Manado Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

Manado

Trending in Manado

View more

About Manado

27℃

Local currency

IDR

Recommended stays in Manado

Discover the most popular places to stay in Manado, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

View more

Must-try food in Manado

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Manado dishes and foodie spots.

View more

Asian cuisine

Southeast Asian cuisine

Western cuisine

Traveler photos and experiences

View more
Breaking into the secret realm of Sulawesi's life and death views X breathtaking underwater world journey — traveler post in Manado

Breaking into the secret realm of Sulawesi's life and death views X breathtaking underwater world journey

This is the ultimate secret realm every adventurer must visit in their lifetime: Sulawesi Island, Indonesia! Unlike the refined resort vibe of Bali, this place offers an absolutely raw and wild feel~Today, let me unlock the triple shocks of this K-shaped mysterious island for you!🌋🌊 · ——Toraja Highlands——— 📍Location: Toraja region, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia ✈️Transportation: Fly from the capital Makassar to Rantepao (1 hour) 🎫Ticket: About 50k IDR (around 25 RMB) 👉This is literally the real-life version of "Coco"! ✨"Tongkonan" houses: boat-shaped roofs pointing to the sky, each costing as much as a luxury car! Perfect for stunning photos📸 ⚰️Cliff coffins: Discover the "death balcony" on a thousand-meter cliff, with lifelike wooden guardians that redefine your view of life and death🙏 🐂Buffalo funerals: Wealthy families slaughter dozens of buffaloes worth millions... the scene is so shocking it leaves you speechless! · ——Bunaken Marine Park——— 📍Location: Coastal area of Manado, North Sulawesi Province 🤿Best diving season: April to October 💸Diving price: About 400 RMB per dive (equipment included) 🌊One of Asia’s top 3 most beautiful diving spots is right here! 🐠Underwater cliff with a vertical drop of over a thousand meters! The colorful coral walls are absolutely stunning~ 🐢99% chance to encounter sea turtles! If you’re lucky, you might even get a manta ray cameo! 📸Highly recommend recording the whole experience with a GoPro, your social feed will explode with likes💥 · ——Lokon Volcano——— 📍Location: Tomohon region, North Sulawesi Province ⏰Opening hours: All day (sunrise visit recommended) 🚗Transportation: Car rental about 300 RMB/day 🌋The two-colored volcanic lakes are breathtaking! 💚Left side Tiwu Nuwa Muri lake: emerald green ⚪Right side Tiwu Ata Polo lake: milky white 💀The death valley crack emits sulfur steam, like the gates of hell! (Remember to wear a mask) · ——Must-know before you go——— ✈️Major transport: Fly first to Jakarta/Bali, then transfer to Makassar (main entrance) 📱Network: Recommended to buy a Telkomsel SIM card 💊Essentials: Mosquito repellent + stomach medicine + motion sickness pills 👗Outfit: Quick-dry clothes + hiking shoes + bright-colored swimsuit (for diving photos) This is definitely the most hardcore trip you’ve ever taken! From cliff funerals to underwater adventures, to volcanic explorations... Sulawesi will show you the wildest way to rediscover this world!🌏✨

Dive in to Colorful Reefs: Bunaken  — traveler post in Manado

Dive in to Colorful Reefs: Bunaken

Exploring the beautiful underwater world of Bunaken was an unforgettable experience. Diving into crystal-clear turquoise waters, surrounded by colorful coral reefs, vibrant tropical fish, and breathtaking marine life, reminded me how incredibly beautiful Indonesia truly is. Every moment beneath the ocean felt like discovering a hidden paradise, where nature flourishes in its purest form and the beauty of the sea seems endless. From the peaceful blue waters to the magnificent coral gardens, Bunaken is a place that captures the heart and makes you appreciate the wonders of our planet. Indonesia is truly blessed with extraordinary natural beauty, and Bunaken is one of those magical destinations that deserves to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. 🌴✨ 🐠 Discover Indonesia, dive into its beauty, and let nature take your breath away. #tripbestshot

