Manado: 10 Reasons to go there

Prolouge.


Blessed with the vibrant underwater view and tremendous scenery of its volcanoes, there’s no doubt to say Manado it’s one of the most “worth-it” place to be visited in this archipelago.
Thanks to Wawan and the gang, so I could visit the land of my ancestor...



Content.


1. Bunaken

One of the best diving and snorkelling spot in Indonesia! Although some corals have been dead , we can still see the colourful plants, fishes, or even sea snake.

There’s no bulu babi or jelly fish (I don’t know if there’s any in another part).

Returning to the harbour of Manado, a group of dolphin accompanied us alongside our boat.

(can't find more joyful experience than trip with the dolphins)

2. Tarsius (Tarsius Spectrum)

I bet they are the smallest primate in the world!

Get a ride to the Tangkoko Conservatory Forest in Bitung region where Tarsius and some of scarce birds live.

Tarsius is very shy. Be patient waiting them attracted to the bugs we put in the tree as a feeder.
And all your effort will be paid off when they show their big ears, unproportional eyes, and complete full set of their body...

You can see also black monkey with the pink butt. I forget the name.

3. Tomohon

For God sake.. this is the most speechless experience when you go the Manado.
Tomohon is well known as “city of flower” since most of its citizen plant flowers in their yard.
Afterward go the market, and you’ll see another side of Tomohon.

Well, Manadonese are well known that they can eat every “walking”-thing in this earth, except the train (traditional joke). But I mean it literally.

I don’t have to elaborate anymore. You’ll understand after staring these pictures.
(sh*tttt.... my ancestor eat those things!!!)

4. Bukit Kasih

It is the symbol of solidarity between five religions in Indonesia.
Climb it through hundred of stairs to reach the peak.
Then you’ll find five worship places side by side on it.
Same with Tangkuban Parahu, it smells some sulphurs.

5. Blessing Jesus

This is the biggest of Jesus statue in Indonesia and the second in ASEAN, right after The Philippines (oh yes,,, I am pretty sure of it)

The statue was erected at the hill in the centre of CitraLand Manado.

Currently it becomes a place to have a religious travel.

6. Tondano Lake

Nothing special with this lake except having a lunch at the side of it.
After exhausting trip to Tomohon, have a break in the restaurant at the side of the lake.
Feel the tranquil atmosphere complemented by the windy air, kolintang music, and a glass of nata the coco.

7. The Foods

If you’re a food adventurer, you can’t miss the variety spicy food of Manado.

Have a dinner in Raja Sate restaurant to try its unique “Sup Ayam”.

Or refill yourself with “Stunning-until-your-nose Fish Soup of Bunaken” after having snorkelling.

Recall to the number 3, if you dare enough, try some restaurants in front of Tomohon market... ohohoho you can’t miss the sensation of Rica-rica Rat or Woku2 RW (bats).


8. Klaapertart

Again, for God sake, it is the most expensive traditional cake in Indonesia and surely it is the best!! Klaapertart can stand inside the refrigerator only for 3 days... and after that you’ll lose its quality.

It’s worth for 50 KIDR for little cup of Klaapertart.

The most famous producer is Kawanua Klaapertart (well known with the cherry and raisin as the topping of it)


9. The Girls

Ooohhyes,,, compete with Mojang Bandung, nobody can’t deny the natural beauty of Manado girls.
While Mojangs Bandung are gorgeous because of artificial ingredients (make up, etc), Manado girls are beautiful from their raw material.

But,,, please.. don’t wait until they speak...

Herewith a dialogue between 2 friends of mine and a manado girl in angkot:

Chandra (bukan nama sebenarnya) : Eh cuy, ada cewe cakep tuh...
Reynold (bukan nama sebenarnya): Mana? Oh iya ya.. cakep...cakep!!
Chandra : ayo cuy, kita kenalan
Reynold : ah malu men, gimana caranya?
Chandra : pura2 nanya alamat hotel aja gmn?
Reynold : ok

Reynold : Mba, sori... kalau Hotel Minahasa kemana ya arahnya?
Linda (mungkin nama sebenarnya) : oooooooo.... so deeeekaaaat!!!
(disuarakan dgn penekanan pada huruf “e” seperti logat orang Batak)

Reynold & Chandra : .........


10. It’s cheap...

Yes, definetly it is easy to access from my town.
Just take less than one hour direct flight from Bpn-Mnd.
Two options: Garuda & Batavia.

Have a nice trip.
Kitorang Samua Basodara...