About
Manado is a port city on the northern tip of Sulawesi, in Indonesia. It is best known as the gateway to the Bunaken National Marine Park, one of the country's most celebrated stretches of sea, where coral reefs and a wide range of marine life draw divers and snorkelers from far away.
Why visit
For many travellers the appeal is the water. The reefs around Bunaken are the reason most people come, and the city makes a practical base for getting out to them. Even on a short stay, you can plan a day on the boat and return to town in the evening.
The city itself
Manado has a character of its own, shaped by the Minahasan people who live in this part of North Sulawesi. Wandering the streets gives a sense of local daily life around the harbour and the markets. The food is a highlight: the local cooking is spicy, and rica-rica dishes, built on chilli and aromatic seasonings, are a good introduction to the regional table.
Planning a trip
- Allow time for at least one day on the water if diving or snorkelling is your main reason to come.
- Use the city as a base, with the marine park close enough for day trips.
- Try the local dishes, and be prepared for heat in both the food and the climate.
