Manado Indonesia – Top-11 Things to See and to Do

Manado is, without a doubt, best suited for the adventurous soul. From worldclass diving opportunities, to white water rafting, to incredibly beautiful waterfalls, to stunning views over vistas far and wide, this is home for the action man in you.

The underwater world of Manado and the surrounding coral reefs will need very little introduction to the person reading this article. There is little doubt that any trip to the city of Manado is in some way connected to the incredible island of Bukanen and the delights that lie in wait below the surface.

1. Bunaken Marine Park

So, let’s talk about the Bunaken Marine Park. Read carefully here, you’re not going to want to miss any of this. The marine park is famous for the richness of its biodiversity and is often cited as an underwater paradise. There are at least 40 dive spots, which seems a bit ridiculous when you think about it.

Can’t dive and super sad while reading this? Why don’t you ride in the submarine that has transparent walls? Yes, they have a submarine with transparent walls. The park is open year round, but is best visited between the months of May and August.

Getting to the marine park is just another reason to include it in your itinerary, no matter how pressed you are for time. With just a 35 minute boat ride away from the port in Manado, you’ll be there, in the water and staring deep into the eyes of turtles faster than you get your gear ready.

2. Tumbak island

If you’re in for the much longer trip to get there, the almost untouched dive sites off Tumbak island will be your reward. Offering over 20 dive sites that are visited by tiny amounts of travellers, you’ll be treated to an entire world for you and the couple of people you’re with. Avid divers and people with some real time on their hands would do well to make the trip.

3. Malalayang Beach

One need not head to the islands to live the tropical life, though. With a coconut in hand, fried bananas at your side and the sea stretching out before you, you can easily forget that you are on the mainland. Malalayang Beach is easily the most popular of the beaches in Manado, just a few kilometres from the city centre – close enough to head to any time the mood strikes you. If you want to head somewhere quieter, you’ll have to head a bit further out of town.

4. Tunan waterfall

When you’re in Indonesia, and especially Bali, your eyes are stuffed with waterfalls more astounding than you thought possible. At points, it may seem a little unreasonable, and maybe even a little unfair that all this beauty is squashed into one small part of our big planet. Again, it seems a little unfair that the incredible Tunan waterfall must be pitted against the likes of those to be found in Bali. Even in the midst of such competition, Tunan waterfall stands out. The waterfall, its swimming pool, the encapsulating cliff faces and the sheer amount of green surfaces will leave you believing in something bigger than yourself. The entire experience, including the brilliant hike through the rainforest to get there is one of surreal beauty. It is also one that requires a backpack full of water, a few snacks, some insect repellent and a change of clothes.

The hike is long and could have you waiting as long as five hours to see the waterfall. Photographers will, of course, have an absolute field day here. Be sure to bring your wild angle lens. Overall, if there is one thing that you do in Manado, it must be this. However, you could be forgiven for spending all your time with the fishes, turtles and coral wonderlands. Question is, could you forgive yourself?

5. Ratahan Telu Falls and Kima Atas Falls

If you aren’t up for the strenuous and long hike to Tunan waterfall, there are a few other waterfalls that demand much less of its chaser. These include Ratahan Telu Falls and Kima Atas Falls. It is impossible to say which is better or even which one to visit first. They are both great. Really great.

6. Rafting on Sawangan River and Timbukar River

In even more typical Indonesian fashion, activities for the adventurous abound. Because the environment is effectively a wonderland, there’s just not much reason to stay inside. There are a couple of great spots to go rafting. The Sawangan River is one of them and the Timbukar River is the other. The prior will have you in and out of our boat for a good few hours while the latter is a little tamer, but still not for the feint-hearted. The experience is, as always, one of fantastic rejuvenation and can often leave you with an appreciation for land, food, stillness and other such simple pleasures.

7. Tandurusa Zoological Garden

Families could well be interested in a trip to the Tandurusa Zoological Garden. The small conservation area looks after the likes of a few deer and a few species of monkey. This includes this tiny, tiny little primate called a Tarsier Monkey that is no bigger than 15cm with eyes bigger than half of its face. It’s unbelievably cute. Grind your teeth cute.

8. The Blessing Jesus

Not to be confused with Christ the Redeemer, the world famous statue is Rio De Janiero, The Blessing Jesus, right here in Manado is the world’s second biggest statue of Jesus. Over fifty metres high and sitting at a slope, the statue is somewhat unique. The statue makes quite the trip with over 200 stairs to climb any several points to stop along the way where you will get loaded up with interesting facts about the Jesus’ trip to Dolorosa. Another great family outing.

9. Shopping malls

Being the biggest business district in the whole of Eastern Indonesia, there are a good few shopping outlets and malls to keep the consumer in you satisfied. In fact, when heading from the simpler and more laid back parts of Indonesia, the level of Westernisation may come as quite the shock. This shock may be even more prominent as you depart the island life and head away from the shores of Bukanen Island. Watch movies in cinemas, visit and empty your wallet at some of your favourite chains, and dine out at restaurants that you’ve definitely heard of before. Fun!

10. Tumpa Mount

The Tumpa Mount is located in the Village Tongkaina. The hike is nothing serious and will have you summiting the mountain is under an hour. This makes the hike to accessible to people of all abilities and could easily be another family outing. The views from the top are something to write home about and something you’ll want to remember packing your camera for. Pack a snack for the top, it’s a pretty special place for a picnic.

11. North Sulawesi State museum

The culturally inclined can find what they are looking for at the North Sulawesi State museum. The museum is stacked fill of antiques, traditional clothing, and home appliances, miniaturised this and miniaturised that. You’ll get a strong sense of life from yesteryear and will leave with an enriched sense of who the Minahasan people are.