Sabtu, 29 Januari 2011
Jumat, 28 Januari 2011
North Sulawesi Smiling Tours: North Sulawesi Smiling
North Sulawesi Smiling Tours: North Sulawesi Smiling: "The Northern Province of Indonesia with so many things to see. Discover the beautiful rain forest at the Tangkoko National Park and Bo..."
North Sulawesi Smiling
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The Northern Province of Indonesia with so many things to see.
Discover the beautiful rain forest at the Tangkoko National Park and Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, and meet the cutest, one of the tiniest monkeys in the world, Spectral Tarsiers, or visit the playground of the black crested monkeys, Macaque Nigras. Watch carefully, if you are lucky, the Babyroussa, Maleo bird and other specific endemic species in the world.
Visit one of the beautiful marine parks in the world, Bunaken. White sand, hot summer, cozy rainy day, waiting for you. Not only the atmosphere above the water, but the under water world is challenging to discover. Snorkeling or Scuba diving is a good choice to capture the moving film of big pellagic fishes, macro world like nudibranch, pigmy seahorses and all kind of critters that will attract your heart untill you find out it's time to go up above the water !
For those who love the "scenes from the ancestors", visit our historical places, such as Waruga Graveyard, World War II Japanese Cave, and Watu Pinabetengan or watch Cakalele War-Dance, other traditional and traditional-modern dances that depict the way of life of North Sulawesi's ancestors. For the culture lovers, visit the Traditional Wooden House, Ban Hing Kiong Chinese Temple, Pottery Making, Traditional Market, etc.
For those who love adventure, you may test your breath and strength by climbing one of our mountains, like Klabat Mt., Mahawu Mt., Soputan Mt., etc, and there will be possible encounter with some specific species, like monkeys, snakes, spiders, even beautiful butterflies ! All of your tired times when climbed those mountains will be dissappeared as soon as you reach the top and watch the beautiful view that mother nature gives us. Or you may try to make a journey along the river wave, rafting on our wild rivers ! Lake Tondano is a good and quiet place, a place for you who loves to sit and feel the lakes cozy winds. The view of the lake which is one of our biggest lakes in North Sulawesi, will be a long lasting memory to take a picture of. You may visit the sulphur lake of Linow Lake.
Discover the beautiful rain forest at the Tangkoko National Park and Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, and meet the cutest, one of the tiniest monkeys in the world, Spectral Tarsiers, or visit the playground of the black crested monkeys, Macaque Nigras. Watch carefully, if you are lucky, the Babyroussa, Maleo bird and other specific endemic species in the world.
Visit one of the beautiful marine parks in the world, Bunaken. White sand, hot summer, cozy rainy day, waiting for you. Not only the atmosphere above the water, but the under water world is challenging to discover. Snorkeling or Scuba diving is a good choice to capture the moving film of big pellagic fishes, macro world like nudibranch, pigmy seahorses and all kind of critters that will attract your heart untill you find out it's time to go up above the water !
For those who love the "scenes from the ancestors", visit our historical places, such as Waruga Graveyard, World War II Japanese Cave, and Watu Pinabetengan or watch Cakalele War-Dance, other traditional and traditional-modern dances that depict the way of life of North Sulawesi's ancestors. For the culture lovers, visit the Traditional Wooden House, Ban Hing Kiong Chinese Temple, Pottery Making, Traditional Market, etc.
For those who love adventure, you may test your breath and strength by climbing one of our mountains, like Klabat Mt., Mahawu Mt., Soputan Mt., etc, and there will be possible encounter with some specific species, like monkeys, snakes, spiders, even beautiful butterflies ! All of your tired times when climbed those mountains will be dissappeared as soon as you reach the top and watch the beautiful view that mother nature gives us. Or you may try to make a journey along the river wave, rafting on our wild rivers ! Lake Tondano is a good and quiet place, a place for you who loves to sit and feel the lakes cozy winds. The view of the lake which is one of our biggest lakes in North Sulawesi, will be a long lasting memory to take a picture of. You may visit the sulphur lake of Linow Lake.
The Minahasan city of Manado is the capital of North Sulawesi, a strongly Christian region with close historical to the Netherlands. In 1844 Manado had been levelled by earthquakes, so the Dutch redesigned it from scratch. Fourteen years later, the famous naturalist Alfred Wallace visited, and described the city of Manado as 'one of the prettiest n the East'. Today, this large provincial is confident and cosmopolitan, with the highest standard of living in eastern Indonesia.
History
Rice surpluses from Minahasa's volcanic hinterland made Manado a strategic port for European traders sailing to and from the 'Spice Islands' ( Maluku ). Spain established a fort to Manado in 1627, but by 1643 the Manado rulers wanted their unruly and corruptSpanish guests out, and appealed to the Dutch VOC in Ternate for help.The Dutch and their Minahasans allies eventually gained the upper hand in 1655, built their own fortress in 1658 and expelled the last of the Spaniards a few years later.
