Welcome to Manado

Welcome to North Sulawesi, the land of smiling people. North Sulawesi is on the island of Sulawesi and is a province of Indonesia. The land itself is endowed with an array of magnificent coral reefs which attract divers from all across the globe. Mountains and active volcanoes are a constant reminder to the people about the earth’s awesome power. The area is also commonly known by local people as " Bumi Nyiur Melambai " or " the land of waving coconut palms " due in part to the vast coconut plantations that cover the coastline.  

Manado city is the provincal capital of North Sulawesi. Manado's population is 342,264 people ( 1996 ). All North Sulawesi population is 2.189.273. Manado is the starting point for exploration of the Minahasa region's many attractions. Fun-loving and extroverted, the Minahasa people live in neat wood frame houses, with fences and flower gardens, giving Manado a European feel. There is a wide range of hotels and restaurants. Those with an adventurous palate should try the famously hot and spicy Minahasa cuisine. The city's numerous shops and markets are filled with an abundance of consumer goods and agricultural produce, while behind every building are glimpses of emerald hills and azure sea.

Inland from Manado, a trip through the Minahasa Highlands will take you to intriguing prehistoric above-ground burial sites, volcanoes, hot springs, the highland lake Tondano and breathtaking panoramas of lush mountains, coffee and coconut plantations, orchid gardens and terraced hillsides. From Manado, also be sure to visit the Dua Saudara Nature Reserve, home to birds and other wildlife unique to Sulawesi, such as the Tarsier - the smallelst monkey, cus cus, Hornbill etc.