The capital city of North Sulawesi is an untouched beauty with natural splendors for travellers to discover an authentically framed destination.
Photo from Adobe Stock
How To Get There
International flight to Manado is at hand if you’re coming from Singapore. Silk Air has direct flights to Sam Ratulangi International Airport. Else, most air routes has connecting flights from Jakarta to Manado. The place is easily accessible via plenty of other domestic flights from major airports like Surabaya, Balikpapan, Makassar and Denpasar.
Tondano Lake. Photo from The Jakarta Post
What To Do
The largest lake in North Sulawesi makes a fine travelling spot at 600 metres high above sea level. Take a boat ride on the lake to appreciate the scenic Tondano Lake encircled with lush mountains and clear waters. With a proper guide, trekking into Tangkoko Nature Reserve can uncover black macaque monkeys, endangered Tarsius and Maleo birds.
For a touch into Manado’s history, visit Waruga, the stone sacrophagi collection dating back to 9th century found exclusively at Airmadidi district. If budget permits, Bunaken is the best place to end your trip in Manado. Afterall, the corals in this northern island is claimed to be even more diverse than Hawaii. The phenomenal underwater scene in Bunaken makes it a premier scuba diving destination.
The Loft Suite at S Loft Manado
Where To Stay
The bustling capital is not short of accommodations with a number of renowned hotel chains dotted around town. For casual and comfortable stay, S Loft Manado is a loft-style accommodation with free shuttle bus to Manado Town Square. Siladen Resort & Spa is the place to go if you’re planning a vacation at Bunaken National Marine Park.
Rica-rica sambal. Photo from Tokopedia
Where To Eat
Manado is home to Minahasa people whose local palate is seasoned with hot and spicy food. Their local sambal, rica-rica, is definitely one to look out for; normally served and cooked with seafood or meat. Tinutuan, the Manado-style vegetable porridge and cakalang fufu, smoked skipjack tuna are other popular Minahasan dishes.
Good To Know
• The wet seasons of this region is timed from October till April every year.
• “Jesus Blesses” in Manado is one of Asia’s largest flying statues of Jesus at 50 metres tall.
• Contact local travel agencies to arrange a trekking trip if you want to catch glimpses of active volcanoes and hot springs in Manado.
Text by Jessy Wong
