Manado is located at the north-western tip of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Its people stems primarily from the Minahasans while its heritage is interjected with Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese influences.

An important spice trading port in the 17th century, tourism especially eco-tourism, is fast becoming an important industry. Scuba diving and snorkeling are exceptional at the five islands of the Bunaken Marine Park: Manado Bunaken, Manado Tua, Montehage, Nain and Siladen. Renowned 'muck diving' at Lembeh Strait brings surprises during different times of the year.

The city of Manado is situated 15 km from the airport, has many modern shopping malls and hotels. Most shopping malls, hotels and banks are situated along Jalan Sam Ratulangi, Jalan Piere Tendean and Jalan Sarapung.

How to get to Manado...

Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, but there are a variety of dialects spoken in the Minahasa region. These dialects include Tonsea, Tondano, Tombulu, Tontemboan, Tonsawang, Bantik, Ratahan and Ponosakan. However, the majority of the population tends to speak Manadonese, which is a mixture of Indonesian, Malay, and words from a few different European languages.

The climate is usually hot and humid but after cool air from the highland breezes through the resort constantly after dusk. The temperatures average 30 degrees Celsius. Water temperatures average 25 - 39 degrees Celsius in the Bunaken Marine Park, with the temperatures being somewhat lower on average in the Lembeh Strait. Although diving is all year round at North Sulawesi but April through November is considered the best time, with optimal weather and dive conditions.

Check Manado Weather Forecasts with Yahoo! Weather.

Within the city, there are many local as well as western food establishments. Manado has not escaped from the Fast Food chains with A&W, KFC and Pizza Hut represented here.

Traditional foods in Manado can be a gastronomic adventure with exotic dishes such as Tikus Hutan Goreng (fried forest rat), Gamy Rintek Wuuk (spicy dog meat), and Kalalawar Kanggang (stewed bat). The traditional brew here is Cap Tikus (pronounced chap-tee-cuse, meaning mouse/rat brand) made of fermented sago wine (or also known as saguer).

There are various Warungs (food stalls) along the esplanade - Jalan Piere Tendean near Pasar 45 and behind the new shopping centre MegaMall.

Manadonese are musically inclined and bars will often have live bands playing excellent cover versions of popular music and jazz. Current favourites, GP's (at Hotel Grand Puri), Corner (at Bahu Mall), and Rock Rand (off Sam Ratulangi).

It is advisable to dress in appropriate clothing while in the city or touring around North Sulawesi. It is best to avoid wearing flip-flops, shorts, short skirts, or any sort of tank tops. The Manadonese are very modest people and dress conservatively while out in public. Of course, these same rules do not necessarily apply at the resort.

Local Customs

Always use your right hand to eat, touch people or to hand them objects. Avoid touching someone on their head, as it is a sign of disrespect. Always remove your shoes before entering someone's house, unless they indicate to you to leave them on.

The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR or Rp.)

Although the rate of exchange fluctuates, the following estimates are only guideline:

1 USD = IRD 8,500.00
1 EURO = IRD 10,000.00
1 Singapore $ = IRD 5,500.00
1 Japanese Yen = IRD 82

Please check for daily rates online with the Universal Currency Converter.

For USD, only notes produced after year 2000 E series are accepted. Notes must not have any graffiti or worned out. Please note that it is not our house rules, but the indonesian banks rules. We hope you will take the time to check your USD notes so you can avoid any inconvenience when making payments or make currency exchange in Indonesia.

Electricity 220V-240V 50Hz, two round-prong plug, same as in Europe Union Countries.

Time Zone

Manado Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours (same as Singapore, Hongkong, Shanghai).

Sunrise: ~ 0545 hrs and Sunset: ~ 17550 hrs

You must have an international passport with a minimum of SIX months validity from the date of departure.

Under the new rules effective July 04, 2007

Please be informed that with Effect: 4th July 2007

Visa on Arrival Charge will be as Follows:

*Countries that are not listed above are required to apply for Visa at the Indonesia Embassy.

Citizens of countries not included on the above lists must apply for a visa overseas at their nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate before traveling to Indonesia.

Citizens of any country wishing to stay more than 30 days must also apply for an appropriate visa at their nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate before traveling to Indonesia.

There is an IDR 75,000 international departure tax fee, which is to be paid in IDR cash once you have checked in with your airline. The domestic departure tax fee is IDR 15,000 and paid for at the same booth. IDR and USD are both accepted.

There are also ATM machines and a money changer available at the airport if you find that you do not have enough cash available.