North Sulawesi (Sulawesi Utara)

1. Ban Hin Kiong Temple

Ban Hin Kiong Temple is about 335 years old (Qing Dynasty 1644-1911) and it is a worship house for Tridharma followers. Since long ago, this temple has become a landmark for local government, general public and Tridharma followers in Manado as it is the first temple and a worship house for Tridharma followers from Manado and its surrounding areas. Ban Hin Kiong temple consists of three words, Ban means much, Hin means abundance favor and Kiong means palace. Therefore, Ban Hin Kiong means a holy palace that distributes many happiness. In addition to having a beautiful design, Ban Hin Kiong has also some annual events to commemorate Chinese New Year, ritual process of Goan Siao or Cap Go Meh.
This red temple looks elegant and attractive in all its sides and ornaments. These ornaments potray symbols of materials and these symbols deliver us the holy message about the initial creation of sky, earth and humans. These symbols represent the picture of God with all his characteristics in one integrated, harmonized and full unity. These ornaments are apparent from carved paintings on rear wall. Central wall shows a child who tries to pick a fruit and an old man stands beside him to remind him. This symbol means anyone who plants will enjoy his fruits. There are many other meaning symbols that remind us about the God's power. Visitors can see praying site for Tridharma followers in this three-story building, but you have to take off your footwear by the front entrance.
This oldest Tridharma temple in the Eastern part of Indonesia is indeed very unique for its architectural design. You can follow the praying process but not until third floor. There are 16 types of ritual ceremonies for different purposes. In addition, this temple with Chinese classic architecture has also some regular events to commemorate such as the Imlek (the Chinese new year) and the Toa Peh Kong in February. The Toa Peh Kong is a Chinese tradition brought by Chinese ancestors to North Sulawesi. When these celebrations take place, the temple is usually crowded and shows many Chinese cultural attractions such as Barongsai (the Lion Dance), ince pia (Invulnerability show), Pikulan (decorated carriages with religious symbols), and Kuda Lo Cia. These attractions usually show groups of dancers and traditional Kabasaran dancers and bamboo music.
2. Boulevard Area
Boulevard Area is a center of culinary tourism at nights. It is also an icon of Manado, the capital city of North Sulawesi province. Previously, this area was only a center of small vendors and street cafes that serve various types of Manado foods. Previously, they sold foods using carts along the beach but this area has been developed and managed following constructions of malls and shopping centers. At present, there are four malls in this area e.g., Manado Town Square (Mantos), Boulevard Mall, Bahu Mall and Mega Mall. Behind Bahu Mall and Mega Mall, there are cafés, restaurants and food stalls serving various types of Manado foods and other dishes such as gado-gado, bakso (meatballs), fried rice and seafood. These malls are located at Pierre Tendean street, which is a landmark of local community as it is the widest street and the longest coastal street in the region (4.2 kilometers).
Beside eating and enjoying the beach, you can also perform many activities. When the weather is good, you can see Manadu Tua and Bunaken islands from this area. The most interesting to do during a clear weather is to see a perfect sunset from this Boulevard Area. While waiting for the evening, you can order Manado typical foods such as grilled pig ribs, grilled fish and many more. Cafe, tent food stalls along the beach have various styles and tastes. You can choose any food you like. In addition to culinary tour along the beach, you can also shop in four malls available in this area.
3. Bukit Kasih (The Hill of Love)
Bukit Kasih is located in Kanonang village, Kawangkoan or some 55 kilometers from Manado, North Sulawesi. It was built in 2002 as a spiritual center where religion followers of various beliefs can gather, meditate and perform their worships in this fertilized and fogged tropical hill. This hill is called the Hill of Love because it is where people from different religions can gather and perform their worships close one another as a symbol of religious and peaceful harmony. Five worship houses, namely Catholic Church, Christian church, temple, mosque and Pura temple were built on the second peak. While the first peak has a 53 meter tall white cross which can be seen from Boulevard beach in Manado. In addition, this place is believed as a place for ancestors of Minahasa tribe, namely Toar and Lumimuut as their faces are carved on hillside under the second peak.