The Dutch helped unite the linguistically diverse Minahasan confideracy, and in 1693 the Minahasans scored a decisive military victory against Bolaang to the South. By the mid-1800s, compulsory cultivation schemes were producing huge crops of cheap coffee for a Dutch-run monoply. Minahasans suffered immensely from this 'progress', yet economic, religious and social ties with the colonists continued to intensify. Minahasans mercenaries put down anti-Dutch rebellions on Java and elsewhere.
The Japanese occupation of 1942-1945 was a period of deprivation, and the Allies bombed Manado heavily in 1945. During the war of independence that followed, there was bitter division between pro-Indonesian unitarians and those favouring Dutch-sponsored federalism, and the city was bombed by Indonesian troops in 1958.
These days, Manado is a vibrant city, which seemingly belies the economic crisis affecting the rest of Indonesia. Development of Bitung's deep se port, and direct air links with Taiwan and Singapore, have opened Manado to the outside world, and trade and tourism continue to flourish.
History
Rice surpluses from Minahasa's volcanic hinterland made Manado a strategic port for European traders sailing to and from the 'Spice Islands' ( Maluku ). Spain established a fort to Manado in 1627, but by 1643 the Manado rulers wanted their unruly and corruptSpanish guests out, and appealed to the Dutch VOC in Ternate for help.The Dutch and their Minahasans allies eventually gained the upper hand in 1655, built their own fortress in 1658 and expelled the last of the Spaniards a few years later.
The Dutch helped unite the linguistically diverse Minahasan confideracy, and in 1693 the Minahasans scored a decisive military victory against Bolaang to the South. By the mid-1800s, compulsory cultivation schemes were producing huge crops of cheap coffee for a Dutch-run monoply. Minahasans suffered immensely from this 'progress', yet economic, religious and social ties with the colonists continued to intensify. Minahasans mercenaries put down anti-Dutch rebellions on Java and elsewhere.
The Japanese occupation of 1942-1945 was a period of deprivation, and the Allies bombed Manado heavily in 1945. During the war of independence that followed, there was bitter division between pro-Indonesian unitarians and those favouring Dutch-sponsored federalism, and the city was bombed by Indonesian troops in 1958.
These days, Manado is a vibrant city, which seemingly belies the economic crisis affecting the rest of Indonesia. Development of Bitung's deep se port, and direct air links with Taiwan and Singapore, have opened Manado to the outside world, and trade and tourism continue to flourish.
| Dive Spots : 1. Likuan 1 2. Likuan 2 3. Likuan 3 4. Celah celah 5. Alung Banua 6. Fukui 7. Ron's Point 8. Mandolin 9. Tengah 10. Raymond's 11. Mike's Point 12. Tanjung Parigi 13. Sachiko 14. Bunaken Timur 15. Pangalisang 16. Muka Kampung 17. Negeri 18. Buwalo 19. Tanjung Kopi 20. Pangalingan 21. Siladen 1 22. Siladen 2 23. Gorango/ Tangkasi 24. Barracuda Point 25. Bango 26. Jalan Air 27. Batu Kapal 28. Ship Wreck 29. Tanjung Pisok 30. Gunthur 31. Johnson's Point |  |
Characteristics: Vertical winding wall, with many vertical cracks and canyons. Often strong current. Reef top relatively sheltered from waves, with many branching corals.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians.
Fishes: Many huge schools of plankton-feeders: fusiliers (Caesionidae), pyramid butterflyfishes (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes), damselfishes (Pomacentridae).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large emperors (Lethrinidae) and jacks (Caranx ignobilis, C. melampygos), groupers (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus).
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians.
Fishes: Many huge schools of plankton-feeders: fusiliers (Caesionidae), pyramid butterflyfishes (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes), damselfishes (Pomacentridae).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large emperors (Lethrinidae) and jacks (Caranx ignobilis, C. melampygos), groupers (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus).
Characteristics: Vertical winding wall, with many vertical cracks and canyons. Reef top sheltered from waves, with many branching corals. Often strong current. Sometimes downward currents.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians, featherstars.
Fishes: Reef fishes: Angelfishes (Pomacantidae), butterflyfishes (Chaerodontidae). School of black snappers (Macolor niger).
Possible Encounters: seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus).
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians, featherstars.
Fishes: Reef fishes: Angelfishes (Pomacantidae), butterflyfishes (Chaerodontidae). School of black snappers (Macolor niger).
Possible Encounters: seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus).
Characteristics: Vertical wall with caves and sandy slope. Reef top sheltered from waves, with many differently shaped hard corals.
Invertebrates: black coral, gorgonians, ascidians, featherstars.
Fishes: Many blacktip reef sharks (Carcharinus melanopterus) and whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus).
Possible Encounters: Barracudas (Sphyraena qenie), mantas (Manta birostris).
Invertebrates: black coral, gorgonians, ascidians, featherstars.
Fishes: Many blacktip reef sharks (Carcharinus melanopterus) and whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus).
Possible Encounters: Barracudas (Sphyraena qenie), mantas (Manta birostris).
