Kendari sits on a bay of the same name on the southeastern coast of Sulawesi, the capital of Southeast Sulawesi province and its main port and airport city. It is the province's economic and educational centre, with universities and colleges drawing people in from across the region, and it has grown quickly as an administrative capital.
For a visitor, the useful way to picture Kendari is as a coastal city wrapped around its bay, with flatter land along the water and hilly terrain to the north. That shape matters when you choose where to base yourself: the bay side is where the city's commercial life and waterfront sit, while the northern part of the city climbs into the Nipa-Nipa mountain formation. This guide covers the areas worth considering as a base, what each suits, and how to think about budget levels.
Best areas to stay in Kendari
1. The bay waterfront and city centre
The city's identity is tied to Kendari Bay, the inlet that forms its eastern edge and has been the reason for the settlement's existence since it was a trading and fishing anchorage. This is where you find the concentration of city life: the port, the commercial core, and the institutions that come with being a provincial capital. If you want to be in the middle of things and close to the water, this is the natural base.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants the shortest connections to the city's main functions. Expect the widest choice of accommodation types here, from simple city hotels to the larger properties that serve business and convention traffic. One practical point: because the city has urbanised rapidly as a provincial capital, parts of the low-lying coastal area are prone to flooding, so it is worth asking about this if you are travelling in the wetter months.
2. The By Pass area
The By Pass area, along Jl. Edi Sabara, is where you find Kendari's larger, more formal accommodation, including the city's first international four-star hotel with convention facilities. It sits away from the immediate waterfront on the road that bypasses the centre.
This suits business travellers, conference attendees, and visitors who prefer a quieter, more structured stay with parking and larger facilities over being in the thick of the city. The trade-off is that you are not on the bay itself, so you will rely on vehicles to reach the waterfront and the port area. If you are in Kendari for meetings or an event, basing here keeps you close to the venues that host them.
3. The northern hills
The northern part of the city rises into the Nipa-Nipa mountain formation, reaching elevations of roughly 450 metres, with slopes in places exceeding 40 percent. This is the hilly side of Kendari, in contrast to the flat coastal strip.
It suits travellers who want cooler air, elevation, and a quieter setting, and who do not mind being dependent on transport to get down to the bay and the centre. Accommodation here is more likely to be smaller and spread out rather than clustered. The practical point to weigh is gradient: the northern slopes are steep in places, so if you are walking or have mobility concerns, the coastal side will be easier to manage.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple city guesthouses and small hotels, most likely in and around the commercial centre and near the waterfront, where you trade space and facilities for a central location.
- Mid-range: standard city hotels with private rooms and basic business facilities, found in the centre and along the main roads, a reasonable balance of comfort and access.
- Splurge: the larger, internationally branded properties with convention facilities, concentrated in the By Pass area, offering the fullest range of services in the city.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself on the bay waterfront and city centre. It puts you at the heart of a city whose whole story is tied to its bay, with the port, the commercial core, and the widest choice of places to stay within easy reach. From there you can get a feel for Kendari before deciding whether to move out to the By Pass area or up into the northern hills.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kendari walkable?
Parts of it are. The coastal areas are flatter and easier on foot, while the northern part of the city is hilly, with slopes in places exceeding 40 percent, so expect to rely on transport if you base yourself there.
Where do I stay if I am in Kendari for business or a conference?
The By Pass area, along Jl. Edi Sabara, is where the city's larger hotels with convention facilities are located, which makes it the practical choice for meetings and events.
What should I know about flooding in Kendari?
Rapid urbanisation as a provincial capital has made the city prone to flooding and other disasters. Low-lying coastal areas are the ones to ask about if you are travelling during the wetter months.
How does Kendari's layout affect where I should stay?
The city runs from flat coastal land along Kendari Bay to hilly terrain in the north. Choose the coast for convenience and the centre, or the northern hills for elevation and quiet, accepting that you will need transport to reach the bay.
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