Whilst Manado is not quite the shopping paradise that other Indonesian destinations are, you are still likely to find a large array of handicrafts and other interesting items. Shops in Manado also have a number of items that would be far more expensive in your home country - unusual handcrafted artwork produced locally, clothes at bargain prices, jewellery, CDs and much more.
Manado Shopping Guide
Shopping opportunities around Manado are easy to find since Piere Tendean Boulevard has most of the shopping malls. The four new malls are the Boulevard Mall, the IT Centre, the Manado Town Square and the Mega Mall. The presence of the malls on Piere Tendean Boulevard causes a lot of traffic jams in the area.
Souvenirs
Souvenir shops are aplenty in Manado. In spite of the fact that most of the merchandise being sold is from Bali, you are sure to find a few items that are unique to the North Sulawesi region. Spices are a well-known product of the region. Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla are all sold in small-sized packages, easy to carry and gift, if desired. Such packages are available in most shops. Another interesting purchase is a figurine made out of cloves. Of course, that may not quite appeal to everyone.
A "Dive-Bunaken" t-shirt is a must buy if you are a diver and these too are available in almost every souvenir shop. A few shops in Pasar 45 also keep a stock of different t-shirts that can make good souvenirs in Manado.
Store visits that could prove rewarding are Logam Jaya on the second floor of Matahari Department Store, Souvenir Shop Indac near the Post Office, and Bohusami and Warung Ventje on Jalan Sam Ratulangi.
The main shops in Manado sell a large variety of original brand name products priced very reasonably. It is quite common for tourists to purchase eye care products in the many optical shops that sell a huge range of frames, contact lenses and lens care products. All the major brands selling frames are available here.
Clothing
Although the selection here is smaller than in other cities, there are several original brand name products available at very good prices. Good business ties and shirts from brands such as Pierre Cardin, Polo, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and others can be purchased without regret. Coco, Matahari and Roberta stores are the places worth checking out for good products.
Fabric
Pasar 45 or the market area in the town centre has several small shops that specialise in materials of all hues. An interesting souvenir from the region could be a length of the pretty Minahasan Karawang, which is a local fabric. Also available in plenty is a wide selection of batik fabric from Java. If your itinerary does not include Solo or Yogyakarta, pick up some batik fabric from these shops as a souvenir of the North Sulawesi region. The fabric can be used for sarongs, cushion covers, or even to cover the photo album of your trip. It will make for a unique reminder of your vacation.
Sports Equipment
Although not available at bargain prices, buying sports equipment could be worthwhile depending on your currency exchange rate. Go to Jalan Sam Ratulangi and visit the Adidas shop there. Or scout around the sports sections in a Jumbo or Matahari store for some great finds. One item that is available cheaply and transported easily is plastic inflatable toys.
Eye Care
For those of you who need eye care products, optical shops in Manado sell a large variety of contact lenses, lens care products and a wide range of lenses and frames. While getting a pair of glasses will take some time and may not be possible during a short vacation, you could purchase a good pair of frames at a reasonable price. Almost all the major brands are available here.