Characteristics: Vertical winding wall, with many cracks and crevices. Good night dive. Reef top very sheltered, many different shapes of hard corals.
Invertebrates: soft corals, ascidians, featherstars.
Fishes: Reef fishes: butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae).
Possible Encounters: Large napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus).
Invertebrates: soft corals, ascidians, featherstars.
Fishes: Reef fishes: butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae).
Possible Encounters: Large napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus).
Characteristics: Vertical wall, with many cracks and crevices. Some interesting small caves. Reef top very sheltered, many different shapes of hard corals. Good night dive.
Invertebrates: Nudibranches, soft corals, sponges, ascidians.
Fishes: Mainly reef fishes: anthiases (Pseudanthias spp.), parrotfishes (Scaridae), wrasses (Labridaae), butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae). Many shrimp gobies (Gobidae). Large school of black snappers (Macolor niger)
Possible Encounters: 1 large Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum).
Invertebrates: Nudibranches, soft corals, sponges, ascidians.
Fishes: Mainly reef fishes: anthiases (Pseudanthias spp.), parrotfishes (Scaridae), wrasses (Labridaae), butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae). Many shrimp gobies (Gobidae). Large school of black snappers (Macolor niger)
Possible Encounters: 1 large Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum).
Characteristics: Slope completely covered with foliose and branching hard corals.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, giant clams (Tridacna gigas)
Fishes: Many schooling fishes: spadefishes (Platax spp.), black snappers (Macolor niger), blackfin barracuda (Sphyraena qenie), jacks (Caranx spp.), sweetlips (Plectorhinchus orientalis and P. lineatus). Large triggerfishes (Balistoides viridescens and Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus) and garden eels (Heteroconger hassi).
Possible Encounters: Great barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), giant sweetlips (Plectorhinchus obscurus), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus), bumphead parrotfishes (Bolbometopon muricatum).
Rarities: Possible to see the sexual display of the flasher wrasse Paracheilinus filamentosus.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, giant clams (Tridacna gigas)
Fishes: Many schooling fishes: spadefishes (Platax spp.), black snappers (Macolor niger), blackfin barracuda (Sphyraena qenie), jacks (Caranx spp.), sweetlips (Plectorhinchus orientalis and P. lineatus). Large triggerfishes (Balistoides viridescens and Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus) and garden eels (Heteroconger hassi).
Possible Encounters: Great barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), giant sweetlips (Plectorhinchus obscurus), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus), bumphead parrotfishes (Bolbometopon muricatum).
Rarities: Possible to see the sexual display of the flasher wrasse Paracheilinus filamentosus.
Characteristics: Vertical wall in large steps, with small caves in the deep part. Reef top very interesting and various. Often strong current.
Invertebrates: black coral, large gorgonians, ascidians.
Fishes: Many huge schools of plankton-feeders: fusiliers (Caesionidae), pyramid butterflyfishes (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes), damselfishes (Pomacentridae). Large angelfishes (Pomacanthidae).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), jacks (Caranx ignobilis, C. melampygos), barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor), eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), giant sweetlips (Plectorhinchus obscurus), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus), groupers (Plectropomus areolatus).
Invertebrates: black coral, large gorgonians, ascidians.
Fishes: Many huge schools of plankton-feeders: fusiliers (Caesionidae), pyramid butterflyfishes (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes), damselfishes (Pomacentridae). Large angelfishes (Pomacanthidae).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), jacks (Caranx ignobilis, C. melampygos), barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor), eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), giant sweetlips (Plectorhinchus obscurus), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus), groupers (Plectropomus areolatus).
Characteristics: Slope in very large steps, very strong current.
Invertebrates: Whip-corals, sponges.
Fishes: Many parrotfishes, wrasses, batfishes.
Possible Encounters: Many large white-tip and black-tip reef sharks. Schools of jacks.
Invertebrates: Whip-corals, sponges.
Fishes: Many parrotfishes, wrasses, batfishes.
Possible Encounters: Many large white-tip and black-tip reef sharks. Schools of jacks.
Characteristics: Vertical wall, with one large cave. Spectacular reef top, with many hard and soft corals. Often strong current.
Invertebrates: Forest of whip corals (Cirrhipathes sp.) and soft corals. Many lobsters.
Fishes: Angelfishes (Pomacanthidae), butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), wrasses (Labridae). Probably one of the richest dive spots with regard to reef fishes, so that it is difficult to identify the more distinctive groups.
Possible Encounters: seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), large emperors (Lethrinidae), red snappers (Lutjanus bohar), groupers (Plectropomus areolatus), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor), stingrays (Taenyura limma).
Invertebrates: Forest of whip corals (Cirrhipathes sp.) and soft corals. Many lobsters.
Fishes: Angelfishes (Pomacanthidae), butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), wrasses (Labridae). Probably one of the richest dive spots with regard to reef fishes, so that it is difficult to identify the more distinctive groups.
Possible Encounters: seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), large emperors (Lethrinidae), red snappers (Lutjanus bohar), groupers (Plectropomus areolatus), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor), stingrays (Taenyura limma).
