KBRN, Kendari: Watching the sunset from a pinisi ship has become a new attraction in Kendari City, offering residents and tourists a fresh way to experience the bay.

The Kendari Pinisi Ship is the city’s first tourist vessel designed specifically for marine recreation, combining entertainment and comfort. 

The pinisi itself is a legendary traditional sailing ship from South Sulawesi, built by the Bugis-Makassar people. Known for its two towering masts and seven sails, the vessel is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage for its unique sailing system and ritual-based construction process.

Muhammad Iqbal, one of the ship’s managers, said its arrival marks the beginning of marine tourism development in Kendari Bay. “This ship is the first to serve marine tourism in Kendari Bay with a concept of recreation and entertainment,” he said on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

The sunset cruises depart daily at 3:30 p.m. and return around 8 p.m. local time, offering three to four hours of sailing. Passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the bay, the sea, and the sunset, which is the main highlight.

The route begins at Nusantara Port, passes the Kendari Bay Bridge (Bahteramas), sails toward Bungkutoko Port, and circles back past Kelapa Island and the Al-Alam Mosque. 

At one point, the ship anchors to allow passengers to enjoy the sunset, accompanied by live acoustic music, shared meals, and congregational Maghrib prayers on board.

Reservations are flexible, divided into private bookings and open trips. Private reservations are available Monday through Thursday for groups of at least 30 people, while open trips run Friday through Sunday for individual travelers.

Although the ship can accommodate up to 80 passengers plus 15 crew members, capacity is currently limited to 30 to ensure safety and comfort during its initial operational phase.

Tickets start at IDR 349,000 (approximately USD 22) per person and include meals, beverages, snacks, a welcome drink, and entertainment. 

Facilities include air-conditioned cabins, a prayer room, and safety equipment, including life jackets and lifebuoys. Special requests for community gatherings, birthday parties, or social events can be accommodated at the time of booking.

Kendari Bay, known for its calm waters and scenic surroundings, provides the backdrop throughout the journey. Iconic landmarks such as the Al-Alam Mosque appear majestic from the sea. At the same time, the reflection of dusk light creates a striking gradation of colors, making the bay one of Southeast Sulawesi’s most attractive sunset destinations.

Iqbal emphasized that the Pinisi Kendari is more than a leisure option. “Its presence not only adds to the choices of tourist destinations but also opens opportunities for marine tourism development based on local wisdom. This is a new, locally manufactured vessel built in Kolono and now officially operating in Kendari Bay,” he said. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)