Copy this 7-day Indonesia autumn itinerary directly — traveler post in Manado

Copy this 7-day Indonesia autumn itinerary directly

Hey everyone! Want to know how to get the most out of 7 days in Indonesia? We've got your itinerary and activities all planned out—save time, save money, and enjoy an all-inclusive experience! Chase dolphins, visit the Jesus statue, see the stunning five-colored lake, and explore the Bunaken underwater world—it's like living in "Finding Nemo"! Not to mention playing on the viral white sand island, hiking volcanoes, and relaxing in infinity pools! Follow this guide, copy the plan, and get ready for an amazing, hassle-free trip! . Don't say I didn't warn you—scroll down to discover a whole new world! . Indonesia is a land of thousands of islands. Historical sites like Borobudur 🏯 tell tales of ancient civilizations, Bali's 🌴 beaches and temples will keep you coming back, plus there are volcanoes 🌋, rainforests 🌿, and street food 🍜—every moment is an adventure! . · 🌴 Route recommendation:* · *Day 1**: Departure ✈ Arrive in Manado After arriving at Manado Airport, wait for your guide to pick you up, head to the hotel to drop off your luggage, and enjoy some free time to kick off this dreamy island getaway! · *Day 2**: Bunaken National Park Take a boat to Bunaken National Park, dive into the crystal-clear waters, dance with colorful tropical fish, and experience the magic of a world-class diving paradise. · *Day 3**: Bunaken Island -> Manado Ocean Fish Continue diving at Bunaken Island in the morning, soak up the sun and sea breeze, then return to Manado in the afternoon to explore the Manado Ocean Fish for a unique experience with marine life. · *Day 4–6**: Free time in Manado Visit the world's third-tallest Jesus statue, explore breathtaking active volcanoes and the ever-changing five-colored lake. You can also take a boat to the viral white sand island to enjoy clear waters and soft sand, or spend a lazy, relaxing time at a luxury resort with an infinity pool. Plan it your way and fully immerse yourself in Manado's unique tropical vibe! · *Day 7**: Manado ✈ Home sweet home Pack your bags, follow the private car to the airport, and say goodbye to this vibrant island with a heart full of memories—see you next time! . ``` Must-visit attractions: Bunaken National Park 🌟🌟 📍Address: Pelabuhan Marina Plaza, Manado City, North Sulawesi, Indonesia ⏰Opening hours: Open all day ⏱Duration: 1 day ✨A paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts—experience a pure underwater world! Bunaken Island 🌟🌟 📍Address: North Sulawesi, Indonesia ⏰Opening hours: Open all day ⏱Duration: 1 day ✨Discover underwater treasures—the dreamy coral and schools of tropical fish are super healing! Manado Ocean Fish 🌟🌟 📍Address: Jl. Komp. Bahu Mall, Kota Manado, Sulawesi Utara, Indonesia ⏰Opening hours: Open all day ⏱Duration: 1–2 hours ✨Enjoy authentic local food while overlooking the sea—every photo is a masterpiece! ``` . 🌴 **Passport, visa & documents** Valid passport (at least 6 months validity), pre-arranged e-visa or visa on arrival, printed hotel and itinerary documents, and a few passport photos just in case. 📱 **Communication & internet** Buy a local Indonesian SIM card (Telkomsel is recommended for good signal), carry a portable WiFi device, or activate international roaming. Download offline maps and translation apps in advance. 🔌 **Plugs & charging equipment** Indonesia uses European-style two-pin round plugs. Remember to bring an adapter and a multi-socket power strip. Ensure your power bank meets boarding regulations. You can bring a waterproof phone case for surfing and diving. 🌦️ **Clothing & accessories** October is warm, so light short-sleeved shirts, beach dresses, and flip-flops are essential. Bring a light jacket for the mountains. If you plan to snorkel, remember to bring quick-dry clothes and swim trunks. Don't forget a sun hat and sunglasses. 🛡️ **Medicine & protection** Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, anti-diarrhea medicine, Band-Aids, and painkillers are must-haves. Also, remember to bring a waterproof waist bag to keep your valuables safe and secure. . Get the same travel essentials from this guide and enjoy a relaxing, wonderful vacation!

Bunaken Island, Indonesia | A world-class diving paradise, dive into the glass-clear underwater world of Manado — traveler post in Manado

Bunaken Island, Indonesia | A world-class diving paradise, dive into the glass-clear underwater world of Manado