Characteristics: Vertical wall shaped like an amphitheatre. Reef top exposed to the waves, with huge massive corals (Porites).
Invertebrates: black coral, giant gorgonians, ascidians, sponges.
Fishes: Many anthiases (Pseudanthias spp.), angelfishes (Pomacanthidae), tilefishes (Hoplolatilus starcki).
Possible Encounters: whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large jacks (Caranx ignobilis), eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), occasionally very large silvertip sharks (Carcharinus albimarginatus).
Invertebrates: black coral, giant gorgonians, ascidians, sponges.
Fishes: Many anthiases (Pseudanthias spp.), angelfishes (Pomacanthidae), tilefishes (Hoplolatilus starcki).
Possible Encounters: whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large jacks (Caranx ignobilis), eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), occasionally very large silvertip sharks (Carcharinus albimarginatus).
Characteristics: Vertical winding wall, with exposed reef top, damaged in some part.
Invertebrates: barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians.
Fishes: surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), rabbitfishes (Siganidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae).
Possible Encounters: Large jacks (Charanx ignobilis) and other pelagic fishes.
Invertebrates: barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians.
Fishes: surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), rabbitfishes (Siganidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae).
Possible Encounters: Large jacks (Charanx ignobilis) and other pelagic fishes.
Characteristics: Vertical wall, with caves in the deeper part. Very exposed reef top with large massive corals (Porites).
Invertebrates: black coral, many large gorgonians, whip corals, ascidians.
Fishes: Many huge schools of plankton-feeders: fusiliers (Caesionidae), pyramid butterflyfishes (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes), damselfishes (Pomacentridae). Wrasses (Labridae), parrotfishes (Scaridae), butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) and large angelfishes (Pomacanthidae). Glassfishes (Parapriacanthus ransonneti) in a shallow cave.
Possible Encounters: whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) resting in caves, blacktip reef sharks (Carcharinus melanopterus), ribbon sweetlips (Plectorhinchus polytaenia), large emperors (Lethrinidae) and jacks (Caranx ignobilis).
Invertebrates: black coral, many large gorgonians, whip corals, ascidians.
Fishes: Many huge schools of plankton-feeders: fusiliers (Caesionidae), pyramid butterflyfishes (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes), damselfishes (Pomacentridae). Wrasses (Labridae), parrotfishes (Scaridae), butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) and large angelfishes (Pomacanthidae). Glassfishes (Parapriacanthus ransonneti) in a shallow cave.
Possible Encounters: whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) resting in caves, blacktip reef sharks (Carcharinus melanopterus), ribbon sweetlips (Plectorhinchus polytaenia), large emperors (Lethrinidae) and jacks (Caranx ignobilis).
Characteristics: Vertical wall in large steps, with many cracks and small caves. Reef slightly damaged in some part.
Invertebrates: Many soft coral (Nephthiidae), black coral, gorgonians, ascidians.
Fishes: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), surgeonfishes(Acanthuridae), parrotfishes(Scaridae), wrasses (Labridae).
Possible Encounters: small whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), stingrays (Taeniura limma).
Invertebrates: Many soft coral (Nephthiidae), black coral, gorgonians, ascidians.
Fishes: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), surgeonfishes(Acanthuridae), parrotfishes(Scaridae), wrasses (Labridae).
Possible Encounters: small whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), stingrays (Taeniura limma).
Characteristics: Vertical wall, with many vertical cracks and canyons. Often strong current. Reef top very heterogeneous.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, whip corals, ascidians.
Fishes: Many huge schools of plankton-feeders: fusiliers (Caesionidae), pyramid butterflyfishes (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes), damselfishes (Pomacentridae).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large emperors (Lethrinidae) and jacks (Caranx spp.).
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, whip corals, ascidians.
Fishes: Many huge schools of plankton-feeders: fusiliers (Caesionidae), pyramid butterflyfishes (Hemitaurichthys polylepis), bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes), damselfishes (Pomacentridae).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large emperors (Lethrinidae) and jacks (Caranx spp.).
Characteristics: Vertical winding wall, with many vertical cracks and canyons and small caves. Sheltered reef top, with many branching corals.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians, nudibranches, featherstars.
Fishes: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae), angelfishes (Pomacanthidae).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina).
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians, nudibranches, featherstars.
Fishes: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae), angelfishes (Pomacanthidae).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina).
Characteristics: Vertical winding wall, with many vertical cracks and canyons and small caves. Wonderful reef top, with huge tabular corals.
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians, nudibranches, featherstars.
Fishes: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae), angelfishes (Pomacanthidae), sweetlips (Plectorhinchus spp.). 6 species of anemonefishes.
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) resting in caves, a school of batfishes (Platax orbicularis).
Invertebrates: Giant barrel sponges, black coral, gorgonians, ascidians, nudibranches, featherstars.
Fishes: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae), angelfishes (Pomacanthidae), sweetlips (Plectorhinchus spp.). 6 species of anemonefishes.
