Things To Do
in Manado
Manado is a vibrant city located on the northern tip of the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Manado is famous for its delicious cuisine, particularly its spicy seafood dishes. The city is surrounded by lush tropical scenery, including crystal-clear waters perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Manado is a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and a taste of authentic Indonesian culture.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing trek in the Bukit Doa, where you'll be surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views. Don’t forget your camera to capture the early morning sun rising over the hills.
Visit the Taman Nasional Bunaken, where you can snorkel or dive in crystal-clear waters filled with vibrant marine life. Enjoy a packed lunch on the beach while soaking up the sun.
Finish your day with a traditional Manadonese dinner at a local restaurant. Sample dishes like cakalang fufu and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the area.
Take a boat trip to Bunaken Island early in the morning for a day filled with beach fun. Snorkeling and sunbathing are top priorities as you discover the underwater beauty.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a beachside warung with fresh seafood and local dishes. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring the coral reefs.
Return to Manado and enjoy a sunset dinner on the waterfront. Reflect on your day while enjoying the gentle sounds of the waves.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including beaches, mountains, and volcanoes.
- Rich cultural heritage with diverse traditions and festivals.
- Access to diverse marine life and world-class diving spots around Bunaken National Marine Park.
- Delicious local cuisine with unique flavors and fresh seafood.
- Warm and friendly local people.
- Growing tourism and hospitality industry offering various accommodations and activities.
- Infrastructure challenges such as traffic congestion and road conditions.
- Limited access to some modern amenities compared to larger cities.
- Risk of natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
- Higher humidity and temperature may be uncomfortable for some visitors.
- Language barrier, as English may not be widely spoken among locals.
- Potentially less developed healthcare facilities compared to urban centers.
Best Activities in Manado
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Manado is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts with its rich marine biodiversity and beautiful coral reefs.
Explore the vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters through snorkeling in Manado's coastal areas.
Discover the natural beauty of Manado through trekking in the surrounding hills and mountains, offering stunning views of the region.
Experience the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting in the rivers near Manado, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Manado with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Manado
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Manado and the surrounding area, as well as a large iconic statue and beautiful gardens.
Known for its stunning underwater scenery, as well as breathtaking views from the island's highest points.
Home to diverse wildlife and landscapes, providing numerous photo opportunities in a natural setting.
Food in Manado
Manado Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Manadonese dish made from smoked skipjack tuna, usually served with steamed rice and dabu-dabu (a spicy sauce made from chili, shallots, and tomatoes). Recommended to try at Rumah Makan Tinutuan.
Must-Try!
A rice porridge dish with a variety of condiments such as shredded chicken, fried shallots, peanuts, and traditional sambal. Best savored at Bubur Manado Wakeke.
This dish consists of fruit bat meat cooked in rich, aromatic spices. It can be found at RM Surya, a popular local eatery.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Manado better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a wide array of Manadonese street food including grilled seafood, traditional snacks like klappertart (coconut custard) and assorted porridge. Located at Jl. Jend Sudirman, Manado.
A vibrant market where locals gather to sell and sample an assortment of fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies. Visitors can find authentic street food like skewered satay and bubur Manado.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Manado, it is important to show respect for elders and authorities. This includes using polite language and gestures when interacting with them.
It is essential to observe and respect local customs and traditions in Manado, such as greetings and social etiquettes, to show appreciation for the culture.
Engaging in community events and festivals demonstrates an interest in and respect for the local culture and traditions of Manado.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Manado with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Manado
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Manado, Indonesia. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries.
Cash is predominantly used for payment in Manado, Indonesia. Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, especially in larger hotels and restaurants, but it is advisable to have cash on hand for smaller establishments and local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Manado.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Manado is during the dry season when the weather is generally sunny and the sea is calm, making it ideal for diving and snorkeling.
During the rainy season, expect occasional heavy rainfall and choppy seas, but this is also a great time for birdwatching and experiencing the lush, green landscapes.
Manado at Night
Hiking in Manado
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination offering panoramic views of Manado and its surrounding islands. The trail is moderately challenging and takes about 3-4 hours to reach the summit.
A scenic hill located near Manado with a well-maintained hiking trail. It's known for its beautiful views and serene environment, making it a great spot for both hiking and meditation.
The highest mountain in North Sulawesi, Gunung Klabat offers an adventurous hike with lush forests and diverse wildlife. The trek can be strenuous and typically takes a full day.
While primarily known for its wildlife, the trails through Tangkoko Nature Reserve offer excellent hiking opportunities amidst rich biodiversity, including the chance to see black macaques and various bird species.
An active volcano with hiking trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The hike can be challenging but rewarding, often taking around 5 hours to complete.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Manado through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Manado by plane.
The main airport serving Manado, located approximately 13 kilometers northeast of the city center.
Located in Makassar, approximately 288 kilometers south of Manado, it serves as a major hub in Eastern Indonesia.
Located in Jakarta, about 2,500 kilometers from Manado, it is the largest and busiest airport in Indonesia.
Located in Surabaya, approximately 1,400 kilometers from Manado, it is another significant airport in Indonesia.
Located in Bali, about 1,900 kilometers from Manado, it serves as a major international gateway to Indonesia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Manado, known for their unique culture and traditions.
An ethnolinguistic group that resides in and around Manado, contributing to the area's cultural diversity.
Javanese people who have migrated to Manado in significant numbers and are involved in various sectors.
A group from Sulawesi known for their maritime skills, with a notable presence in trade.
Indigenous people from the mountainous areas of South Sulawesi, some of whom have settled in Manado.
Chinese Indonesians who have historically been significant in commerce and trade within the city.
Filipino immigrants, primarily involved in service-oriented industry roles.
The Soul of Manado
Discover the essence of Manado through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Manado, with a strong local following and numerous clubs participating in regional leagues.
Basketball enjoys significant popularity in Manado, with many schools and communities actively promoting the sport through competitions and events.
Volleyball is widely played in Manado, both recreationally and competitively, often seen in schools, local leagues, and beaches.
Badminton is a favorite pastime in Manado, with many people enjoying the sport both casually and in organized tournaments.
Silat, a traditional martial art form, is practiced by many in Manado, showcasing cultural heritage and self-defense skills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Manado.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Manadonese cuisine is heavily centered around seafood and meat, many restaurants and cafes in Manado offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly alternatives. Dishes like sayur bunga pepaya (papaya flower in coconut milk) and stir-fried water spinach are popular options.
Travelers with gluten-free dietary needs can opt for rice-based dishes such as nasi kuning (turmeric-infused rice) and gluten-free versions of local snacks. Communicating dietary restrictions clearly to the staff is recommended for a tailored dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Manado with these cultural adventures.
