TIDAL PAGES
More Than a Destination:
A Journey Through Kendari's Culture, Food, Places, and People
Kendari, Indonesia
Beyond the classroom...
My journey in Kendari became more than just a teaching experience because it also allowed me to explore the beauty of the city, experience its culture, try its local food, and meet wonderful people along the way. Every place I visited and every moment I experienced helped me appreciate the uniqueness and warmth of Kendari even more.
This page showcases some of the memorable experiences I had during my stay—from visiting different places and trying local delicacies to meeting kind and welcoming people who made the journey more meaningful. Beyond the classroom, these experiences became an important part of my personal growth and helped me create memories that I will always cherish.
Threads of Traditions and Culture
Experiencing the culture of Kendari allowed me to appreciate the traditions, values, and daily life of the local community. I observed how respectful, welcoming, and family-oriented the people were, which made me feel comfortable and included during my stay. Through school activities, local events, and interactions with students and teachers, I was able to witness the beauty of Indonesian culture and its strong sense of community.
Muslim Wedding
We were invited to the wedding party of the son of Prof Nggawu, a professor at the University of Halu Oleo.
Batik
These are the traditional and iconic cloth from Indonesia.
Songkok
Also known as peci or kopiah which is a traditional brimless, oval-shaped cap with a flat top and is frequently worn by Muslim men as a symbol of modesty, humility, and reverence during prayers or visits to the mosque.
Halal Bi Halal
It is a common Indonesian Muslim tradition practiced after Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) to reconnect with others, seek forgiveness, and strengthen relationships, usually through gatherings with family, communities, or colleagues.
Cloths to represent the 12 tribes
According to Ma'am Ade, these cloths or textiles represents the twelve (12) tribes that they have. We've seen these displayed during the Halal Bi Halal conducted at the University of Halu Oleo.
Kendari CIty's Anniversary
We were also able to witness the city's 195th anniversary, which was held last May 9, 2026 . The festivities were marked by grand public celebrations at the city's central activity area, which is at the MTQ Tower.
Musalla
This is the prayer room at Lazuardi, my practicum school. Muslims are required to pray daily, and this is where they can perform it, where it is quiet, clean, and offers a private place to properly fulfill their religious duty.
Waves, Wonders, and Weekend Journeys
One of the most memorable parts of my journey was exploring the beautiful places in Kendari. Every Saturday, we had a city tour where we visited different tourist destinations and experienced the natural beauty of the city. Among the places we visited were Toronipa Beach, Bokori Island, and Moramo Waterfall. Aside from those places, there are also some that we were able to visit during our free time. These places gave me the opportunity to relax, bond with others, and appreciate the peaceful and refreshing environment of Kendari.
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Toronipa Beach
The first day of our city tour, we went to Toronipa Beach where we also tried to ride the banana boat (which I somehow enjoyed but don't want to try again).
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Bokori Island
The second time we had our city tour, we traveled by land and water to experience the Bokori Island. Here, we played some games, and I got to try the donut ride.
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Moramo Waterfalls
For the third and last city tour, we went hiking for about 30 minutes to see the wonderful Moramo Waterfalls. We enjoyed the water here even though it's very cold.
Some clips of other places we visited in Kendari
During our free time, we were able to visit some places that we really enjoyed. We are also grateful to everyone who accompanied us and gave us a chance to experience these wonderful places.
Flavors That Tell Stories
Trying the local food in Kendari was also a memorable experience because it introduced me to new flavors and dishes that reflected the culture of the place. From seafood dishes to traditional Indonesian meals and snacks, every food experience became part of my journey. Sharing meals with fellow participants, teachers, and local people also made the experience more enjoyable and meaningful.
Here are some of the foods that we tried during our stay in Kendari.
“Sometimes, it’s not just the food that fills your heart, but the people beside you at the table.”