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), seasnakes (Laticauda colubrina), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) resting in caves, a school of batfishes (Platax orbicularis).
Characteristics: Coral flat in mild slope to 15-20 m depth, deep vertical wall with caves. Often strong current. Possible downward currents.
Invertebrates: black coral, gorgonians, whip corals.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), rabbitfishes (Siganidae), emperorfishes (Lethrinidae), sweetlips (Plectorhinchus spp.).
Possible Encounters: whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large emperors (Lethrinidae), jacks (Caranx ignobilis), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor), large Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus indulatus), blackfin barracudas (Sphyraena qenie). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
Invertebrates: black coral, gorgonians, whip corals.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), rabbitfishes (Siganidae), emperorfishes (Lethrinidae), sweetlips (Plectorhinchus spp.).
Possible Encounters: whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), large emperors (Lethrinidae), jacks (Caranx ignobilis), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor), large Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus indulatus), blackfin barracudas (Sphyraena qenie). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
Characteristics: Sandy slope with large rocks and coral formations. Often very strong current. Possible downward currents.
Invertebrates: Hard corals, soft corals.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), rabbitfishes (Siganidae), emperorfishes (Lethrinidae).
Possible Encounters: whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), jacks (Caranx spp.), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
Invertebrates: Hard corals, soft corals.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), rabbitfishes (Siganidae), emperorfishes (Lethrinidae).
Possible Encounters: whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), jacks (Caranx spp.), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
Characteristics: Vertical wall in large steps. Spectacular reef top, with a huge variety of hard and soft corals.
Invertebrates: Soft corals, gorgonians, featherstars, giant clams (Tridacna spp.).
Fishes: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), groupers (Serranidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae), moray eels (Muraenidae). 6 different species of anemonefish (Amphiprion spp.).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), stingrays (Taeniura limma).
Invertebrates: Soft corals, gorgonians, featherstars, giant clams (Tridacna spp.).
Fishes: Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), groupers (Serranidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae), moray eels (Muraenidae). 6 different species of anemonefish (Amphiprion spp.).
Possible Encounters: Turtles (Chelonia midas), stingrays (Taeniura limma).
Characteristics: Reef flat with sand and gravel. A sort of river bed modelled by the currents and the waves, with huge massive corals (Porites). Often strong current.
Invertebrates: Gorgonians, whip corals. Mantis shrimps (fam. Squillidae).
Fishes: Large groupers (Plectropomus areolatus) and snappers (Lutjanus spp.), wrasses (Labridae), Garden eels (Heteroconger hassi).
Possible Encounters: Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), large emperors (Lethrinidae).
Invertebrates: Gorgonians, whip corals. Mantis shrimps (fam. Squillidae).
Fishes: Large groupers (Plectropomus areolatus) and snappers (Lutjanus spp.), wrasses (Labridae), Garden eels (Heteroconger hassi).
Possible Encounters: Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), large emperors (Lethrinidae).
Characteristics: Wall with many cracks and vertical canyons. Reef flat exposed to waves and currents, huge massive corals (Porites Often strong current.
Invertebrates: Large gorgonians, whip corals, soft corals, sponges.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae).
Possible Encounters: schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
Invertebrates: Large gorgonians, whip corals, soft corals, sponges.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae).
Possible Encounters: schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
Characteristics: Wall in large step, alternate with sandy areas. Reef flat very wide and exposed to waves and currents, huge massive corals (Porites Often very strong current. Possible downward currents.
Invertebrates: Whip corals, soft corals, sponges.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae), emperorfishes (Lethrinidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae). Schools of fusiliers (Caesionidae) and bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes).
Possible Encounters: A very large school of blackfin barracuda (>300 Sphyraena qenie), jacks (Charanx spp.), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor), schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
Invertebrates: Whip corals, soft corals, sponges.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae), emperorfishes (Lethrinidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae). Schools of fusiliers (Caesionidae) and bannerfishes (Heniochus diphreustes).
Possible Encounters: A very large school of blackfin barracuda (>300 Sphyraena qenie), jacks (Charanx spp.), dogtooth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor), schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
Characteristics: Wall with many cracks and vertical canyons, alternating with sandy slopes. Reef flat exposed to waves and currents. Often strong current.
Invertebrates: Large gorgonians, whip corals, soft corals, sponges. Many arborescent Tubastrea micrantha. Nudibranches.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae).
Possible Encounters: Eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks.
Invertebrates: Large gorgonians, whip corals, soft corals, sponges. Many arborescent Tubastrea micrantha. Nudibranches.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae).
Possible Encounters: Eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos), hammerhead sharks.
Characteristics: Very wide and beautiful reef flat, with huge colonies of tabular Acropora and other hard coral. Wall in large step, alternate with sandy areas. Often very strong current.
Invertebrates: Many different species of hard corals, soft corals, sponges.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae).
Possible Encounters: Jacks (Charanx spp.), , schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum). Occasionally whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus).
Invertebrates: Many different species of hard corals, soft corals, sponges.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae).