Visitors can enjoy cool weather by climbing the stairs toward the first and second peaks. When passing steps on the right side of the Monument, visitors can pass the cauldron to cook and eat corn, yams and bananas.
4. Bunaken: Breathtaking Underwater Life
Ever fancy yourself being a mermaid? Being able to swim in tune with other creatures of the sea, flipping your bodies to the rhythm of the waves? In Bunaken Sea Park, you will encounter a real mermaid, and you can also view a glimpse of the sea life here. Bunaken is an island of 8.08 km² at Manado Bay, situated in the north of Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. This Island is part of Manado city, the capital city of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Sea Park in Bunaken Island is as part of National Park of Old Manado Ocean.
In this Bunaken Sea Park, visitors can see various marine lives at the bottom of Bunaken Sea. To reach this park, you can go by sea transportation like motor boat. Visitors are charged 25,000 rupiahs per person for one visit. The trip to Bunaken Sea Park Location from Manado City takes 40 minutes by motor boat. Translucent water of Bunaken sea enables people to view numerous sea biota clearly. There are 13 coral reefs in this park, dominated by edge ridges of rock and block ridges of rock. The most attractive view is the steep vertical sloppy coral reef as far as 25-50 meters high.
Feast your eyes with 91 fish types found in this Bunaken National Park, amongst other things locally known gusimi horse fish (Hippocampus), white oci (Seriola rivoliana), yellow-tail lolosi (Lutjanus kasmira), goropa (Ephinephelus spilotoceps and Pseudanthias hypselosoma), ila gasi (Scolopsis bilineatus) and so on. Visitors may also meet with mollusk types like giant kima (Tridacna gigas), goat head (Cassis cornuta), nautilus (Nautilus pompillius) and tunikates/ascidian.
BunakenViewing the underwater lives might not be sufficient to quench your curiousity. Especially when you are on land and the marine beings appear to be out of reach. For those who enjoy scuba diving, this is the great place to do so. With about 20 diving spots to choose from, divers will have the chance to swim under the sea, and frolick joyfully while admiring the sea creatures. Make sure to visit Bunaken during its highlight season in May to August. That way you can explore this place to the fullest. BunakenMost diving takes place near Bunaken and Manado Tua, because of their many excellent sites. The following is representative of the diving in the area.
Lekuan Walls (I, II, III)
This long wall on Bunaken is divided into three sites: Lekuan I, II and III. Together they represent the park's best. Steep walls are marked with deep crevices, sea fans and giant sponges. The shallows are filled with fishes. The wall, often protected from stronger currents, is frequented by bumphead parrotfish, turtles, and Napoleon wrasses.
Mandolin
Mandolin has a knockout reef crest and a wall that attracts thousands of fishes like schooling fusiliers, surgeonfish, unicornfish, and bannerfish. They are acclimated to divers and are easily approachable.
Bunaken Timor
There are strong currents and lots of fishes on this long wall. The shallow reef isn't as spectacular as some but there are turtles, sharks, eagle rays, and other big fishes in the blue. Overhangs and small caves mark the wall.
Tanjung Kopi
Tanjung Kopi is a nice wall with a small school of barracuda and lots of sweetlips. Visibility in the shallows is not terrific but the numbers of fishes make up for it. Nudibranches and fire gobies are easy to spot here.
Siladen Island
Siladen has a beautiful wall of soft corals that bloom when the current is running. The shallows are nice with lots of fishes and schooling snappers.
Muka Gereja
Muka Gereja is a pretty site with thousands of fishes in the shallows and deeper canyons that lead to the wall.
Barracuda Point
Barracuda Point, on northwest Montehage, is one of the furthest sites. A school of giant barracuda are regulars along with jacks and tuna.
Manado Wreck
This 60m (200ft) long German merchant ship sank near Molas Beach in 1942. It sits upright with the bow at 23m (78ft). The ship is split near amidships back to the stern, exposing the wheelhouse and cargo holds. Dives finish up on a nearby shallow reef. Expect 10-15m (30-50ft) visibility.
Other than diving-enthusiasts, ornithologists and amateur bird-watchers might find visiting Tangkoko Dua Sudara Nature Reserve entertaining.
