Kendari, Indonesia
Region: Southeast Sulawesi province
Geographic Coordinates: -3.990700, 122.509000
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 32.0°C (77°F to 90°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year, with a peak in January and February.
Population: 331013
Language: Indonesian
Kendari is a city situated in the southeastern region of Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. It serves as the capital city of Southeast Sulawesi Province and acts as a central point for trade, Commerce, And transportation in the area. The population of Kendari is around 300, 000 people, And it covers an area of 261 square kilometers. The climate in Kendari is tropical with high temperatures all year round. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 32°C, Making it an ideal destination for travelers who prefer warm weather.
The rainy season extends from December to March while the dry season lasts from April to November. One of Kendari’s primary attractions is its stunning beaches such as Nambo Beach, Bokori Island Beach, And Wanci Beach that offer breathtaking views of crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. Visitors can also explore Wakatobi National Park located near Kendari which boasts over 900 species of fish and coral reefs making it one of the world’s best diving spots. Kendari has several cultural landmarks worth visiting such as Benteng Keraton (Fortress Palace) built during Sultan Muhammad Salehuddin II’s reign (1829-1870).
This historical site showcases traditional architecture reflecting local culture and customs. Another popular attraction in Kendari is Taman Kota (City Park), Offering visitors an opportunity to relax amidst lush greenery while enjoying various outdoor activities like jogging or cycling on its well-maintained paths. For those interested in shopping or experiencing local cuisine, Pasar Sentral (Central Market) offers an array of goods ranging from fresh produce to handicrafts made by locals. Visitors can also taste traditional dishes like Nasi Kuning (Yellow Rice), Sop Konro Bakar (Grilled Beef Ribs Soup), Or Es Pisang Ijo (Green Banana Ice).
In terms of transportation options, Kendari has excellent connectivity via air, Sea, And land. The city has its airport, Haluoleo Airport, Serving as a gateway to other cities in Indonesia. The port of Kendari also offers regular ferry services to nearby islands like Wakatobi and Buton. Kendari is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, Nature, And adventure. Whether you are looking for relaxation on the beach or exploring cultural landmarks, Kendari has something for everyone.
With its warm tropical climate and friendly locals who are always ready to welcome visitors with open arms, It is no wonder why this city has become one of Indonesia’s top tourist destinations.
- Bungkutoko Beach
- Moramo Waterfall
- Nambo Beach
- Kendari City Mosque
- Lepo-Lepo Beach
- Mandonga Island
- Kampoeng Nelayan Lasalimu (Lasalimu Fisherman Village)
- Halu Oleo University Botanical Garden
- Pulo Gambar Island
- Tolaki Cultural Center
- Agriculture: Kendari is known for its agricultural products such as rice, corn, cocoa, and coconut.
- Fisheries: The city has a thriving fishing industry due to its proximity to the sea.
- Mining: Kendari has several mining companies that extract nickel, gold and other minerals from the surrounding areas.
- Timber Industry: The city has a significant timber industry with many sawmills and wood processing factories.
- Manufacturing: There are several manufacturing companies producing goods such as textiles, ceramics furniture and food products.
- Tourism: Kendari is also developing its tourism industry with beautiful beaches and natural attractions like Bokori Island National Park attracting visitors from around Indonesia.
- Retail & Wholesale Trade: As an economic hub for Southeast Sulawesi Province Kendari also serves as a center for retail and wholesale trade activities including shopping centers or malls like Lippo Plaza Kendari or Mandonga City Mall.
- The formation of the Kingdom of Buton in the 14th century, which was one of Southeast Sulawesi’s most dominant kingdoms.
- Dutch colonizers’ arrival in Kendari during the 17th century, who established a trading post and began exerting their influence over the region.
- The resistance movement against Dutch colonial rule led by La Galigo – a legendary figure from Buton who fought for independence and sovereignty.
- During World War II, Kendari played an essential role as a strategic location for Japanese forces who used it as a base for their operations in Southeast Asia.
- Sulawesi Tenggara province’s establishment in 1960 included Kendari as its capital city.
- Notable individuals from Kendari include Jusuf Kalla – former Vice President of Indonesia; Andi Mappetahang Fatwa – Governor of Sulawesi Tenggara; and Mochtar Riady – founder of Lippo Group, one of Indonesia’s largest conglomerates.
- Taman Nasional Wakatobi (Wakatobi National Park)
- Museum Negeri Sulawesi Tenggara (Southeast Sulawesi State Museum)
- Pantai Nambo (Nambo Beach)
- Danau Weekuri (Weekuri Lake)
- Benteng Keraton Buton (Buton Palace Fortress)
- Gunung Sombori (Sombori Mountain)
- Pantai Goa Cina (Goa Cina Beach)
- Masjid Agung Kendari (Kendari Grand Mosque)
- Pulau Hoga Besar
- Jembatan Holtekamp Kendari
- Persik Kendari – It is a professional football club based in Kendari that competes in Liga 3 (the third tier of Indonesian football). The team was founded in 2004 and has won several regional championships over the years.
