Manado is the largest and capital city in, and main gateway to Northern Sulawesi (Sulawesi Utara), Indonesia.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The capital of the province, the former stronghold of the Dutch (called Menado during Dutch colonial times), and the cultural centre of the Minahasa people, for a long time Manado prospered through trade with the nearby Philippines, and the spice trade with the rest of the world. Alas, the bombings of World War II, and the suppression of a local insurgency in the 1950s flattened most of Manado's older buildings. While by Indonesian standards still relatively prosperous, most visitors will be rather less impressed and head straight to the islands and reefs of nearby Bunaken.
The main ways of getting around are ojek/ompreng, moped taxis that can be a bit scary, or with Mikrolets (mikros), the blue minibuses that you jump on just standing by the street. They all have a certain route, and within a day one should figure out how it works. There are several taxi operators here: Bluebird, Taxi Kokapura, Trust, Celebrity. Bluebird, ☏ +62 431 861 234. The most reliable one in Manado, the blue taxi; Bluebird is the most trusted taxi operator in Jakarta and other cities in Indonesia. Also known as mikrolets or bemos. Angkot is the typical Indonesia's cheapest way of transportation inside the city. Most of cities in Indonesia have this Angkot, along with Manado.
Manado's attractions are a mixture of waterfront scenery, historic neighbourhoods, religious architecture and everyday city life, rather than a concentration of major monuments. The city's setting is one of its greatest assets: the waterfront looks across Manado Bay towards the distinctive volcanic island of Manado Tua, part of Bunaken National Park, while mountains rise behind the city. On clear days, Manado Tua's steep, forested volcanic cone is particularly impressive, with good views from the waterfront and elevated locations around the city.
Day trip to Bunaken: Manado is famous throughout the region for its diving areas. Bunaken is one of the well-known national marine park in Indonesia. 30 minutes boat ride. See its Wikivoyage article for more information. Day trip to Tangkoko Nature Reserve: home of tarsiers and macaques, about 50 km (31 mi) from Manado. 1-2 hours ride. See its Wikivoyage article for more information.
Manadonese food is famous throughout Indonesia for two things: the Minahasa eat absolutely anything, and the flavour of choice is very spicy. Sugar is used little if at all, with flavour added through lemon and herbs. Being Christian, the Minahasa also often marinate meat in alcohol and favour pork. More exotic protein options include cats, forest rats, fruit bats, and dogs, the last of which is the obligatory centrepiece of any wedding ceremony or Christmas feast. Classic dishes include: ikan mas bakar rica, grilled spicy fish cooked in traditional style, using a piece of coconut shell as a way of cooking.
These two kind of drinks are made from Palm trees: saguer, cap tikus Please drink responsibly, some locals have a bad habit of drinking irresponsibly. A major crime problem in town is caused by drunkards. There are also some coffee shops. Excelso, Mega Mall. Good place for coffee and light snacks.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, Manado typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 25 rainy days.
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