Discover Manado: Gateway to North Sulawesi's Natural Wonders

TheIndonesia.co - With a brand-new direct flight route from Jakarta to Manado, exploring the lush mountains, pristine coral reefs, and flavourful cuisine of North Sulawesi has never been easier. Indonesia AirAsia’s new daily service isn’t just a win for connectivity — it opens the door to one of the archipelago’s most underrated gems.

From the bustling capital of Manado, travellers can venture into Bunaken National Marine Park, wander the cool highlands of Tomohon, and enjoy lakeside serenity in Tondano. Add in delicious local dishes like nasi kuning and bubur Manado, and you’ve got a destination perfect for adventurers, divers, foodies, and culture lovers alike.

Let’s dive into what makes Manado and its surrounding treasures a must-visit — and how this new flight route is shaping the future of tourism in Eastern Indonesia.

New AirAsia Flight to Manado: More Than Just Convenience

According to Antara News Agency, Indonesia AirAsia officially launched its direct Jakarta–Manado route, with daily flights departing Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) as early as 12:50 AM or 1:30 AM depending on the day, and return flights from Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) departing between 05:40 and 06:15 AM WITA.

Flight tickets are competitively priced from IDR1.6 million (approx. USD 100) per way and can be booked via the airasia MOVE app, the AirAsia website, or through authorized travel agents.

Captain Achmad Sadikin Abdurachman, Acting CEO of Indonesia AirAsia stated that the launch has already shown strong demand, with the first two flights carrying over 170 passengers each. The route supports not only domestic tourism but also international connectivity through AirAsia's Fly-Thru service, linking Manado with cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and even Phnom Penh — all on a single ticket.

This strategic expansion aligns with Indonesia’s efforts to distribute tourism growth more evenly across the archipelago, especially in Eastern Indonesia, where natural and cultural attractions remain largely untouched by mass tourism.

Why Manado Is More Than Just a Gateway

As the capital of North Sulawesi, Manado has long been a commercial hub — but it’s also emerging as a major tourism destination. According to BPS (Central Statistics Agency), from January to May 2025, the province welcomed 5.49 million domestic tourists and nearly 22,000 international visitors, with Manado accounting for 1.44 million of those visits.

And it’s no surprise. Within just a few hours' drive (or boat ride), visitors can experience everything from world-class diving and volcanic highlands to culinary adventures and ecotourism hotspots.

1. Bunaken National Marine Park – Diver’s Paradise

Located just 45 minutes by boat from Manado’s harbor, Bunaken National Marine Park is one of Indonesia’s oldest and most biologically rich marine reserves. With more than 70% of all fish species found in the Indo-Western Pacific, it’s a diving mecca that rivals the likes of Raja Ampat.

Top experiences:

• Scuba diving & snorkeling along vibrant coral walls
• Underwater photography of reef sharks, sea turtles, and colorful nudibranchs
• Island hopping to nearby Siladen and Manado Tua
• Sunset seafood dinners on Bunaken Island

The waters are warm, visibility is often 30 meters or more, and diving is available year-round, though May to October is considered peak season.

2. Tomohon – Culture, Volcanoes, and Highland Vibes

Roughly an hour’s drive from Manado, the cool-air town of Tomohon sits between two active volcanoes — Mount Lokon and Mount Mahawu. It’s a favorite weekend getaway for locals and an ideal spot for travelers looking to escape the tropical heat.

What to do:

• Climb Mount Mahawu for easy panoramic hikes and views of a crater lake
• Visit Woloan Village, known for traditional Minahasan wooden house construction
• Explore the Tomohon Traditional Market — not for the faint-hearted, but full of local flavour
• Attend the Tomohon Flower Festival (usually held in August), where flower parades and cultural performances bloom across the city
• Tomohon also boasts a Christian-majority population, which makes for a unique cultural blend in predominantly Muslim Indonesia — evidenced by its many European-style churches and religious festivals.

3. Tondano – Lake Views and Local Legends

Just south of Tomohon lies Lake Tondano, the largest lake in North Sulawesi. Surrounded by rice paddies and small villages, it's a peaceful destination perfect for day trips or overnight stays.

Highlights:

• Lake cruises with traditional boats
• Lakeside cafes serving fresh grilled fish
• Visiting Benteng Moraya, a historical site with roots in Minahasan resistance against colonial forces
• Enjoying the view from Kali Waterfall or Bukit Kasih, a multi-faith monument nestled in the highlands. The area is a popular picnic spot among locals and a quiet escape for visitors wanting to see another side of Sulawesi.

Eat Like a Local: Manado’s Flavours

North Sulawesi’s cuisine is bold, spicy, and rich in seafood. It’s a major reason people fall in love with Manado. Here are some must-try dishes:

Nasi Kuning (Yellow Rice)

A fragrant turmeric-infused rice dish usually served with shredded chicken, sambal, boiled egg, and spicy potato cakes. Often eaten for breakfast or during celebrations.

Bubur Manado (Tinutuan)

A hearty vegetable rice porridge made with pumpkin, corn, spinach, and sweet potato — perfect for vegetarians. It’s comforting, healthy, and surprisingly filling.

Ikan Bakar Rica-Rica

Grilled fish slathered in rica-rica, a chili-based spice blend unique to Minahasan cooking. It's fiery, flavorful, and unforgettable.

Cakalang Fufu

Smoked skipjack tuna, often shredded and served in rice dishes or soups. A local delicacy found everywhere from warungs to fancy restaurants.

Es Brenebon

A refreshing red bean dessert drink mixed with ice and syrup — the perfect end to a spicy meal.

Don't leave without trying a local kopi (coffee) — Tomohon’s highlands grow some of Indonesia’s best beans, and local coffee shops serve it thick and strong.

Getting Around North Sulawesi

Once you’ve landed in Manado, there are plenty of ways to explore the surrounding areas:

• Private cars or tour drivers: Best for flexibility, especially if you plan to visit Tomohon or Tondano.
• Local minivans (angkot): Cheap and authentic but may require patience and basic Indonesian.
• Motorbike rentals: Available in Manado; ideal for solo travelers or small groups.
• Island hopping tours: Depart from Manado’s main harbor daily for Bunaken and beyond.
• English is not widely spoken in remote areas, so learning a few basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia will go a long way.

Booking & Travel Tips for Foreign Tourists

Here are a few important tips for international travelers planning to visit Manado:

Entry & Visa

Visa-free access is available for 30+ countries for up to 30 days. Check the latest entry requirements before departure.

Manado’s Sam Ratulangi Airport (MDC) also accepts some international flights, especially from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Connectivity

Manado is part of AirAsia’s Fly-Thru network, meaning you can book a single itinerary from many major Asian cities.

Local SIM cards are cheap and widely available at the airport or convenience stores.

Health & Safety

• COVID-19 precautions have relaxed, but travel insurance is still recommended.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen while diving or snorkeling to protect coral ecosystems.
• Tap water is not drinkable, so stick to bottled or filtered water.

Best Photo Spots Around Manado

• Mount Mahawu Crater Rim at sunrise
• Tumpa Hills for aerial views of Manado Bay
• Underwater shots at Bunaken
• Traditional wooden houses in Woloan
• The floating village of Tondano

Final Word: Manado is Waiting

With direct flights, warm hospitality, and an unmatched blend of marine beauty, highland culture, and culinary heritage, Manado is no longer just a regional city — it’s a rising star on Indonesia’s tourism map.

Whether you’re diving deep in Bunaken, sipping coffee in Tomohon, or watching the sunset over Lake Tondano, you’ll find something rare: a destination still rooted in local life, open to the world, and eager to share its soul.