- Bintang Timur Basketball Club – It is a basketball team from Kendari that competes in the National Basketball League (NBL) of Indonesia. The team was founded in 2010 and has participated in several national-level tournaments.
- Pacific Badminton Club – It is a badminton club based out of Kendari that participates regularly at local and regional badminton tournaments.
- Pemuda Jaya Volleyball Club – It is a volleyball club from Kendari that participates regularly at local volleyball tournaments.
- Kendari City Anniversary: This event is held annually in September to celebrate the founding of Kendari city.
- La Galigo Festival: This festival celebrates the traditional epic poem of the Bugis people, which tells the story of creation and the origins of their culture.
- Southeast Sulawesi Cultural Week: This week-long event showcases traditional music, dance, food, and other cultural activities from across Southeast Sulawesi province.
- Independence Day Celebration: On August 17th each year, Indonesians celebrate their independence from Dutch colonial rule with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and other patriotic events.
- Islamic Holidays: As a predominantly Muslim region, Kendari also celebrates important Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice).
- Chinese New Year: The Chinese community in Kendari also celebrates their new year with dragon dances, fireworks displays, and other festivities.
- International Women’s Day: On March 8th each year, women’s organizations in Kendari hold rallies and events to promote gender equality and women’s rights.
- National Batik Day: Batik is a traditional Indonesian fabric that is often used to make clothing or decorative items. On October 2nd each year, Indonesians celebrate this art form with fashion shows and exhibitions showcasing different styles of batik design.
- Youth Pledge Day – On October 28th each year Indonesians commemorate the Youth Pledge made by young nationalists in 1928 who vowed to fight for independence from colonial rule.
- New Year’s Eve Celebration – Just like any other country around the world Indonesia also welcomes New Year’s Eve every December 31st where people gather around public places or private homes for parties or fireworks displays to welcome another new year full of hope & joy!
- Sate Maranggi: This is a grilled beef skewer dish that is marinated in sweet soy sauce and served with rice cake. Some popular restaurants that serve sate maranggi in Kendari are Sate Maranggi Cibungur and Sate Maranggi Haji Endut.
- Mie Titi: This is a noodle dish that is made with thin egg noodles, vegetables, and chicken or shrimp. Some popular mie titi restaurants in Kendari are Mie Titi Goyong and Mie Titi Kuning.
- Nasi Kuning: This is a traditional Indonesian yellow rice dish that is usually served with fried chicken, egg, vegetables, and sambal (chili paste). Some popular nasi kuning restaurants in Kendari are Nasi Kuning Ayam Goreng Pak Iman and Nasi Kuning Masjid Raya.
- Seafood: As a coastal city, Kendari has plenty of fresh seafood options such as grilled fish or prawns, fried calamari or squid ink soup. Some popular seafood restaurants in Kendari are Rumah Makan Baharuddin Seafood Grill & Resto and RM Bintang Laut.
- Kopi Luwak: Known as the most expensive coffee worldwide which produced from civet’s feces fermentation process, there’s one kopi luwak cafe named Kopi Luwak Sulawesi located near Haluoleo Airport where you can try this unique coffee taste while enjoying the view of the airport runway from above terrace area.
- Taman Kota Kendari, also known as Kendari City Park, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
- Pantai Nambo, or Nambo Beach, offers stunning views of the ocean and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- Danau Lindu, or Lindu Lake, is a scenic freshwater lake surrounded by lush greenery.
- Taman Wisata Alam Mangrove Kendari, or Kendari Mangrove Nature Park, is home to diverse flora and fauna including mangroves and various bird species.
- Taman Bunga Wilis Kendari, or Wilis Flower Park Kendari boasts colorful blooms that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
- Lapangan Merdeka Kendari (Merdeka Field) serves as a venue for sports events such as soccer matches and cultural festivals.
- Gunung Sombano Trekking Trail provides an exhilarating hiking experience through lush forests with stunning views at the summit.
- Sungai Wambulu Rafting Adventure offers an exciting water sport activity where visitors can navigate rapids on inflatable rafts while enjoying the beautiful scenery along the riverbank.
- Lepo-Lepo Beach is ideal for swimming in calm waters while soaking up some sun rays on its sandy shores.
- Kebun Raya Unhalu Botanical Garden invites nature enthusiasts to take leisurely walks amidst its vast collection of plant species from around the world while enjoying picturesque landscapes.
