Southeast Sulawesi: Reefs, villages and culture

Coral reefs, historic villages, viewpoints and regional dishes offer different perspectives on travel in Southeast Sulawesi. Highlights include marine life and water activities, as well as architectural history, dance and crafts.

Reefs, islands and viewpoints

Wakatobi National Park encompasses 25 coral reef chains and is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve under the Man and the Biosphere Programme. Wakatobi offers opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The waters off Wangi-Wangi feature coral reefs and diverse marine life. The protected area and the waters off the island thus represent two distinct facets of the marine landscape.

Hoga Island has white-sand beaches, calm waters and opportunities for snorkeling. On Kaledupa Island, canoeing on Lake Sombano is a popular activity; on Kapota, visitors can watch dolphins early in the morning. These examples offer different ways to experience the waterscape: snorkeling, canoeing and early-morning dolphin watching.

The viewpoints also each have their own appeal. The tourism village of Tangkeno lies about 700 meters above sea level; its elevation brings cool air, and the place is known by the nickname “Negeri di Awan.” From the square in Tangkeno, you can see Mount Watu Sangia and the sea. Puncak Khayangan on Tomia Island is a viewpoint overlooking green savanna landscapes and the deep-blue sea. Labengki is known for its coral formations and is often called “Mini Raja Ampat” for the beauty of its coral islands. Nambo Beach in Kendari has soft white sand.

Village history, dance and crafts

In Liya Togo, the village’s history can be read in its buildings. Masjid Mubarok was built in 1546 and features characteristic 20th-century architecture. Benteng Liya surrounds the village and, together with the mosque, is among the historic buildings that have been preserved and maintained to this day. In Tangkeno, visitors can also explore old forts associated with the village’s history.

The Lariangi dance is associated with Liya Togo and is performed by the village women. Visitors can also watch residents turn Homoru woven fabrics into sarongs, scarves, headbands and bags. Desa Adat Moronene offers another way to learn about the local culture of Southeast Sulawesi.

Regional craft traditions also vary considerably. Traditional Buton woven textiles with high artistic value are sold at local markets in Kendari. Ironworking has a long tradition on Binongko Island; residents are known for making high-quality kris daggers, machetes and agricultural tools. In Wakatobi, entire villages stand on stilts and are connected by wooden bridges spanning large areas of coral reefs and rocks in the emerald-green sea.

The Wakatobi Wonderful Festival and Expo (Wakatobi WAVE) celebrates the region’s maritime culture and coastal community life. The festival includes a cultural parade featuring the Karia procession, a local coming-of-age ritual, and a parade of decorated boats representing the maritime life of the Bajo people. The release of sea turtles and the transplantation of coral reefs are also part of the festival.

Regional dishes and finding hotels

The dishes also offer different insights into regional cuisine. Ikan Bakar Parape is a Southeast Sulawesi dish of grilled fish with a spicy and sweet seasoning mix. Kasuwu is a traditional cassava dish; Sinonggi is a Southeast Sulawesi sago porridge served with fish broth and sambal. The Liya Togo specialty Perangi is considered Wakatobi-style sashimi. The dishes described thus range from fish and cassava to sago.

The places and themes mentioned here can help you focus your search on the kind of stay you have in mind.

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