Apart from offering extraordinary natural tourism , Kendari has a variety of other tourist attractions that are no less interesting. Like on the outskirts of the bay of Kendari City, where you can do a culinary tour in Bakau Village. This hit spot in Kendari is ecotourism and culinary, which offers a variety of delicious menus as well as Instagrammable photo spots.
So far, it’s not just local visitors who flock to the location. However, a number of national tourists and even from abroad are also often seen milling about there. Ambassadors have also visited here on certain occasions such as World Food Day. What can be found there? Let’s find out.
The Attraction of Kendari Mangrove Village
✦ Among the Mangrove Forest
This culinary tourism in Kendari is located among mangrove forests, this is not surprising if you look at the name, it already contains elements of these plants. The owner of the restaurant himself admitted that he was inspired to build a model like that because the local government was starting to develop tracking of mangroves in the surrounding area.
So, between the mangrove forests, this culinary tourism site stands. Initially, only light snacks were sold, such as fried bananas and sweet potatoes. However, the large number of visitors who come means that the menu is now increasingly varied, there are even several fixed menus that have appeared due to visitor requests.
✦ The menu is varied
As previously mentioned, RM Kampung Bakau now provides a more varied menu, even though previously it only offered light snacks. Most of the food available is seafood, so this is heaven for those of you who are seafood fans.
The most recommended seafood menus are sweet and sour squid, fish curry and grilled white fish. This menu is the most ordered by visitors so you must try it. However, apart from seafood, restaurants also provide traditional food such as sinonggi which is no less interesting.
Sinonggi itself is a typical food of the Tolaki tribe, a tribe that inhabits the Southeast Sulawesi region. This food is made from sago starch cooked in water so the texture is slightly sticky and chewy. At first glance, it looks similar to papeda, but sinonggi is not served with a mixture of yellow sauce or vegetables.
✦ Live Music at Night
Bakau Village, which is equipped with a restaurant and cafe on 1 hectare of 14 hectares, usually displays live music at night. The presence of live music makes the atmosphere even more fun. So don’t be surprised if there are lots of people hanging out in this area when it’s dark. In fact, as the night goes on, there are usually more visitors.
Address, Location Route and Entrance Ticket
This eco-culinary tour is located in Anduonohu, Poasia District, Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi. To be precise, it is on Jalan ZA Sugianto which is on the outskirts of Kendari City Bay. The restaurant occupies 1 hectare of land out of a total of 14 hectares of mangrove area there.
From the center of Kendari City, you only need to drive for approximately 10 minutes to arrive at Bakau Village. The road access is good and can be passed by two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles. For those of you who don’t have a private vehicle, there’s no need to worry.
Because online motorbike taxis have entered the Kendari area and can deliver here, even though the restaurant is a bit in from the main road. From the main road it is probably around 500 meters. The directions are quite clear so you can immediately follow the signs.
Interesting Activities to Do
1. Culinary Tourism
As an eco-culinary tourist attraction, of course you can enjoy various culinary delights at this restaurant located in the mangrove forest. Where the menu is very diverse and is sure to shake your tongue. The mainstay is the seafood menu such as shrimp, squid, parende fish, palmar fish, and many more.
But other complementary menus, such as stir-fried vegetables and pudding for dessert, are no less delicious. And don’t forget to try sinonggi which is a traditional menu. This food made from sago flour, which resembles papeda, is considered a staple food for the local community, so it is a must try.
Regarding prices, here the prices vary and are quite reasonable for the pocket, starting from Rp. 25,000 to Rp. 225,000. The portions can be said to be quite large so they can be enjoyed together. So you have nothing to lose if you come with a group.
2. Enjoy the beauty of the Mangrove Forest in Kendari Mangrove Village
Apart from offering delicious food, many people come to Kampung Bakau Kendari with the aim of enjoying the beauty of the mangrove forests here. It is recommended to come from morning to evening when there is still sun, if you want to enjoy the surrounding views more clearly.
Arriving at the tour, you will be greeted by a calm view of Kendari Bay. The sunset in the bay is no less beautiful than the beach, so usually many tourists choose to come at dusk. The atmosphere is peaceful and feels so calming as far as the eye can see.
From afar, you can also see the view of the floating mosque which looks majestic and very beautiful. It’s called the Al Alam Mosque, an icon of Kendari City which was built in the middle of the sea. The architecture is made to resemble the Burj al Arab in Dubai, where there are four towers that complete the mosque.
3. See marine life
If you are lucky, you will be treated to views of various marine life when the water is at low tide. Several small fish can be seen swimming among the mangrove roots, and there are usually even crabs walking there. So while waiting for the ordered menu to arrive, you can take a moment to explore the surroundings and look at the marine life that is there.
Moreover, the surrounding area is a swamp with mangrove trees planted on the left and right, so just by moving a little from your seat you can see whether there is marine life there. On the other hand, the many mangrove trees also make the restaurant feel cooler.
Available Tourist Facilities
Kendari Bakau Village is equipped with a number of facilities that will make you not want to leave there immediately, even though all the food has been eaten. The parking area is spacious, the entrance is wide and sufficient for wheelchairs, and the surrounding views are beautiful and can be enjoyed freely because the restaurant has an open concept.
Apart from that, the management provides live music that will accompany your dinner time. The presence of live music makes the dinner atmosphere feel more romantic, suitable for enjoying together with loved ones.
Not only that, there is also a prayer room here so you don’t need to bother leaving the restaurant first if you want to perform your prayers. The prayer room is quite spacious and conducive so that you can pray together comfortably.
Not just an ordinary restaurant, Kampung Bakau Kendari offers very interesting culinary ecotourism. So those of you who are walking around Kendari should not miss it. Moreover, there are many seafood menus that are ready to tempt your appetite, accompanied by extraordinary views of the surrounding area. Curious ? Come on, make a reservation right away!
