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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: IDR
- Languages: Indonesian (official), Manado Malay, English (commonly spoken by tourists)
- Climate: Tropical
- Timezone: Asia/Jakarta
- Population: Approximately 450,000
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is during the dry season (June to September).
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries, including the US, EU, and UK, can enter Indonesia visa-free for short stays up to 30 days. Visa on arrival is available for some nationalities for stays up to 30 days, extendable once. E-visa options exist for certain visa types. Travelers generally need a passport valid for at least six months and proof of onward travel.
About Manado
Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province in Indonesia, is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nestled near the equator, it boasts lush tropical landscapes, pristine beaches, and access to some of the world’s most spectacular diving spots, including Bunaken National Marine Park. This marine park is renowned for its coral reefs and diverse underwater life, making Manado a top destination for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Beyond its natural allure, Manado offers a unique cultural experience with the Minahasan people’s traditions, festivals, and cuisine. Visitors can explore traditional markets, historical sites, and enjoy warm hospitality. The city’s blend of modern amenities and natural wonders makes it an appealing destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural enrichment.
Top Attractions
1. Bunaken National Marine Park – A world-class diving and snorkeling site famous for vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine species. 2. Tangkoko Nature Reserve – A protected forest area home to endemic wildlife like the black macaque and tarsier. 3. Ban Hin Kiong Temple – The oldest Chinese temple in Manado showcasing local religious heritage. 4. Manado Boulevard – A lively waterfront area with restaurants, shops, and scenic views. 5. Mount Lokon – An active volcano offering hiking opportunities and panoramic views of the region.
Popular Activities
Visitors to Manado can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling in Bunaken Marine Park, hiking in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, exploring local markets and cultural sites, tasting traditional Minahasan cuisine, and taking boat tours around the nearby islands. Adventure seekers can hike Mount Lokon or try birdwatching. Cultural experiences include attending local festivals and visiting temples.
Manado Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Indonesia
- Duration Range: Visitors to Manado can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling in Bunaken Marine Park, hiking in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, exploring local markets and cultural sites, tasting traditional Minahasan cuisine, and taking boat tours around the nearby islands. Adventure seekers can hike Mount Lokon or try birdwatching. Cultural experiences include attending local festivals and visiting temples.
- Group Size: Private or shared tours
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to September). Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimwear, insect repellent, and sun protection. Respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Stay hydrated and be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach. Use cash in smaller denominations for markets; ATMs are available but may be limited outside the city. Safety is good, but avoid isolated areas at night.
Average Tour Price: $95
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $200
43 Available Tour Excursions in Manado
In this place, you can also enjoy the underwater beauty by snorkeling. The underwater scenery around Lihaga Island is no less beautiful than the famous Bunaken Marine Park. Even though this island is not inhabited, you don't need to worry because there are toilets and changing rooms available on this island. This island even has quite large wooden buildings. Because of its amazing natural beauty, Lihaga Island is one of the favorite locations for photographers. So don't be surprised if when you visit Lihaga Island you will see photography lovers "wandering around" here to record the beauty of this uninhabited island.
Price: $159.00
Duration: 6 hours
"Mount Mahawu and Mount Locon become the most popular spot for easy trekking and the paths generally easy to follow. It takes around an hour drive from Manado. After 10 minutes trekking from the starting point of Mahawu Mountain, you will be gazing down over a gorgeous view of the mountains and valleys. There are great views (to the west) towards Mount Lokon and Mount Empung. Then, move to Lokon Mount 11 km away from Mahawu. Lokon has an active crater located on the saddle between the two peaks of Lokon and Empung Mountain. You need a proper trekking shoes to trek to the crater, as the igneous rock trail formed by cooled lava can be slippery."
Price: $83.00
Duration: 8 hours
Bunaken is an island of 8.08 km² in the Bay of Manado, which is located north of the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. This island is part of the city of Manado, the capital of the province of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Bunaken Island can be traveled by speedboat or charter boat with a journey of about 30 minutes from the port of the city of Manado. Around Bunaken Island there is a Bunaken marine park which is part of the Bunaken National Park. This marine park has one of the highest marine biodiversity in the world. Scuba diving attracts many visitors to this island. Overall the Bunaken marine park covers an area of 75,265 hectares with five islands within it, namely Manado Tua Island (Manarauw), Bunaken Island, Siladen Island, Mantehage Island along with several of its islands, and Naen Island. Although it covers an area of 75,265 hectares, diving locations are limited to each of the beaches that surround the five islands.
