Manado

Welcome to Manado

Manado, the dynamic capital of North Sulawesi, is a vibrant coastal city nestled within a dramatic volcanic landscape. Famed for its friendly, welcoming people, Manado serves as a major gateway for travelers seeking to explore both the volcanic peaks of the Minahasa Highlands and the spectacular drop-offs of the deep Celebes Sea. It is a city where green volcanic hills meet rich, thriving marine sanctuaries.

Bunaken: The Legendary Wall Diving Capital

Just offshore lies the Bunaken National Marine Park, world-renowned for its sheer underwater vertical coral walls that drop hundreds of meters down into the deep ocean. Snorkelers and divers from around the globe gather here to float alongside green sea turtles and swim through swarms of colorful reef fish. Swept by clean, nutrient-rich currents, these walls are covered in massive sponges and soft corals, providing a home to sea turtles, reef sharks, and thousands of species of colorful tropical fish.

Festival Pesona Bunaken (Bunaken Marine Festival)

Every year in July or August, the city hosts the spectacular Festival Pesona Bunaken. This massive event is designed to promote marine conservation and celebrate regional sea-faring culture. The festival features exciting traditional boat parades, underwater photography contests along the Bunaken walls, and traditional Minahasan music competitions (including grand Kolintang bamboo orchestras). Travelers can also witness the Kabasaran—a traditional, highly dramatic Minahasan warrior dance performed by locals clad in bright red costumes and bird feathers.

The Fiery Flavors of Minahasa

Manado is famous for its distinct, intensely spicy cuisine. Food enthusiasts flock to sample traditional dishes like Tinutuan, a rich, comforting vegetable and pumpkin rice porridge cooked with fresh sweet corn and local herbs. For those who love heat, dishes cooked in the fiery Rica-Rica style—seasoned with fresh red chilies, shallots, ginger, and lemongrass—offer a delicious and spicy culinary adventure.