Manado, capital of North Sulawesi Province, has plenty of tourism spots. They are located all over the mountainous terrain down to under water.
During his scientific field research for eight years from 1854 to1862 in Sulawesi, a Briton biologist Alfred Wallace eventually fell in love with Manado that he called the most beautiful town in east Indonesia. And he turned right. The beautiful town has many attractive spots to visit. You will find monuments— to mention some Sam Ratulangi Monument and Monument van Toar en Lumimuut— in several places of that town.
Toar Lumimuut is also a tourism park at the heart of the city. It has swimming pool with clear water, water bike, fishing ground, and other water attractions and games. Toar Lumimuut Tourist Park is sitting on a height with cool air, rich greens, and flanked by Mount Lokon and Mount Soputan— all which creates beautiful atmosphere and enchanting natural views.
You can also visit Woloan Village at Tomohon Area that has achieved global reputation for its Minahasa traditional wooden house. The locals are well-known to possess high skill in building stage house made of oak timber with Minahasa traditional architecture. To meet export demands, the houses are produced in knocked-down package.
Break of dawn is the most convenient moment for you to enjoy Manado. At 5 Am in the morning, Kuala Jengki Beach has woken up with visitors and fresh fish vendors. Local language is utterly spoken among them. The fish market opens daily from morning to noon. You can pick various kinds of tropical fishes, all showcased in makeshift tables.
Manado harbor is always busy with small and mid-size ships. This is because it is located near Bunaken Ocean Park, one of world’s protected nautical heritages that lies in a shallow water. From Manado berth, the ships sail to other areas comprising small islands, such as Sangihe and Talaud. Speed boats to and from Bunaken also make a stop in Manado harbour. Meanwhile, bigger ships are only allowed to dock at Bitung harbour, some 40 kilometers west to Manado.
The Bunaken Ocean Park itself has become North Sulawesi’s iconic tourist destination. It has specific natural elements— clusters of islets with flora and fauna riches, mangrove greens all along coastlines, white sand habitats, sea grass, and crystal clear water. It also has healthy coral where 2,000 kinds of tropical fishes— napoleon and other primitive fishes— live, and deep blue water habitat. You can go around the park in catamarans (underwater glassed boats), snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, and hanging about in the white beaches.
Apart from its enchanting beaches, Manado also has a historic site— Ban Hin Kiong Temple at Jalan DI Panjaitan. The temple was built 300 years ago, and its name implies good hopes: plenty, merit, building.
On your return from Manado, you can bring “klappertart”, local cookie with tempting coconut flavor.