The Inside Word… on Manado, Indonesia

Briggita Londok
4 September 2010

With so many destinations in the WHL Group’s ever-expanding network, we have an incredible wealth of local travel information at our fingertips. Through the Inside Word, our local partners – all travel experts – share their top tips on what to do, what to eat, where to party and where to shop in their necks of the woods.

: The dormant volcano of Manado Tua Island and Central Mountain command breathtaking views over Manado. Together with the islands of Bunaken, Mantehage, Siladen and Nain they make up Bunaken-Manado Tua National Park, which is famed the world over for its fabulous diving.

Manado, Indonesia

The provincial capital and administrative centre of North Sulawesi Province, Manado is the heart of the Minahasa people, who are known for their gregarious and hospitable nature. An excellent base for lovers of diving and the outdoors, as well as shopaholics and foodies, the city teems with markets, restaurants, places of interest and accommodation to suit all pockets.

Manado is surrounded by the ocean, lush greenery and the perfect cone of Manado Tua volcano, which rises from the sea as a stunning backdrop to the city. Diving and snorkelling are big draws and the nearby tropical islands of Palau Bunaken in Manado Bay are some of the best dive spots in the area.

: Linow Lake just outside Manado is famed for the ever-changing colours of its sulphurous waters, which run from green to blue to yellow, depending on the sun, cloud cover, temperature and water depth. The lush greenery surrounding the lake is a welcome oasis of calm.

Day Trip

Manado has many places to visit, top of the list being Bunaken Marine Park, which is only a 45-minute boat ride away. It is well known in Indonesia and abroad as a magnificent diving spot. Another top day-trip attraction is Tangkoko Nature Reserve, where you can see one of the world’s smallest primates, the tarsier, in its natural habitat. It takes about 90 minutes to get there.

If you are very interested in historical heritage, Waruga Tomb in Sawangan is a mine of information about the ancient Minahasa people. Carved reliefs on the tombs represented the occupations of the dead people. The Minahasa usually brought their own stones to the places they chose as their tombs. From the size of the tomb stones, you can imagine how big and strong the ancient Minahasa people must have been.

Shopping

Manado Town Square is the best shopping mall in Manado. Here you can find souvenirs, beautiful trinkets, modern and up-to-date fashions and even live performances by local bands or famous choirs, such as UNIMA Choir and Gema Sangkakala choir, who are regular winners of the prestigious World Choir Games.

If you get tired and hungry, do not worry; this mall has a big food court with Asian food, fast food and traditional local food. If you would like to buy a local snack or souvenirs, you can also try Merciful Building, where you can also take a tour to see how traditional foods and snacks are made.

: The traditional homes of the Minahasa people are neat wood-frame houses usually set in fenced-in gardens, which gives the city a very European feel.

Restaurant

Raja Sate Restaurant is a local restaurant situated right in the center of the city. It provides a variety of dishes, like saté, which involves beef, chicken, mutton or seafood being skewered on thin sticks and baked. Once cooked, the food is served with peanut sauce, chili, onions and soy sauce. It’s absolutely delicious! The restaurant also provides steaks and gado-gado (mixed vegetable salad with peanut sauce dressing). There are even live music entertainers from whom you can request your favourite songs or with whom you can join the band.

For local food, go to Wakeke Street, where you can find tinutuan or Manado porridge, which is made from vegetables mixed with cassava or sweet potato, pumpkin and corn. You can add some chili sauce and soy sauce for even more flavour.

: Manado Harbour is the only way to reach Bunaken Island. Public boats leave once a day, except for Sundays, although it is also possible to charter a vessel in either direction. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

Local Treat

Sweet corn can be found in almost all malls in town. This highly nutritious food is made from sweet corn mixed with cheese and milk. For extra spice, you can add chili sauce.

If you like fruit, especially papaya, try a food called gohu. It is made from papayas cut into thin slices and mixed with water, brown sugar, ginger, onion, chili and vinegar.

Night Out

If you are the type of person who likes to party, there is a place in Manado that perfect for you! It is called Score and is located in the Manado Town Square area. You can party all night here and enjoy live music from famous local bands. There is also a pool table. You’re guaranteed to enjoy your night here!