Manado city is the provincal capital of North Sulawesi. Manado is the starting point for exploration of the Minahasa region’s many attractions. Fun-loving and extroverted, the Minahasa people live in neat wood frame houses, with fences and flower gardens, giving Manado a European feel. There is a wide range of hotels and restaurants. Those with an adventurous palate should try the famously hot and spicy Minahasa cuisine. The city’s numerous shops and markets are filled with an abundance of consumer goods and agricultural produce, while behind every building are glimpses of emerald hills and azure sea. Inland from Manado, a trip through the Minahasa Highlands will take you to intriguing prehistoric above-ground burial sites, volcanoes, hot springs, the highland lake Tondano and breathtaking panoramas of lush mountains, coffee and coconut plantations, orchid gardens and terraced hillsides. From Manado, also be sure to visit the Dua Saudara Nature Reserve – Tangkoko, home to birds and other wildlife unique to Sulawesi, such as the Tarsier – the smallelst monkey, cus cus, Hornbill etc. In this website you will find all the informations about Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
(taken from: www.visit-manado.com)
Manado is connected to the world through Sam Ratulangi International Airport. It is a modern facility airport connecting to Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, as well as offering domestic flights to and from Jakarta, Makassar, Denpasar and other major cities in Indonesia. A taxi takes 30 minutes from the airport to the city center.
The ubiquitous mini busses (called the MIKRO) serve the entire city and are abundant. They will pick up and drop off passengers anywhere along a route for about Rp3,000 (20 cents USD). Metered or fix-prized taxis are available by phone or by flagging one down. These tend to be more readily available at hotels and shopping centers. Regular full-sized busses connect cities within the province. There is no fixed schedule for departure. A bus departs from an inter-city terminal when all of its seats are filled. The costs vary between Rp15,000-45,000 ($1.50 to $4 USD) depending on the distance.
Bunaken National Park is one of the finest marine parks in Indonesia. Tangkoko-Duasudara Nature Sanctuary is an ideal site to enjoy tropical forests and native wildlife species (e.g. tarsiers, kuskuses, and macaques) in their natural habitat. Ban Hin Kiong Chinese (Congfuchu) temple adds a historical and cultural richness to the region. Bukit Doa (Prayer Hill) is located at the foot of and extending up the volcanic mountain, Mahawu. A recent addition to the area, it is stunning in its execution with many bronze statues of Christ representing the walk up Calvary.
The naturally bubbling sulphur springs of Lahendong can be seen from marked walkways. Being in the Ring of Fire sometimes mildly active volcanic smoke can be seen rising from Lokon Mountain. It is an attraction for mountain hikers when posted signs allow hiking. Rurukan is hilly highland village that offers amazing views of vegetables growing in steps going up the sides of the hills and moutains. Within a two-hour drive from Manado, there are many small villages that offer various attractions like pottery making or bamboo weaving. The village of Tara Tara will perform centuries old Portuguese dances, but advanced booking must be made. Tomohon, Tondano, Airmadidi, Kawangkoan, and Langowan are the best for highland views and tracking. Bitung, Tanawangko, and Amurang are the best destinations for beaches, snorkeling, diving and deep sea fishing.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are plentiful and found in strategic locations throughout Manado. They accept most internationally recognized cards, esp. Master, Visa, Cirrus and others. Licensed Money Changers are found only in Manado and Bitung, as well as major hotels.
Manadonese food is famous throughout Indonesia for its use of spices, and can frequently be quite hot to the uninitiated tongue. An abundance of vegetables, fish, pork, and chicken are the main diet and can be easily found baked or fried in local traditional fashion or in hotel-style cooking. Manado and the area are also well known for sweets made with mixtures of rice flour and brown sugar (a staple sweetener). There are plenty of restaurants that serve common Indonesian food, standard Chinese , and international food as well as there being budget restaurants for students. International chains such as Pizza Hut, McDonalds, and Kentucky Fried Chicken are found throughout Manado
WiFi facility is available on campus and freely accessed for registered students and university staff. Restaurants and hotels may offer free WiFi connections. Mobile phone providers offer a standard internet connection through modems. Internet cafes are found throughout the cities, and some towns, as well as in malls.