MANADO - Text & Images from http://www.north-sulawesi.com/sul_info.html
Manado offers a variety of terrain with hills, volcanic mountains and scenic plateaus.
It is estimated that Manado was inhabited in the
16th century and was called "Wenang".
Later, in 1623 the name was changed to 'Manado'.
Influenced by the foreign occupation, urbanization
of the people from Sangihe Talaud, Bolaang Mongondow,
Gorontalo and Minahasa has resulted in a diverse
population and culture.
Manado ’s population is 342,264 people (1996). There are many places of interest in and around the city.
BUNAKEN SEA GARDEN
The world famous Bunaken Marine National Park , with an area of 75.26 hectares, is located very close to Manado and comprises of 5 islands: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Mantehage and Nain.
The superb diving and snorkeling sites puts the
Marine Park in one of the top 10 dive areas of
the world and is a Mecca for seasoned and beginner
divers alike. Wall diving offers a spectacular
drop several hundred meters deep and the warm
water is particularly inviting.
However, it the diversity of sea life found around
the Park that attracts divers from around the
world.
Whatever your fascination is, whether
pelagic or macro, you will certainly not be disappointed
here. Avid underwater photographers, be sure to
bring countless rolls of film as photo opportunities
are abundant.
The variety of fish and other marine life often spotted include: Napoleon Wrasse, Angelfish, Turtles, Blue Ribbon Eels, Stingrays, Eagle rays, Snappers, Groupers, and sharks to name a few. There are hundreds of other species, too many to list but easily located at a variety of sites.
There are now a number of professional dive operators
in and around Manado with well-trained staff and
a commitment to safety. Accommodation is available
at most dive operations and full packages including
equipment hire and meals which are extremely price
competitive.
MANADO TUA ISLAND
This island is the main island of the group. There
is a hiking path to the top which takes several
hours to climb, and offers a spectacular view of
all the islands of Manado Bay. Superb for diving
and snorkeling.
SILADEN ISLAND
Comprised of many white sandy beaches, Siladen is
good diving for experienced divers and good snorkeling
for all. For those who feel the need to escape from
civilization, this tranquil place offers a pleasant
opportunity for relaxing and sunbathing.
RANOMUUT HORSE RACING AREA
This track is primarily used on holidays, national
days and for special events where the public can
witness horse racing as well as traditional cart
racing. Check with your hotel front desk for information.
BAN
HIN KIONG
TEMPLE
This 19th century temple, the oldest in east Indonesia
, is the worship place of Chinese Buddhist believers.
The temple is is to be found on Jl. Panjaitan
in the center of the city.
Dating as far as from the 14th century, a traditional
Chinese parade is held at the Toa Peh Kong in
February annually.
WOLTER MONGINSIDI & PIERRE TENDEAN MONUMENT
This is a monument to commemorate the meritorious
young men from North Sulawesi - Wolter Monginsidi
and Pierre Tendean. Wolter Monginsidi died
during the struggle of Indonesian Independence and
Pierre Tendean died in the so-called "communist
rebellion" on September 30, 1965 .
Situated on the waterfront, it is usually crowded
with people who want to relax while enjoying the
beautfiul panoramic view of the Manado Bay. The
monument is located in Bahu at the intersection
of Jl. Monginsidi and Pierre Tendean.
MUSEUM NEGERI PROPINSI SULAWESI UTARA
Located on Jl. W. R. Supratman in Manado City, this
Provincial Museum offers visitors and students with
information on art, culture and history. It includes
displays of the four ethnic groups inhabiting North
Sulawesi, as well as the Batak Tribe (West Sumatra),
Lombok, Bali, Central Sulawesi and Irian Jaya. Dutch,
Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese and Swedish historical
artifacts can also be seen.
SECOND WORLD WAR MEMORIAL
This memorial that sits in the centre of Manado
next to Gereja Sentrum (City Centre Church) commemorates
the destruction of Manado which was heavily bombed
and to honor the victims of World War II.
GOLF
Wenang Golf Course, a nine-hole course covering
an area of 1,800 square metres, is situated on the
road from Manado to the international airport. Clubs
and caddies are available for hire.
BITUNG
Approximately 47 km from Manado city brings you
to the city of Bitung. It is located on the northern
coast of Sulawesi with land mass covering a total
area of 30,400 hectares and a population of 118,633
people (1996). Bitung is a significant commercial
port in Eastern Indonesia and also a tourist gateway
as the port is well equipped with a pier capable
of accommodating modern cruise ships. A major asset
for Bitung is the Lembeh Strait and Lembeh Island
which acts as a natural shield protecting Bitung
from wind and rough seas. It is believed that the
name "Bitung” was taken from the name
of a shady tree that grows in the coastal areas,
offering people shelter from sun, rain, and wind.
TANGKOKO BATUANGUS
NATURAL RESERVE
Set at the foot of Dua Saudara Mountain, holds
a scenic view of rolling hills and valleys with
a variety of hardwood trees and unusual plant
life.
This is also home the world's smallest primate,
the Tarsius Spectrum. A black tail-less monkey,
about the size of your fist and eyes almost as
big as her face.
The Maleo Birds, boars and kuskus
(marsupial family) can be found here too. Tangkoko
Batuangus Reserve offers a suitable protective environment
to help prevent these animals from becoming extinct.
It takes about 1.5-2 hours to get to Tangkoko which
is in the northern sector of Bitung. The reserve
encompases an area of approximately 3,196 Ha. Please
note that the road to Tangkoko is somewhat difficult.
Therefore, visitors are recommended to visit with
local tour operators to ensure a safe journey and
taking advantage of an experienced guide with a
trained eye who can assist in spotting the wildlife.
LEMBEH STRAIT
Lembeh Strait is a 12 km. long stretch of water
separating Lembeh Island and the mainland. Bitung
is actually the half way point along the shores
of Lembeh Strait . This pristine section of water
in North Sulawesi is where many unique sea animals
which include the pygmy seahorse, mimic octopus,
ghost pipefish reside. Definitely a fantastic dive
area for underwater photographers and the diversity
of smaller creatures assures many memorable photo
opportunities.
There are several undeveloped beaches on the shoreline of Lembeh Strait which are excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Presently, Lembeh Island is undeveloped and has no tourist facilities.
JAPANESE MONUMENT
As Bitung played an important role in WW II as a
home base for the Japanese Forces, it became the
last resting place of their soldiers who died during
the War. To commemorate this time in history and
the men who died, the Japanese and North Sulawesi
Government constructed this monument located at
Manembo-nembo 7 km from Bitung center.
Odyssea Divers Manado, North Sulawesi Indonesia provides quality resort and liveaboard diving for divers in manado, raja ampat, halmahera, moluccus sea, lembeh straits, lembeh, bangka, bunaken, sangihe.
