About Manado

Manado, the capital city of North Sulawesi, is known affectionately by divers and snorkellers for its spectacular reefs that form the epicenter of the marine biodiversity in the Indo Pasific Ocean. It is also a town rich in aglicultural product including coconut, vanilla, clove plantations as well as fishing.

Strong in foreign cultural influences from its spice trading years, Manado gained a reputation of being one of the prettiest towns in all of South East Asia. It is still clean and attractive and its people one of the higgest standarts of living in Indonesia.

Manado is a great starting point for daily excursions to the famed Minahasan Highlands and the world's smallest primate, Tarsier Spectrum. The most famous diving spots are the walls and reefs in and around Bunaken National Park, a marine reserve just a short boat ride away fro the city.

Climate : wet season (November-April), dry season (May-October)

Best time to go : the wet season are not very pronounced (there is no monsoon in Manado) so Manado is a pretty much a year-round destination.

Flavours : grilled seafood that is extremely fresh is a must. Dip it in dabu-dabu (a spicy chili dip)

Activities : diving, snorkeling, rafting, rainforest exploration (Tarsier Spectrum), volcano trekking.

Events & Festivals : Tai Pei Kong festival at the Kien Teng Ban Hian Kong Temple (february), Bunaken Festival, a series of activities by the operators and residents on Bunaken.

Source : Silkwinds Magazine