Possible Encounters: Jacks (Charanx spp.), , schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum). Occasionally whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus).
Characteristics: Very wide reef flat , damaged in some parts. Deep vertical wall with caves. Often very strong current. Possible downward currents.
Invertebrates: Whip corals, soft corals, sponges.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae), emperorfishes (Lethrinidae), snappers (Lutjanidae).
Possible Encounters: Jacks (Charanx spp.), dogteeth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor), schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos) and hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
Invertebrates: Whip corals, soft corals, sponges.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae), emperorfishes (Lethrinidae), snappers (Lutjanidae).
Possible Encounters: Jacks (Charanx spp.), dogteeth tunas (Gymnosarda unicolor), schools of bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum). Occasionally grey sharks (Carcharinus amblyrhynchos) and hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.).
Characteristics: Chinese commercial iron ship, on a muddy slope 30 m deep. Reef a little damaged but very rich in small animals.
Invertebrates: black coral, gorgonians, nudibranches.
Fishes: Pterois, fusiliers, snappers.
Possible Encounters: A large whitetip reef shark Triaenodon obesus sleeping under the ship during daytime.
Invertebrates: black coral, gorgonians, nudibranches.
Fishes: Pterois, fusiliers, snappers.
Possible Encounters: A large whitetip reef shark Triaenodon obesus sleeping under the ship during daytime.
Characteristics: Reef flat sloping to 15-20 m depth, very rich in large tabular Acropora. Wall in large steps, alternating with sandy slopes. Often strong current.
Invertebrates: Large tabular Acropora, whip corals, soft corals, arborescent Tubastrea micrantha. Nudibranches.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae), butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae).
Possible Encounters: Eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus), large groupers (Plectropomus areolatus).
Rarities: High concentration of blue ribbon eels (Rhinomuraena quaesita).
Invertebrates: Large tabular Acropora, whip corals, soft corals, arborescent Tubastrea micrantha. Nudibranches.
Fishes: Parrotfishes (Scaridae), surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae), triggerfishes (Balistidae), butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae).
Possible Encounters: Eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus), large groupers (Plectropomus areolatus).
Rarities: High concentration of blue ribbon eels (Rhinomuraena quaesita).
Characteristics: Slope in large steps, very interesting for night dives.
Invertebrates: Especially during night dives, plenty of lobsters, crabs, nudibranches, large shells. Many large basket stars.
Fishes: All reef fishes.
Possible Encounters: The flash-light fish Photoblepharon palpebratus during night dives.
Invertebrates: Especially during night dives, plenty of lobsters, crabs, nudibranches, large shells. Many large basket stars.
Fishes: All reef fishes.
Possible Encounters: The flash-light fish Photoblepharon palpebratus during night dives.
| 1. Froggies Divers 2. 3. Two Fish Divers 4. Living Colours 5. Bunaken Cha-cha Dive Lodge 6. Thalassa Dive Centre 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Bastiano's 12. Panorama 13. MC Homestay 14. Daniels 15. Lorenzo 16. Santika Hotel 17. Tanta Marta Homestay 18. Onong Balekobong Homestay 19. - To Murex Live Aboard - To Celebes Divers - To Tasik Ria Resorts - To Eco Divers |  |
Discover the underwater life of Bunaken, and see all the fishes and colourful coral reef. Make a close encounter with sharks, eagle rays, trevally, jack or even the smaller things like nudibranchs, sea horses, frog fishes, etc. You can read a little bit about it on our Dive Spot Map.
A Piece of Minahasan's History
What does Minahasa Minahasa means ? "Minahasa" or "Minaesa" means "to become one." "Esa" means "one." Minahasa represents the unification of the ethnic groups, who lived on the northern tip of the island of Sulawesi, into one group. One main reason for this unification was to be able to face outside attacks together, especially against pirates.
The word Minahasa was not used formally to represent the people of the northern tip of Sulawesi until 1789 by J.D. Schierstein, the local Dutch official at that time. Previous names included "Batasaine," which was used by the Spaniards. Batasaine is the Spanish sounding version of "Wata Esa Ene," which means "one yes word." When the Spanish arrived in Minahasa, they found that the people had leaders who were of "one word," with a sense of unity.
The word Minahasa was not used formally to represent the people of the northern tip of Sulawesi until 1789 by J.D. Schierstein, the local Dutch official at that time. Previous names included "Batasaine," which was used by the Spaniards. Batasaine is the Spanish sounding version of "Wata Esa Ene," which means "one yes word." When the Spanish arrived in Minahasa, they found that the people had leaders who were of "one word," with a sense of unity.
The original Minahasans are said to originate from Lumimuut, who rose from the sea and gave birth to Toar. After many years separation, mother and son met again. Not recognising each other, they married and their descendants populated the region. Minahasan lands and languages were divided by the god Muntu Untu at Watu Pinabetengan ( the'the dividing stone' ), a carved rock near Kawangkoan.
