Kendari is capital of Southeast Sulawesi province, both the seat of the government and tourist center of the province. It lies along the sloping hill and seaside of Kendari Bay, home to some 100,000 people.
Kendari boasts the manufacture of numerous fine artistic handicrafts for both home and office use. These finely designed works, handed down through generations, are handmade by skilled craftsmen who use only wood from indigenous roots, and ironwood. A trip to the Dekranas Provinsi and Disperindag Provinsi might be of great interest to visitors looking to take home that unique memento, or a gift for a loved one.
Southeast Sulawesi has wide range of local traditions and cultures, including a rich tradition of dance and music. Visitors will find frequent, colorful ceremonial events in and around Kendari. To be present on these occasions is to be invited to participate. Every ceremonial event in Kendari inevitably ends with the traditional "Lulo Dance" performed by both local men and women, which invites all onlookers to join in.