Kendari.

Masjid Nur Hijrah📍 landmark

Masjid Nur Hijrah is a local mosque serving the Muslim community in Kendari.

Mesjid Miftahul Ilmi📍 landmark

Mesjid Miftahul Ilmi is a mosque dedicated to Islamic prayer and gathering in Kendari.

Frequently asked questions

What is the landmark of Kendari?
The MTQ Tower (Tugu Persatuan), a tall observation tower in the city center.
Is Kendari a gateway to islands?
Yes, it is the main gateway to the famous Wakatobi Marine National Park.
What local food should you try?
Sinonggi, a sticky sago porridge served with fish and vegetables.
Are there beaches nearby?
Nambo Beach is a popular spot for locals to go swimming.
When is the best time to visit?
During the dry season, from April to October.
Kendari: where is it located?
Kendari is located in Indonesia.
Kendari: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museum Negeri Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara, Tugu Religi Sultra, Tugu Religi Sultra Letter Sign.
Kendari: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Kendari: why is it worth visiting?
Kendari, the capital of Southeast Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tenggara), is a thriving port city located along the scenic and sheltered Kendari Bay on the southeastern peninsula of Sulawesi.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Indonesia →

Nearby cities

More places