Price: $110.00
Duration: 6 hours
Take an adventure as you trek Soputan volcano mountain. We provide trekking package to Soputan mountain that are comfortable and exciting. Situated 55 km away from Manado and stands about 1,825 meters above sea level. It takes 2 hours drive from Manado and about 3 hours trekking up this mountain. See the unique vegetation such as pine forest, wild berries and edelweiss flower along the way. Trekking to the smaller peak of Soputan mountain, 600 meters opposite the north face of the Soputan summit. Volcanic activity has yielded a breathtaking array of sulphuric mountain views. Hereafter, experience an active volcano creating a gas cloud into the sky.
Price: $129.00
Duration: 10 hours
Our tour is the cheapest trip in the city of Manado and the best service in the city of Manado, we are very experienced in serving all guests. Tour guides who are professional and can speak English and Chinese, in this tour you will also get many new experiences because we are very different from the others, we only think about how you can feel satisfied with our trip, and hope to use our services again at other times, we also provide sea travel, diving and swimming in several islands in the city of Manado and surrounding areas, white sand scenery and various types of fish will add to your happiness while on vacation in the city of Manado.
Price: $225.00
Duration: 4-5 hours
This parade is very attractive and stimulates your adrenaline, you will be pleased with the views of the island of Bunaken, Nain and Siladen, as well as the beautiful sea, and you can see beautiful clouds with an unforgettable experience. Tangkoko nature tourism is a relaxing experience. One of the endemic wildlife of Tangkoko National Park that must be seen is tarsius. Tarsius or what locals call tangkasi is the smallest mammal in the world and is an endemic animal in North Sulawesi. Tarsius with the Latin name Tarcius Spectrum is a small monkey the size of a rat with a long tail. Tarsius is a nocturnal animal and is no bigger than a man's palm. Her eyes were big round and shining as the lamp lit.
Price: $227.00
Duration: 5 hours
We offer you a thrilling sunrise experience in North Sulawesi. Mount Klabat is the highest mountain in North Sulawesi and stands about 2000 meters above sea level. First, the driver will pick you up at 1 AM and take you to Airmadidi, the capital of North Minahasa Regency. It takes only 1 hour drive from Manado. Day hike from sunrise is starting at 3 AM. While trekking up you will see the beautiful scenery of greenery. Hereafter, encounter the stunning sunrise scenery on the mountaintop with the view of Manado City and its surrounding areas. Never miss capturing the glorious sunrise you would never forget.
Price: $120.00
Duration: 11 hours
If you’re a nature enthusiast, our private Sulawesi wildlife packages hit the very best wildlife-watching destinations in Tangkoko National Park. Spend your day to private explore Tangkoko National Park with Hotel pickup from Manado. The ranger guide in Tangkoko nature reserve will take you to a tree that is locally famed as the home of a family of Tarsiers. Surround yourself with black-crested critically endangered macaques leaping from tree to tree. See other interesting animals such as Sulawesi bear cuscus, endemic Sulawesi dwarf kingfisher and Sulawesi hornbill flying overhead, ochre-bellied boobooks, and spotted tarsier hiding beneath a leaf.
Price: $99.00
Duration: 10 hours
This is the most popular one day trip from Manado to Minahasa. We will make a visit to Woloan Village that famous for its industry in traditional knock-down houses. Then continue towards Linow Lake. Here, you will see various geothermal manifestations such as hot springs, fumarole, and also mud pool. Not so far from Linow Lake there is the biggest lake in North Sulawesi. Lake Tondano has been a site where life cycle of important flora and fauna takes place, and water source that is used for agriculture. Continue to see Watu Pinabetengan, the sacred stone of nine Minahasan tribes. If there's still time left, you have to stop at Tekantelu waterfall and visit Waruga Burial Complexes.
Price: $91.00
Duration: 10 hours
Our tour is the cheapest trip in the city of Manado and the best service in the city of Manado, we are very experienced in serving all guests. Tour guides who are professional and can speak English and Chinese, in this tour you will also get many new experiences because we are very different from the others, we only think about how you can feel satisfied with our trip, and hope to use our services again at other times, we also provide sea travel, diving and swimming in several islands in the city of Manado and surrounding areas, white sand scenery and various types of fish will add to your happiness while on vacation in the city of Manado.
Price: $90.00
Duration: 5-6 hours
Manado Rafting is one of the rafting operators located on the Nimanga River, Minahasa Regency, Timbukar Village, Sonder District, North Sulawesi Province. Manado Rafting was founded in 2013 until now. Our team is very reliable and experienced. We provide the best service for family rafting groups, companies, pupils and students as well as the general public. Rafting on the Nimanga River will give you an unforgettable experience and you will even be addicted to rafting again. With experienced professional guides, they will take you on active rafting, full of adventure and adrenaline testing with rapids. Timbukar Village is not only a place for white water rafting, but there are several tourist spots such as Sapa Waterfall, 3-story Naa Waterfall, Old Grave or Waruga, and Natural Stone Mine.