5. Diving Experience in Celebes
Bunaken is one of the most spectacular spots for diving and admiring marine life. Other places nearby are also ranked among the favorites by locals and international tourists Located near Sulawesi or Celebes, Indonesia, Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen Island, Lembeh Strait are perfect destinations for amateur and professional divers.
To Do:
o Diving, swimming, snorkeling
o Walking around on the beach
o Sampling the tempting seafood cuisine
o Ornitologists and amateur bird-watchers might find visiting Tangkoko Dua Sudara Nature Reserve entertaining
6. Flower City of Tomohon
Tomohon is a tourism city located some 22 kilometers east of Manado, the capital city of North Sulawesi province. Since 2000, Tomohon was declared an autonomous region and it was officially inaugurated by the Minister of Home Affairs on 4 August 2003. At present, Tomohon consists of 35 villages in lime sub-districts, namely West, East, Central, South and North Tomohon. Its land contour, cool weather and fertilized soil encourage local community to cultivate various types of flowers and vegetables. This city is known as a producing area for flowers and during blossom season, flower gardens of local inhabitants look very beautiful. The government holds annual Tomohon Flower Festival in June-July. During this event, you can see parades of private and government cars full with flowers. A flower tournament is also held during this Festival where participants from 94 cities in Indonesia take part at Inspirasi Hill.
If you visit this city during blossom season, you will see amazing scenery of colorful flours by the foot of a beautiful mountain. This panorama looks perfect when the sun rises and fog disappears. Local people's flower gardens are usually located at the foot of Mount Lokon. During blossom season, which is in December, January or April, these flowers look very beautiful with Mount Lokon as their background. In addition, you can also walk along main roads in the city with florist shops on their left and right sides. Some shops have flower garden on its back, enabling you to pick and choose your favorite flowers.
7. Lake Tondano
Lake Tondano is a famous tourist destination in North Sulawesi province. It is located 600 meters above sea level and covers an area of 4,278 hectares (or about 10,571 acres). This lake is situated in Remboken village, or some 3 kilometers from Tomohon city or some 30 km from Manado city. This lake looks like a bird nest as it is surrounded by mountains of 700 meters high, namely Lembena, Kaweng, Tampusu and Masarang. This lake covers three sub-districts, namely Eris, Kakas and Remboken. By the lake side, you can see clearly Mount Kaweng. Lake Tondano has a famous tourist object called "Sumaru Endo" Remboken, and Tourist Resort of Bukit Pinus (from Tondano toward Toliang Oki). From this lake side (Toliang Oki), you can see pass Lembean hill to see the beauty of Maluku Sea (on its east), particularly Tondano Pante area in Kombi sub-district, in Minahasa district. Entry fee to this tourist object is Rp 4.000 plus insurance and toilet service.
Local government of North Sulawesi province delegated the authority to manage this tourist destination to private sectors in 2003. At present, this object is called Sumaru Endo and has various facilities such as bungalows, swimming pools and restaurants. In addition, you can also find car rental services, rental swimming equipment and boats to take you around the lake. Hiking near the lake is also fun as it has cool weather.
8. Manado Tua Island
Manado Tua--or Old Manado--island, together with the islands of Bunaken, Siladen, Mantehage and Nain form the Bunaken-Manado Tua Marine National Park. The Park lies just off shore from the city of Manado, capital of the province of North Sulawesi, site of the first World Ocean Conference 2009 which was held on May. Covering a total of 89,065 hectares, the Bunaken-Manado Tua park is among the most spectacular dive sites in the world. The islands are separated from the mainland by a submarine trench that reaches a depth of 1,200 meters, and keeps these waters relatively free from city garbage and silt. The reserve is protected by law from spearfishing and coral or fish-collecting, as well as from dynamite fishing. Only one hour by motor boat from Manado town, the island of Manado Tua is distinguished by the majestic perfect cone of the extinct volcano that formed the island, which is capped with a rainforest on its summit. Around the island are underwater plateaus sloping from 5 meters to 30 meters, fringed by vertical coral walls plunging 25 to 50 meters down, and large caves with hanging coral reefs: a truly amazing sea garden. Next to Manado Tua is the more well-known island of Bunaken.