The Minahasans have never been subject to dynastic rule. Pressure to institute royalty led to a meeting of the linguistically diverse Minahasan states around 670 AD at a stone now known as Watu Pinabetengan ( near Kawangkoan ). That Meeting paved the way for a durable system of independent states. Threat from outside forces, notably the neighbouring kingdoms of Bolaang Mongondow, unified the Minahasans backlash in 1655; one of the few occasions when the independent states were forced into a defence alliance.
At the time of the first contact with Europeans in the 16th century, northern Sulawesi had strong links with the sultanate of Ternate ( northern Maluku ) and Bugis traders from Southern Sulawesi. The Portuguese used Manado as a supply stop, and Portuguese missionaries had some success in Minahasa and Sangir-Talaud islands in the 1560s. The Dutch then toppled the Ternate sultanate collude with the local powers to throw out their European competitors. In 1677 the Dutch occupied Pulau Sangir and, two years latre, a treaty ( possibly forced ) with the Minahasan chiefs led to Dutch domination for the next 300 years
Although relations with the Dutch were often less than cordial, and the region did not actually come under direct Dutch rule until 1870, the Dutch and Minahasans eventually became so close that the north was often referred to as the "Twelfth Province of The Netherlands". ( A Manado-based political movement called Twaalfe Provincie even campaigned for Minahasan's integration into the Dutch state in 1947 ).
Christianity became a force in the early 1820s, and the wholesale conversion of the Minahasans was almost complete by 1860. Because the school curriculum was taught in Dutch, the Minahasans had an early advantage in the competition for government jobs and positions in the colonial army. The Minhasans also fought alongside the Dutch to subdue rebellions in other parts of the archipelago, notably the Java War of 1825 - 1830.
The Minahasans sense of being different became a problem for the Indonesian government after independence. In March 1957, military leaders of both southern and northern Sulawesi launched a confrontation with the central government with demands for greater regional autonomy, more local development and a fairer share of the revenue. The Minahasans leaders were dissatisfied with the subsequent negotiations, and declared their own atonomous state of North Sulawesi in June 1957. The Indonesians government then bombed Manado in February 1958, and, by June, Indonesian troops had landed in northern Sulawesi. Rebel leaders retreated into the mountains, and the rebellion was finally put down in mid-1961.
Like most export-oriented commodity-producing regions in Indonesia, North Sulawesi province has done well under the subsequent stability and pro-development orientation of modern Indonesia. The province's infrastructure is probably the best in Indonesia, and export demand for its varied cash crops has offset the disadvantage of distance from domestic markets. Visitors to North Sulawesi will see little evidence of the economic crisis affecting the rest of Indonesia.
Minahasa's Heritage
Tomohon
Tomohon is one of the interesting towns in the highlands. From Manado you go straight to the southern Minahasa, by car or by bus ( from Karombasan Terminal ). Before you get into Tomohon, you will find a nice and comfortable restaurants to stop by and having lunch. There is Tinoor Restaurant, Heng-Mien Restaurant, or Pemandangan Restaurant with a view of Manado Bay and Bunaken Islands.
Tomohon is a pleasant, cool respite from Manado, with a setting below Gunung Lokon volcano. It's popular with city folk on weekends; and for travellers, it's a popular alternative to Manado, and an ideal base to explore the many nearby attractions.
When you entering the first village of Tomohon district, Kinilow, there is places to stay, the Highland Resort .
After Kinilow you will find Kakaskasen village. There is Happy Flower Homestay, Gardenia Hotel, Kawanua Cottages, and Lokon Mega Mendung. For places to eat, there are Von Von Restaurant in Kakaskasen I, and Sineleyan Restaurants and Fishing Area near down town. For you who love adventures you can climb Lokon Volcano and Mahawu Mount. Or you may visit the Flower Market at Kakaskasen Village, the Traditional Market at the centre of the city, and then sit, relax and take a deep fresh breathe at Inspiration Hill, behind Tomohon Christian University, and watch the scenery of Mount Lokon and Tomohon City. The Buddha temple ( Pagoda ) is one of the attractive sites in Tomohon. Out from the Tomohon city, at Woloan, on the way to Tanawangko, you may find a Traditional Wooden House. You may see or even buy one.
Gunung Lokon volcano ( 1530 m ) contains a constantly simmering crater lake of varyling hues, which takes about three hours to reach ( another hour to the peak ) from Tomohon. Before climbing any volcano in the area, report to the vulcanology centre in Tomohon. The centre can provide advice about the hike, and it also has spectacular photographs.
Gunung Mahawu ( 1311 m ). Another of three active volcanoes in the area. Inside the crater is a steaming, emerald-green lake ringed with yellow sulphur deposits. From the summit, you can see neighbouring Mt. Lokon with its ever-present plume of smoke.
There are numerous other wonderful places to explore from Tomohon, and all are accessible by mikrolet from Tomohon. Danau Linow (35 ha ), a small, highly sulphurous lake, which changes colours with the light, is home to extensive birdlife. Warning : do not close to the lake cause there is hot mud can boiled your feet. Take a mikrolet to Sonder, get off at Lahendong and walk ( 1.5 km ) to the lake. From Danau Linow, you can also hike ( 8 km ) to Danau Tondano, but you'll need to as directions.
