Sulawesi Utara

Bunaken & Manado

A Steep Reef Wall off Manado

Destination story

Bunaken National Park, established in 1991, is about an hour by boat from Manado, North Sulawesi. Off the island's coast, the seabed drops steeply, forming vertical reef walls that are home to a wide variety of colourful fish.

Mount Manado Tua is visible from many spots as a backdrop. Besides snorkelling and diving, the fishing village atmosphere on Siladen Island shows how the sea is the community's source of life.

Back on land, Manado and Tomohon offer Minahasan cuisine and the panorama of Lake Linow, whose water colour can change due to its sulphur content. The region is also known for the friendliness of its diverse residents.

Why visitA reef wall you can enjoy from the surface, combined with a food tour and a sulphur lake in the highlands.

Highlights & attractions

Bunaken Marine ParkPulau SiladenJesus Blessing MonumentPantai MalalayangDanau LinowBukit Kasih

Things to do

Marine

Snorkel the reef wallGlass-bottom boat

City

Manado food tourCity tourExplore Tomohon

Must-Try Local Dishes

In Bunaken & Manado, try Tinutuan, Cakalang Fufu and Panada. Food from other regions

Manado, North Sulawesi

Tinutuan

Rice porridge with pumpkin, corn, cassava, and leafy greens, eaten with salted fish and sambal. A healthy Manado breakfast.

Minahasa, North Sulawesi

Cakalang Fufu

Skipjack tuna smoked until dry and strongly aromatic. The meat is used as a side dish or filling.

Manado, North Sulawesi

Panada

Fried bread filled with spicy skipjack tuna. The crust is crisp while the filling is savoury and spicy.

Travel tips

Don't step on coral while snorkelling; use a life jacket if you aren't a confident swimmer.
The sea is usually calmest in the morning, so schedule snorkelling early.
Bring a change of clothes and a waterproof bag for the boat ride.
Lake Linow is in the Tomohon highlands; bring a light jacket.