On land and underwater, Manado Tua is photogenic. Here, you can find the bigger fish such as the napoleon wrasse, giant trevally, eaglerays, snappers, groupers, and--occasionally--a hammerhead shark. But as currents here can be strong, only advanced divers should venture in these waters and best be accompanied by a diver experienced to these surroundings. On the east coast of Manado Tua, at Tanjung Kopi, or Coffee Point on the reef underwater plateau there are blacktail barracuda and large schools of fish. Tanjung Kopi is also where hundreds of turtles lay their eggs at full moon. For those who do not dive, one can go scuba diving or watch the underwater sea life from glass-bottom boats. There are also jogging tracks and facilities for mountain biking and camping. The island has some 3,200 inhabitants forming a tight-knit community of farmers and fishermen from the Sangir region. This community has been actively restoring damaged reefs with the assistance of Seacology. Here EcoReef--snowflake-shaped ceramic modules--have been placed as shelter for fish and to build new reef. The Ministry of the Environment informs that credit for the preservation of the Bunaken-Manado Tua reserve is due to the Nusantara Diving Club which in 1985 urged the government to protect these amazing waters from pollution and damage from shipping, and to move Manado’s harbor to Bitung, on the other side of the peninsula. Diving in the Park can be done year round, yet currents and waves can be rough between January through March. During the peak season in the months of July and August dive operators are busy, therefore it is best to book way in advance. Best dives are in August and September when one has a better chance to watch whales and dolphins glide by.

9. Tangkoko National Park
Tangkoko National Park is a flora and fauna conservation area in Mount Tangkoko, Bitung, North Sulawesi province. To visit this park, you will pass Batuputih Natural Park located between Batuputih Bawah subdistrict and Tangkoko National Park in Batuangus. Batuputih Natural Park covering 615 hectares land is a savanna suitable for camping, outbound activities and relaxation by beach sides. Since it is frequently visited by tourists, this Park is the most famous one whereas it is only one of four conservation areas in Tangkoko. In addition Batuputih Park, Tangkoko also has Tangkoko National Park-Batuangus with a total area of 3,196 hectares (covering Mount Tangkoko-Batuangus and its surrounding areas), Duasudara National Park with a total area of 4,299 hectares (covering Mount Duasudara and its surrounding areas), and Batuangus National Park with 635 hectares (located between Tangkoko National Park and Pinangunian village).
When entering Batuputih, you will see tall trees, particularly at post I or its entrance gate. On its left, you can see beautiful beach and resting sites by the beach. Entrance fee to Batuputih and Tangkoko National Park, including guide fee is at least Rp70 thousand. At the second post, you will find temporary shelters for researchers, who are mostly foreigners. When traveling around the forest, you will find them observing animal behaviors in Tangkoko such as local black monkey (Macaca Nigra), the smallest monkey in the world Tarsius Spectrum and various species of birds. In this conservation area, you can go to Post II from Post I by car. Before reaching Post II, you will find a secondary tropical forest where trees and pioneer plants such as forest betels, flower wood and binunga. At Post II, you can park your car and walk to explore the forest. You can find a group of Sulawesi black monkeys (Macaca Nigra) and if you go deep inside, you can hear sings of birds such as Rangon, Kingfisher, doves and many more. From Batu Putih, you will find a borderline of Tangkoko National Park. The border is not very clear but your local guide will explain when reaching the border. Each visitor who explores Batuputih or Tangkoko National Park is usually accompanied by a local guide, except for those who are experienced in climbing mountains or local and foreign researchers.
10. The Museum of North Sulawesi Province
This museum was built so as to document everything related with local culture, history and arts in North Sulawesi Province. Therefore, this museum has a complete collection of 10 categories e.g., geology, biology, ethnography, archeology, history, numismatics, philology, ceramology, arts and technology. This state-own museum was officially opened on 9 January 1991 and up to now, it has collected 2,810 artifacts. From this figure, about 500 of them are displayed in the Exhibition Hall and can be seen every workday. These collections are collected from districts and municipalities in North Sulawesi such as Manado, Minahasa, Sangihe Talaud, Bolaang Mongondow and Gorontalo. If you have a limited to spend in North Sulawesi, this museum is a place you must visit. This three-story building has exhibition rooms displaying a complete collection of local historical and cultural items. It has a big yard with an entrance gate made of steps to the Exhibition Hall. It also has signboards to show you directions to collections by floors. Visitors can see replicas and authentic items such as replica of a waruga or Minahasa coffin, replica of watu pinawetengan (megalithic stone), etc. This museum also has English guides who can take local and international visitors around.
