Manado city is the heart of the Minahasa people and the best place to begin an exploration of the region. Minahasa, meaning “united, becomes one”, was the name given to a group of independent states that originally existed in the area. Located amidst lush green surroundings, Manado is full of busy markets, shops, restaurants, Manado hotels and places of worship. The Manado Tua, the almost perfectly shaped volcanic cone that rises spectacularly from the sea, is a perfect addition to the landscape of the town.
Scuba diving is what attracts most visitors to Manado. However, its beautiful landscape, friendly locals and relaxing nature also bring people here.
Manado is the provincial capital and the administrative centre of the North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. It overlooks the picturesque Manado Bay with Palau Bunaken, which are a group of tropical islands across the bay. The islands are very popular among Western tourists for the marvellous diving and snorkeling opportunities they offer.
The Minahasa people are outgoing and fun loving. Their cuisine is hot and spicy and highly recommended for those with an adventurous palate. The homes of the Minahasa people are neat wood frame houses set amidst fenced in gardens, giving the city a very European atmosphere.
There are many Manado hotels and restaurants in Manado that cater to every kind of budget. You can even use our Manado map to choose your hotel on Manado based on its location. Manado’s markets and shops sell all kinds of merchandise, including agricultural products. While shopping in Manado, one can catch a glimpse of the blue sea and emerald green hills behind every market building. The port at Manado has traditionally been a trade centre of the region for hundreds of years.
Manado is well known as a diving centre and has some of the world’s best diving spots. All the facilities required to experience the underwater wonders are available here. Manado tours and dive schools with full professional accreditation will help you master snorkeling and scuba diving so that you can explore the clear waters around Bunaken Island.
Bunaken is Manado's most popular destination for both divers and non-divers, and eco tourism is the most popular tourist attraction of Manado. Snorkeling enthusiasts will love the underwater views and the sea gardens. The best coral can be seen just below the water surface. Non-divers can go snorkeling or enjoy the underwater view from glass-bottomed boats. Bunaken is a 30-minute speedboat or motorised outrigger ride from Manado.
Apart from diving and snorkeling there are many other things to see and do in Manado. Travel further inland to discover the various ethnic groups comprising the local Minahasa people, catch glimpses of the unique wildlife, and visit the many lakes and verdant mountains that hide a series of volcanoes. Taking a tour in Manado through the Minahasa Highlands you will see the stunning landscapes dotted with lush green mountains, terraced hillsides, orchid gardens, and coconut and coffee plantations. Visit Lake Tondano on the highlands, the volcanoes, the hot springs, and the very fascinating above ground burial sites.
Another must-visit on a tour in Manado is the Dua Saudara Nature Reserve, which is home to the unique wildlife of Sulawesi, such as the hornbill, the smallest monkey - the tarsier, and many varieties of birds. Manado’s tropical weather is perfect for a relaxing holiday. The average daytime temperature is 32 °C and the average night-time temperature is a comfortable 24 °C. The balmy sea breezes are a pleasant addition to the relaxing atmosphere of Manado.
Manado, also known as Menado, has been inhabited since the 16th century when it was known as “Wenang”. Still opening every now and then are new department stores, malls, shopping centres, restaurants, and hotels in Manado. The city’s new centre of attraction and a popular meeting point is the area around the Mega Mall, which is located not too far south of the landmark Ritzy Hotel. Manado's Mega Mall itself has a number of very reasonably priced stores. Apart from the ubiquitous Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut outlets, Mega Mall is one of the few places in the city where you can get a good cup of cappuccino and a variety of both hot and cold coffee.
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