Things To Do
in Baubau
Baubau is a coastal city on Buton Island in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, serving as a gateway to the surrounding beaches and reefs. It blends a busy fishing port with traditional markets, modest cafes, and a laid back pace that invites exploration. Historic remnants and hillside viewpoints offer glimpses into local culture and island life.
Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, island hopping, and warm hospitality from the Butonese community.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Keraton Baubau, where you can admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history of the Buton Sultanate. As you stroll through the grounds, listen to the stories shared by local guides that bring the rich cultural heritage to life. Don't forget to enjoy a traditional Indonesian breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local delicacies like nasi kuning.
In the afternoon, make your way to the nearby Fort of Buton, where you can explore the remnants of this ancient fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Take your time wandering through the historic structures, capturing photographs and soaking in the fascinating history. For lunch, try some local seafood at a beachside warung, where the fresh catch of the day will tantalize your taste buds.
As the sun sets, head to the beach to experience a breathtaking sunset over the ocean, a perfect end to an enriching day. Afterward, explore the local night market, where you can sample a variety of street food, from satay to sweet treats. Engage with friendly vendors and locals as you immerse yourself in the vibrant evening atmosphere.
Start your day at Nirwana Beach, where the golden sands and crystal-clear waters invite you for a morning of relaxation and fun. Rent a kayak or go snorkeling to explore the colorful underwater life, making sure to capture the vibrant coral reefs on camera. Enjoy a light breakfast at a beachside café, sipping on fresh coconut water as you take in the beautiful surroundings.
After some time in the water, take a break and enjoy a hearty lunch at a local seafood grill, where you can savor grilled fish and shrimp caught fresh from the sea. In the afternoon, join a guided tour for some adventurous water sports, including jet skiing or banana boat rides that will get your adrenaline pumping. Relax on the beach afterward, soaking up the sun and enjoying the gentle ocean breeze.
As dusk approaches, find a cozy spot on the beach to witness the stunning transition of the sky as the sun sets. Later, indulge in a seafood feast at a beachfront restaurant, where you can choose from a variety of dishes prepared with local flavors. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk along the shore, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves lapping at your feet.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-2 |
| 🥗Mid-range restaurant dish | $6-12 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic local culture and seafood experiences
- Lower costs and less crowded than major tourist hubs
- Limited nightlife and English spoken in some areas
- Infrastructure and transport can be slower or less reliable
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Tolong" - Please / Help me
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much is this?
- "Di mana ... ?" - Where is ...?
- "Saya tidak mengerti" - I do not understand
Places to Visit in Baubau
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light over fishing boats and cranes along the waterfront.
Historic fort ruins perched above the sea with sweeping ocean views.
Pristine beach with palm trees and turquoise water, ideal for sunset silhouettes.
Photogenic lanes and simple houses along the coast capturing daily life.
Food in Baubau
Baubau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh reef fish seasoned with local spices and grilled to perfection, best enjoyed at seaside warungs.
Must-Try!
Fragrant turmeric rice served with fried fish, tempeh, and sambal for a satisfying meal.
Marinated fish skewers grilled over charcoal, served with a peanut or chili sauce.
Crab in a spicy and tangy sauce, a coastal specialty worth trying fresh.
Sweet and sour shrimp cooked with tamarind and palm sugar.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market where you can sample bite sized snacks and fresh seafood.
Nighttime stalls offering grilled seafood, fritters, and tropical fruits.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite Selamat pagi/sore; handshake is common; show respect in public spaces.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; cover shoulders and knees; avoid loud public displays of affection in conservative areas.
Ask permission before photographing people; use the right hand or both hands when giving or receiving items.
Respect local dietary norms and traditions; learn a few basic Indonesian phrases to show courtesy.
Safety
Tipping in Baubau
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in tourist oriented places; rounding up bills or 5–10% at nicer restaurants is common.
Cash in Indonesian Rupiah is widely used; cards are accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants, but many small merchants prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long stretches of sunny weather with low rainfall; ideal for beach days, boat trips, and outdoor exploration.
Regular rains and higher humidity; great for lush scenery, waterfalls, and forest trails but plan for possible delays.
Baubau at Night
Hiking in Baubau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate ascent through forest with a rewarding sea-view from the summit.
Coastal ridge trail offering panoramas of Baubau and the surrounding sea.
Mangrove boardwalk leading to birdwatching spots and quiet coastal scenery.
Airports
How to reach Baubau by plane.
Domestic flights connect to Kendari and Makassar; convenient for quick hops to the island region.
Major gateway to Southeast Sulawesi with connections to Jakarta, Makassar, and other Indonesian hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Major ethnic group in the area with its own language and customs; strong coastal and fishing heritage.
Javanese, Bugis, Makassar, and other Indonesian groups live and work in the city, adding cultural diversity.
Predominant Muslim population with mosques across the city; churches present in some neighborhoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in town with local leagues and informal matches.
Common in community centers and hotels for recreational play.
Given the coastal location, fishing and basic water activities are popular.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Baubau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Baubau, choose vegetable based dishes and ask for no seafood stock; rely on rice, tempeh, tofu, vegetables, and fruit.