This coastal Indonesian city on Sulawesi's northeastern tip is known for its marine life, beaches, and multicultural population of Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists.
Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, sits between mountains and sea on Indonesia's northeastern tip. You can dive among hundreds of coral species in Bunaken National Park, swim with sea turtles, or hike to the 86-meter Tunan waterfall. Walk through the 200-year-old Ban Hin Kiong Temple, taste local dishes like tinutuan porridge at the Karombasan Market, or watch fishermen smoke skipjack tuna using traditional methods passed down through generations.
Getting to Manado
Sam Ratulangi International Airport connects Manado with major Indonesian cities including Jakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar. You can fly directly from Singapore, Tokyo-Narita, and Kota Kinabalu. The airport lies 13 kilometers from the city center and accommodates wide-body aircraft.
Exploring Bunaken National Park
The waters around Bunaken Island contain 390 species of coral, along with large populations of fish, sea turtles, and rays. The national park spans 890 square kilometers across five islands. Clear waters maintain good visibility throughout the year for diving and snorkeling. The park lies within the Coral Triangle, where marine life reaches some of the highest concentrations worldwide.
Local Food Scene
Start your morning with tinutuan, a vegetable porridge sold at street corners and local restaurants. Watch local vendors prepare cakalang fufu, where they smoke skipjack tuna using coconut husks. Try the Manado version of nasi kuning (yellow rice) seasoned with local spices and herbs. Head to Malalayang Beach for seafood restaurants where you can pick fresh fish and have it grilled to order.
Mountain Areas and Hiking
Several volcanic peaks surround the city. Mount Klabat rises to 2,022 meters as the region's highest point. The Minahasa Highlands begin at 300 meters elevation, where you'll walk through coffee plantations and small villages. Evening temperatures in the highlands drop to 18-20°C, compared to 28-30°C along the coast.
Religious Sites
Ban Hin Kiong Temple, dating from 1819, serves as Manado's main Chinese temple. Walk through its multiple levels to see intricate wooden carvings and traditional architectural elements. The Christ Blessing statue in Citraland rises 50 meters high - a 30-meter sculpture on a 20-meter pedestal. Both sites open daily to visitors.
Getting Around the City
Blue mikrolet minibuses run fixed routes through Manado, charging around 4,000 rupiah per ride. Look for the route number painted on the side of each vehicle. Taxis circulate throughout the city - your hotel can call reliable services. The main roads connect to nearby cities like Bitung (32 km) and Tomohon (25 km).