In this museum, visitors can see sakapeti or Portuguese war hat from Minahasa, kabela or a box for piper betel leafs from Bolaang Mongondow, clarinet (traditional music instrument played in groups orginated from Minahasa) and many more. In addition, visitors can also see bride’s bed and clothings used during a traditional wedding ceremony, Rp. 10 note used during Japanese occupation, Dutch and Portuguese cannons and Chinese ceramics. An interesting thing is that items like sero gantung or traditional fish nets are also displayed in this museum. From its building structure and design, this museum has a Minahasa traditional home architecture. If you are tired of traveling around this building, you can sit on a stone seat under shady trees in its yard. It is a comfortable place to relax and see the beauty of Manado from this highland.
11. Waruga Sawangan
Waruga is a coffin made of stone that is used to put the dead body of Minahasa tribe, in a squatting position. Waruga lies in Sawangan village, Airmadidi sub-district or some 40 kilometers from Manado,North Sulawesi province. Based on local beliefs, this coffin is made of carved stone and formed like a house and this tradition has existed since 1600AD. This coffin forms are varied, depending on occupation or profession of those buried in Waruga. There are 104 dotu or clans in waruga compound in Sawangan, who were previously spread in several villages in Minahasa district, but now gathered in waruga compound in Sawangan and Airmadidi. Since this incredible heritage of megalitikum era is very attractive, several important figures visited this place. They among others are Queen Beatrix, Prince Bernard, Queen Juliana and many more.
Since it is a cemetery compound, you can just walk around to explore every corner of this tourist site. You can also find cemetary of local community by its main entrance. The gate is always locked by Waruga guard who lives near the location. It is best to visit this site from 08.00 to 18.00 local time.
By observing this unique coffin, you can also see reliefs on the right and left walls before entering Waruga. These reliefs show the process of making Waruga long time ago. You can also see heritage of the death in Waruga Museum which is located right beside the site entrance. This Museum is a small tall house with shelves containing bracelets, necklaces, ear rings made of gold, silver and copper. This ancient material culture is unique for its form and carved stones. Waruga is not burried, and is only one meter wide and one to two meters tall placed on the ground. These boxes contain bodies in a squatting position and are covered by stone roof that look like a house roof.
12. Watu Pinawetengan
Watu Pinawetengan is an interesting megalithic stone because of its unique form and scripts. It is located in Tompaso sub-district, at the foot of Mount Soputan, Minahasa, or some 60 kilometers from Manado. According to Minahasa history and archaeological research, this stone is the place where the ancestors first divided up the land among nine sub-ethnics in Minahasa. This stone is four meters long and two meters tall. It looks like a bending person but some said it looks like Minahasa island. This natural stone has hand-made scripts. These scripts show human, human genitals, and lines without any clear meaning.
When visiting this tourist site, you will see mountains and large rice fields with cows and horses in green savannas on the left and right sides of the street. When entering this Watu Pinawetengan, which means 'The Stone of discussion about the division', you must take off your footwear, because it is believed that this place still has its magical religious side. Therefore, many local people and tourists visit this site to pray to God. Even some foreigners often come here to perform certain rituals such as asking for recovery, and protection and perform rituals to thank God for what they have. About 100 meters from this stone, you can walk down the stairs behind the stone and find a spring. Water from this spring is potable.
In addition to a historical site, this stone is also used as a facility to pray to God by local people and tourists. You can enjoy the scenery of Minahasa from this location because it is situated at the side of Mount Soputan. Wooden bench is available to enjoy the scenery from this mountain side. In addition, you can also learn about the history of Minahasa sub-enthics related with this stone from the keeper of Watu Pinawetengan who lives near the stone.

(references: www.indonesia.travel and www.my-indonesia.info)