Price: $85.00
Duration: 6 hours
Tangkoko National Park in North Sulawesi is an interesting tourist destination to visit. It is home to various animals, including 47 protected endemic animals. Tangkoko National Park is located in Bitung City, about an hour's drive from Manado City, the capital of North Sulawesi. One of the endemic animals in Tangkoko National Park that must be seen is the tarsier. Tarsier or what local people call tangkasi is the smallest mammal in the world and is endemic to North Sulawesi. Tarsier, whose Latin name is Tarcius spectrum, is a small monkey the size of a mouse with a long tail. Tarsiers are nocturnal animals and are no bigger than a human fist. His eyes are big round and shine when a flashlight shines on them.
Price: $97.00
Duration: 5-6 hours
This paragliding ride is very interesting and stimulates your andrenalin, you will be satisfied with views of the island of Bunaken, Nain, and Siladen, as well as the beautiful sea, and can see beautiful clouds with a time of about 8 to 10 minutes in the air.
Price: $140.00
Duration: 1 hours
Take the worry out of your arrival to Manado Airport (MDC) and pre-book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 20 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis on arrival, and travel in the comfort of Hatchback car, Sedan, JV/Minicoach (maximum 5 people), Minicoach (maximum 9 people) or Coach (maximum 20 people).
Price: $101.39
Duration: 1 hours
Relatively frequent volcanic activity: Lokon is known for its relatively frequent freatic and strombolian eruptions, although generally not very severe. This makes the mountain an important research object for vulcanology. Two main craters: It has two major craters that add complexity to its volcanic system and provide a unique view. Whereas Mahawu has a relatively calm and clear crater lake, giving an interesting contrast to Lokon's volcanic activity. This lake becomes its own attraction for visitors. The shape of a symmetrical cone: Mahawu has a relatively symmetrical and beautiful shape, unlike the more complex Lokon shape. Both mountains also have cultural and historical value for the surrounding communities, which may be linked to local beliefs and the history of community life there.
Price: $84.00
Duration: 7 hours
Take the worry out of your arrival to Manado Airport (MDC) and pre-book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 20 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis on arrival, and travel in the comfort of Hatchback car, Sedan, JV/Minicoach (maximum 5 people), Minicoach (maximum 9 people) or Coach (maximum 20 people).
Price: $100.20
Duration: 0 hours
Take the worry out of your arrival to Manado Airport (MDC) and pre-book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 20 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis on arrival, and travel in the comfort of Hatchback car, Sedan, JV/Minicoach (maximum 5 people), Minicoach (maximum 9 people) or Coach (maximum 20 people).
Price: $104.97
Duration: 0 hours
Take the worry out of your arrival to Manado Airport (MDC) and pre-book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 20 people). Avoid the long lines for taxis on arrival, and travel in the comfort of Hatchback car, Sedan, JV/Minicoach (maximum 5 people), Minicoach (maximum 9 people) or Coach (maximum 20 people).
Price: $101.39
Duration: 1 hours
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2. Check Details
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3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Manado cuisine is known for its bold, spicy flavors and use of fresh seafood. Signature dishes include Rica-Rica (spicy chili chicken or fish), Tinutuan (a hearty rice porridge with vegetables), and Cakalang Fufu (smoked skipjack tuna). Dining customs emphasize sharing meals with family and friends. Noteworthy restaurants include Rumah Makan Bambu and Wale Seafood, both known for authentic local flavors.
Getting Around
Manado is accessible via Sam Ratulangi International Airport with flights from major Indonesian cities. Local transportation includes taxis, angkot (minibuses), and motorbike taxis. Renting a scooter or car is common for exploring beyond the city. Traffic can be busy, so allow extra travel time. Costs for local transport are generally affordable.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to September). Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimwear, insect repellent, and sun protection. Respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Stay hydrated and be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach. Use cash in smaller denominations for markets; ATMs are available but may be limited outside the city. Safety is good, but avoid isolated areas at night.
Culture & Customs
Manado’s culture is a blend of indigenous Minahasan traditions and Chinese influences. Social customs include polite greetings and respect for elders. Religious diversity is embraced, with Christianity and Buddhism prominent. Important festivals include the Minahasa Festival and Cap Go Meh celebrations. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting temples and churches and ask permission before photographing people.