When it comes to Manado, Indonesia, Bunaken National Marine Park is a must-mention. This quiet island is hailed by many diving enthusiasts as a Southeast Asian underwater treasure trove. Free from noisy crowds of influencers, it retains a pristine and pure marine landscape. Whether you're a certified diver or a beginner snorkeler, you're in for a wonderful surprise. Depart by boat from the Manado pier and set sail for Bunaken. As you travel across the sea, the water's color shifts in layers, transitioning from the light blue near the shore to a deep, luminous royal blue that is as clear as glass. From a distance, the island is enveloped in lush greenery, with seaside cottages scattered along the coast—just like the laid-back seaside town you see in photos. Bunaken is most famous for its spectacular coral walls. This unique underwater landscape features steep coral cliffs that extend from the surface into the deep sea. Once you enter the water, you're instantly transported into a colorful underwater garden: vast layers of soft and hard corals in rich colors, with schools of butterflyfish, damselfish, and barracuda darting between them. The water visibility is exceptional, offering crystal-clear underwater views. You can enjoy close-up views of corals and fish while snorkeling, or if you're a certified diver, you might encounter sea turtles and groupers—and if you're lucky, even larger marine life. Once you step ashore on Bunaken Island, the pace of life slows down significantly. There are no large shopping malls here—only seaside paths, local shops, and simple cafes. Stroll along the coast, feel the salty sea breeze, and watch the fishing boats quietly docked at the shore. The local residents live a peaceful life, and you can enjoy fresh, affordable seafood at small street-side eateries. It's simple, uncomplicated, and far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. 📝 Practical Travel Tips 1. Transportation: Bunaken is part of Manado. You must take a boat from the Manado pier, which takes about 40–60 minutes. The journey is subject to sea conditions; if the waves are rough, the boat may be bumpy, so those prone to seasickness should prepare medication in advance. 2. Diving: We recommend booking your trip in advance with a reputable dive shop in Manado. For snorkeling, it's advisable to wear a rash guard to protect against sunburn and coral scratches. Remember: do not touch or step on the coral, and do not feed the marine life. Let's protect this underwater ecosystem. 3. Gear: High-SPF waterproof sunscreen, a diving mask, and water shoes are essential. UV rays are very strong underwater, so it's easy to get sunburned even on cloudy days. 4. Accommodation: There are a few seaside guesthouses on the island, or you can choose to stay in downtown Manado and take day trips out for diving. 5. Season: The dry season (April–October) offers calmer seas and the best water visibility, making it the ideal time for diving. This isn't a bustling "check-in" destination; it's better suited for those who want to slow down and truly love the ocean. Dive into the crystal-clear blue water, swim alongside schools of fish, and listen to the waves once you're back on shore—this is the unique romance of Bunaken.

Bunaken Local Guide: Catch snorkeling with Turtles🇲🇨 — traveler post in Manado

Bunaken Local Guide: Catch snorkeling with Turtles🇲🇨

How to get there Fly to Manado: Land at Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC). Public Boat: Departs daily (except Sundays) from Pelabuhan Manado (Berhati Harbor) at ~2:00–3:00 PM (IDR 50,000–60,000/person, 45–60 mins). Private Speedboat: Departs anytime from Marina/Kalimas Harbor (IDR 800,000–1,200,000 round trip). 🐢 Best Time to Visit May – October (Peak Season): Dry weather, calm seas, and crystal-clear water with 25m–35m visibility. November & April: Good conditions with occasional rain. December – March: Rainy season with lower visibility and choppier seas. 🥽 Top Activities Snorkel & Dive the Walls: Explore famous drop-off coral walls at Lekuan I, II, & III (best for sea turtles), Fukui Point (giant clams), and Celia Wall. Dolphin Watching: Take an early morning boat trip into the deep channel near Mount Manado Tua. Siladen Island Trip: A 15-minute boat ride for white sand beaches and shallow reef gardens. #indonesiatrip #localdiscoveries

Paradise with Excellent Service and a Resort Feel — traveler post in Manado

Paradise with Excellent Service and a Resort Feel

The resort offers fantastic ocean views, exceptional service, and a wonderful resort vibe 😊 Initially, we booked the best room with a private pool, but due to an error, we couldn’t stay in that room. However, they compensated us with added services, allowing us to enjoy a satisfying vacation. While we are certified divers, we couldn’t dive due to health reasons, so we chose snorkeling instead. The staff took us to various snorkeling points by boat, enabling us to enjoy eight 70-minute sessions within our 3-night stay. There was an English-speaking staff member at the diving center, which made it easier to communicate our needs and was very helpful. The room was cleaned three times a day, and it even had a water dispenser, so we could use water conveniently without hesitation. Breakfast and lunch were served buffet-style, while dinner consisted of a selection course. For lunch, we selected appetizers, main dishes, and desserts to book in advance. The friendly staff memorized our first names, which made interactions feel very warm and personal.

Bunaken: A Magical Underwater Paradise Worth Travelling For 🐢🌊 — traveler post in Manado

Bunaken: A Magical Underwater Paradise Worth Travelling For 🐢🌊

Some places are beautiful above the surface, but Bunaken holds its greatest magic beneath the sea. Located in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Bunaken is an absolute paradise for snorkelling lovers. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and incredible marine life, every moment in the ocean feels like discovering a whole new world. But the most unforgettable part? Swimming alongside majestic sea turtles in their natural habitat. 🐢✨ Watching these gentle creatures glide effortlessly through the deep blue water is a magical experience that no photograph could ever truly capture. It's one of those rare moments when time seems to stand still, leaving you completely mesmerised by the beauty of nature. Bunaken isn't just another tropical destination. It's a reminder of how extraordinary our oceans are and how lucky we are to witness their wonders. If there's one place in Indonesia worth travelling to for an unforgettable snorkelling adventure, let it be Bunaken. 💙 #tripmoments #indonesiatrip

LivaniLivani
Visit Manado, Indonesia: A Paradise of Sea and Nature! — traveler post in Manado

Visit Manado, Indonesia: A Paradise of Sea and Nature!

