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MANADO
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Manado
Manado (also Menado) is in the capital of North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Understand
The capital of the province, the former stronghold of the Dutch and the cultural center 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.
Get in
Manado is quite far from the rest of Indonesia and most visitors arrive by plane.
By plane Manado's Sam Ratulangi Airport (MDC) is an airy, modern facility last expanded in 2001. The airport fields some international flights to Singapore (Silk Air, 4x weekly, 3h) and Davao, Philippines (Merpati, 1x weekly, 1h), with visa on arrival possible. There are also frequent flights to Jakarta (3h) and Makassar (1.5h), as well as some flights to Denpasar (Bali), Ternate (North Maluku) and Sorong (Papua). A taxi from the airport to central Manado takes about 30 minutes and costs Rp. 70,000 (bargaining may be necessary).
Departure tax from Manado is Rp. 75,000 for international flights and Rp. 30,000 for domestic flights. The terminal has an Internet cafe in the public area and the standard array of restaurants and gift shops inside, but note that there is nothing once past immigration.
Get around
The main ways of getting around are ojek/ompreng, moped taxis that can be a bit scary, or with Mikrolets (mikros), the blue mini buses 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.
By taxi Dian Taksi has a fleet of white and blue station wagon taxis lounging near major hotels, you can either use the meter or bargain. Figure on Rp. 10,000 for most hops around the city, or Rp. 60,000 from airport to city.
See Ban Hin Kiong. A 19th century Buddhist temple.Orchid garden, Kairagi Village.
Do
Manado is famous throughout the region for its diving areas. Bunaken is one of the finest and maybe the most well-kept national marine park in Indonesia. Kawan Baru Restaurant and Cafe, tel. +62-431-879490 +62-431-879491, . A Different atmosphere restaurant and cafe in Manado. Serve with quality food from Indonesia cuisine Style. It has been established for more than 40 years in Manado.Located on Mega Mas Boulevard. Warong Rica Rica, tel. +62-431-879490 , . A seafood restaurant located at Bahu Mall Bay street Cafe. Serve with the quality of local seafood. With the beautiful sea panoramic.
Eat
Manadonese food is famous throughout Indonesia for two things: the Minahasa eat absolutely anything, and the flavor of choice is very, very spicy. Sugar is used little if at all, with flavor added through lemon and herbs. Being Christian, the Minahasa also often marinate meat in alcohol and favor pork. More exotic protein options include bat, field rat and...
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| Jatiluwih Batukaru Mountain Nature's Best |
8 hours |
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This tour will take you on a scenic drive 'Off-the-beaten-Track' with time to stop and appreciate the tranquil beauty of Bali, enjoying a personalized service for a maximum of 6 people. Your guide will enlighten you on the Balinese farming traditions, and you can get back to nature with short walks into forest, village and farmland. Once past busy Denpasar, you start to explore the unspoiled countryside and villages of the backroads.
In the fertile volcanic foothills of Batukaru Mountains you'll see an abundance of tropical fruits, spices, vegetables and flowers. It is no wonder that the community here is considered Bali's farming elite. For the Balinese, cultivation of land is a creative art and a communal effort, and the people of Jatiluwih have created a true masterpiece 'an endless and intricate jigsaw of finely' curved rice terraces in brilliant shades of green, with glistening waters, so soothing to the eye.
Then, travelling through thick tropical forest beneath Mount Batukaru you'll reach the remote Temple of Luhur. For Balinese Hindu's, this site has special mystical powers and only Besakih Temple is more sacred - an ideal spot to meditate! There is also a 'rest stop' at Yeh Panes riverside restaurant. Bring your swimming clothes if you want to use the pool or hot spring spas here (entrance fee to spas / lunch not included).
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| Bali Hai Sunset Dinner Cruise |
4 hours |
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There's no better way to spend a balmy tropical evening than on Bali Hai's evening Dinner Cruise. As the sun goes down we set off on a relaxing cruise around the harbor.
Take in the cool night air on the top deck, be entertained by our famous strolling Batakos Singers, savor a delicious international buffet dinner, then dance the night away at our disco or enjoy our live cabaret show.
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| Besakih Temple and Karangasem |
10 hours |
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This coach tour takes you to Besakih Temple at the foot of Mount Agung, through rice box terraces and on to Bali's scenic east coast. First stop is Kerta Gosa, the Hall of Justice, in Klungkung which dates from the 18th century. Interesting classical paintings can be viewed on the ceiling, portraying visions of heaven and hell. Continue up into the mountains, stopping to admire the view from Bukit Jambul over rice terraces with the sea glistening in the distance.
Then it's on to Besakih Temple, almost 1.000 m above sea level. Besakih is the 'Mother Temple' of Bali and probably originated as a prehistoric sanctuary where offerings were made to the god of Mount Agung. The complex houses 30 temples, made up of 7 levels of terraces in the mountainside. A stop is made for lunch (not included) at Bukit Jambul.
Back at sea level, visit Tenganan - one of the original Bali 'Aga' villages where traditions have changed little over the centuries. Drive through the beach resort of Candi Dasa to Kusamba fishing village where fishing and salt panning are still the villagers' main livelihood. See the black sand beaches and look out for colorfully painted outrigger canoes. Your final stop is at eerie GAO Lawah (Bat Cave) where the walls of the cave literally vibrate with thousands of bats. The cave is considered to be holly, with shrines and a temple protecting the entrance.
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