MANADO

NORTH SULAWESI

The charming city of Manado, is the provincial capital of North Sulawesi, the smallest of Sulawesi (formed known as the Celebes) island’s four provincies. This peninsular provinces-and arc of land nearly 800 kilometres wide-is home to some 2,5 million people, mostly Minahasans. Manado is famed for its spectacular diving sites and serene beaches, but its most prominent landmark is the brooding Mount Lokon, a beautiful volcano that houses a spectacular aqua-green sulphur lake inside its steamy cone. Regional tourist attractions include the peaceful Lake Tondano (South of Manado), the crystal clear diving waters of Bunaken Islan and Tasik Ria Beach.

In this book “The Malay Archipelago” 19th century naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace describe Manado “a one of the prettiest town in the East”.

Indeed, Manado is still a prim proper and pleasant place, and in recent years it has achieved special international fame for the beauty of its spectacular underwater “Sea Gardens” Divers the world over come to Manado to explore offshore reefs which teem with tropical fish, coral formations and other marine wonders. Meanwhile, the new resort project at Manado Tasik Ria Beach will eventually be one of East Indonesia’s biggest visit or attraction and Indonesia’s newest resort destination.