Discover Manado, a stunning coastal city on Sulawesi Island, featuring crystal-clear waters, lush nature, and breathtaking volcanic views. 🌊✨ 📍 Highlights You Can't Miss · 🐠 Bunaken National Park – Dive into a vibrant underwater world and coral reefs. · 🌋 Mount Lokon – Take in the magnificent volcanic scenery and nature. · 🌿 Tangkoko Nature Reserve – Spot the tarsiers, the world's smallest big-eyed primates. · 🏞️ Lake Linow – A stunning, multi-colored lake nestled in the mountains. ✈️ If you're looking for a beautiful beach getaway, spectacular nature, and unique experiences, Manado is a must-visit! 🏨 Plan your trip, book your stay and flights at Trip.com 👉 https://www.trip.com

The Best Place to Stay in Bunaken — traveler post in Manado

The Best Place to Stay in Bunaken

Undoubtedly, this is the best place you can stay in Bunaken. After our experience, we wouldn’t choose any other resort or accommodation; we’d come back here without hesitation. The location is perfect—close to everything, right next to a gorgeous beach where we enjoyed amazing sunsets with views of the volcano, and near the harbor, where you can also take in the sunrise. For us, the location is unbeatable. The excursions they organize were excellent, with everything perfectly arranged. We were lucky enough to see many dolphins, which made the experience even more incredible. The homemade food was spectacular—delicious, plentiful, and lovingly prepared. The accommodation offers all the comforts you’d find in any resort: it’s super clean, has Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and very comfortable beds. And all of this comes at a fantastic price. The area is quiet and, in my opinion, has a better location than any other resort. However, the truly special aspect of this place is the family. They treated us wonderfully from the very beginning and helped us with absolutely everything we needed. They made us feel at home, and we’re leaving Bunaken feeling like we’ve made new friends. I don’t have enough words to thank them for everything they did for us and how special they made our stay. I wouldn’t recommend any other place in Bunaken over this one. If we return to the island, we’ll come back here without a doubt. Thank you for everything! ❤️ We take away precious memories and great new friends.

A Relaxing Paradise with Exceptional Diving and Warm Hospitality — traveler post in Manado

A Relaxing Paradise with Exceptional Diving and Warm Hospitality

This incredible piece of paradise offers a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. The staff were friendly, helpful, and extremely professional while maintaining a relaxed and comfortable demeanor. We even had the privilege of being invited to a local wedding. The sense of community here is strong, and we truly felt like part of it. The diving experience is phenomenal, with over 30m visibility showcasing stunning coral reefs teeming with sea turtles, pristine hard and soft corals, and beautiful sponges. It's not your typical 5-star, air-conditioned, poolside resort. Instead, it provides an immersive, laid-back, and unforgettable experience. Can't wait to come back—thank you, Wilke and Jerry!

What people are saying about Manado

Write a review

Bunaken

There are hundreds of types of coral reefs of various species. In fact, in this Marine Park there are approximately 20 diving spots available. Wow, truly heaven for those of you who love snorkeling and diving.

kenz22kenz22

Bunaken National Marine Park

Bunaken Island is located in the north of Manado. It is a long island. The underwater near the island is a cliff-like landform. The surrounding water is very clear. There are diverse species and a large number of sea turtles. It is one of the world's top diving sites. Both snorkeling and deep diving are very exciting. Of course, the deep diving experience will be even better.

Wayson-WongWayson-Wong

Zero Point

This attraction doesn't seem to have much fun. Go to the island city to see the sea and play some sea projects.

yxigeriyxigeri

Yesus Memberkati Statue

This is the second largest statue of Jesus in the world. It stands on the flat ground at the top of the mountain, surrounded by famous local churches. This statue of Jesus opens its arms, as if to embrace the public or to fly into the sky.

小小呆60小小呆60

Rumah Alam Manado Adventure Park

It's not fun at all. If you have extra time, you can come and find it. It's okay to take some photos, but I don't have too many expectations for other things. The plants are lush and there are some small resting places.

小小呆60小小呆60

Manado FAQ

What currency is used in Manado?

The standard currency in Manado is IDR

How do I exchange currency in Manado?

Current exchange rate approx.: INR ≈193.2IDR (actual exchange rates depend on the bank). Currency exchange tips:
1. Exchange currency at your local bank before departure, as rates are usually better than at the destination.
2. You can also withdraw cash from local ATMs.
3. Avoid exchanging currency at airports or hotels, as they offer the worst rates.