DIVING

Manado city sits on the edge of a large wide bay (Manado Bay) which boasts some of Indonesia’s most unique critters combined with both muck diving, coral reefs, and a wreck. 

Manado Bay is a relatively new diving area which is garnering fame for its diversity of sites and marine life. The majority of the diving is classified as muck diving but these are not all plain sandy sites, they are littered with coral outcroppings and reefs.

Indonesia is the largest archipelago on the planet and is made up of over 17,000 individual Islands. For divers, Indonesia is a Mecca; THE place to dive, but with so many islands and so many options, how do you decide where to dive? 

North Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s most famous and spectacular diving regions and the ideal place to visit if you are hoping to cash in on as much as possible of Indonesia’s diverse marine life and underwater topographies. 

Manado is the provincial capital of North Sulawesi and has an International Airport with direct flights from other major cities in Indonesia as well as Singapore – which make it a great place to start! The name of the airport is Dr. Sam Ratulangi International Airport (Airport code: MDC).

SNORKELING

A mixture of healthy coral reefs and both black and white sand slopes which are home to some of Indonesia’s most unique marine species including octopus, cuttlefish, ribbon eels, numerous crustaceans, colorful nudibranch and look out for schools of batfish. Manado Bay offers relaxing snorkeling conditions close to the resort and you never know what you are going to see next!

The House Reef:

Just a step off the beach the Murex House Reef is available for you to snorkel at any time. It’s just a step off the beach in front of the resort and it’s packed with beautiful corals and a variety of marine life. The shallow reef offers huge table corals, anemones, brain coral and a selection of bommies – all of which attract a lot of fish. The House Reef offers generally easy conditions and it is suitable for all levels including kids – who will love the brightly colored clownfish! Night snorkeling is especially interesting on the House Reef and common sightings include Spanish dancers, octopus, and a host of crustaceans.

TANGKOKO NATURE RESERVE

Full Day - extra cost

This tour is an absolute must for any nature lovers! The Tangkoko Nature Reserve is an area of dense forestry, based at the foot of the Dua Suadara Mountain. As we take a walk through the park, not only will you be able to see troops of the endemic Sulawesi Black Crested Macaque in the wild, cuscus and the Tarsier monkeys (the world’s smallest primate) which become active in the late afternoon. Ornithologists will be in their element as we often spot Hornbills, Lori birds and other tropic and native species.

MINAHASAN HIGHLANDS TOUR

Extra cost

If you want to experience the nature, culture, traditions, people, and the daily way of life in North Sulawesi, a tour of the highlands is a must. There are numerous places to visit and we can tailor your day trip around what you would like to see most. Highlights of the area include:

 Tomohon Traditional Markets – The highland climates are perfect for growing a variety of plants, flowers, spices, fruits, and vegetables. Visit both the traditional flower, fruits, and vegetable market where the local ladies cook traditional sweet treats according to age-old methods. You’ll also find vendors selling dried fish, herbs, spices, and a variety of traditional ingredients.

Woloan & Pulutan Villages – Visit the local villages where specialized industries are booming. See traditional Minahasan houses being built and traditional pottery being made.

Lake Linow – The colors of this lake change due to the high sulphur content in the surrounding rock and the changing light. Many bird species make this area their home. Watch out for bubbling mud holes as you walk around. This is a lovely spot to enjoy a cold drink and soak up the views.

Mahawu Volcano

The journey to Mahawu Volcano takes you through the beautiful Minahasan Highlands to the town of Tomohon. Arriving at the Ranger Station at the base of Mount Mahawu there are steps that lead to the crater’s edge where you can enjoy amazing views of Bunaken and Manado Tua Islands. If you choose you can also take the circular trek around the crater’s edge. After working up an appetite we stop for lunch at either Lake Tondano or a local restaurant that serves traditional Minahasan cuisine. This tour can also be integrated into our Minahasan highland tour.

Lake Tondano – The largest lake in the region and the second largest in Indonesia. The flat land surrounding the lakes is perfect for growing rice, one of the main livelihoods in this area. We usually enjoy lunch in one of the small restaurants on stilts overlooking the lake.

Waruga – These are historical Minahasan stone graves. Listen to the local caretaker tell you the history of this fascinating tradition. The journey to and from Tondano to this location is absolutely stunning with sweeping vistas of coconut and spice trees.

WHITE WATER RAFTING

Experience the thrills and spills of white water rafting in North Sulawesi. As you travel down the river you’ll find adrenaline pumping rapids as well as calm stretches where you can admire the stunning rural scenery and tropical jungle which you pass through. The tour includes full instruction, life vests and helmets and is an exciting adventure for all ages. Extra cost