Tomohon is one of the interesting towns in the highlands. From Manado you go straight to the southern Minahasa, by car or by bus ( from Karombasan Terminal ). Before you get into Tomohon, you will find a nice and comfortable restaurants to stop by and having lunch. There is Tinoor Restaurant, Heng-Mien Restaurant, or Pemandangan Restaurant with a view of Manado Bay and Bunaken Islands.
Tomohon is a pleasant, cool respite from Manado, with a setting below Gunung Lokon volcano. It's popular with city folk on weekends; and for travellers, it's a popular alternative to Manado, and an ideal base to explore the many nearby attractions.
When you entering the first village of Tomohon district, Kinilow, there is places to stay, the Highland Resort .
After Kinilow you will find Kakaskasen village. There is Happy Flower Homestay, Gardenia Hotel, Kawanua Cottages, and Lokon Mega Mendung. For places to eat, there are Von Von Restaurant in Kakaskasen I, and Sineleyan Restaurants and Fishing Area near down town. For you who love adventures you can climb Lokon Volcano and Mahawu Mount. Or you may visit the Flower Market at Kakaskasen Village, the Traditional Market at the centre of the city, and then sit, relax and take a deep fresh breathe at Inspiration Hill, behind Tomohon Christian University, and watch the scenery of Mount Lokon and Tomohon City. The Buddha temple ( Pagoda ) is one of the attractive sites in Tomohon. Out from the Tomohon city, at Woloan, on the way to Tanawangko, you may find a Traditional Wooden House. You may see or even buy one.
Gunung Lokon volcano ( 1530 m ) contains a constantly simmering crater lake of varyling hues, which takes about three hours to reach ( another hour to the peak ) from Tomohon. Before climbing any volcano in the area, report to the vulcanology centre in Tomohon. The centre can provide advice about the hike, and it also has spectacular photographs.
Gunung Mahawu ( 1311 m ). Another of three active volcanoes in the area. Inside the crater is a steaming, emerald-green lake ringed with yellow sulphur deposits. From the summit, you can see neighbouring Mt. Lokon with its ever-present plume of smoke.
There are numerous other wonderful places to explore from Tomohon, and all are accessible by mikrolet from Tomohon. Danau Linow (35 ha ), a small, highly sulphurous lake, which changes colours with the light, is home to extensive birdlife. Warning : do not close to the lake cause there is hot mud can boiled your feet. Take a mikrolet to Sonder, get off at Lahendong and walk ( 1.5 km ) to the lake. From Danau Linow, you can also hike ( 8 km ) to Danau Tondano, but you'll need to as directions.
Tondano
From the Matani Intersection take a left turn on the way to Tondano. There is Kasuang area, with a few restaurants you can choose, and then at Tataaran intersection you can go either straight ahead to Remboken or take a left turn to Tondano City.
If you take the road to Remboken you may pass the Universitas Negeri Manado ( UNIMA ) Campus. At Remboken you will see the Pottery Making at Pulutan. It all hand-making and some of them good to be a souvenir.
From Tataaran intersection, take turn to Tondano city, you may pass the rice field, greeny butsometimes yellowish which means near the harvest time. The view of the rice field and mountains were very attractive. In Tondano City you can make a city tour by 'bendi', a vehicle pull by a horse. Lake Tondano, one of the famous lakes in Indonesia, is located 30 km south-west of Manado and 600 m above sea level.
To visit Lake Tondano, from Tomohon Terminal go to Tondano Terminal, and take a bemo to Remboken
Lake Tondano, the largest lake in Minahasa, has a beautiful area for hiking, or just to enjoy the view of the lake. Having the same name as Minahasa's capitol, it is surrounded by mountains. Around the lake there are rice paddies, that use the lake as a source of irigation. Towns are also spread out around the lake, and are treated with cool temperature, because of the lake and the considerable height of the region above sea-level. Unfortunately, boats are not in abundance in this lake. Only small canoes can be seen here and there. Around the side of the lake, you may find wonderful restaurants and some of them have some gardens to wander around. For a nice tourism place at Remboken you may stop by at Sumaru Endo, where you can sit and relax.
Near Tondano, you can find a Hotspring, Ranopasu ( air panas - hot water ). Try an extremely relaxing bath in hot sulphurous water. Private bathrooms available. From Tondano City. except the road to Tomohon, there is many ways to go out. You can take a road to Bitung via Airmadidi, the road to Remboken, Kakas and Langowan, or take a road to Eris.
From the Matani Intersection take a left turn on the way to Tondano. There is Kasuang area, with a few restaurants you can choose, and then at Tataaran intersection you can go either straight ahead to Remboken or take a left turn to Tondano City.
If you take the road to Remboken you may pass the Universitas Negeri Manado ( UNIMA ) Campus. At Remboken you will see the Pottery Making at Pulutan. It all hand-making and some of them good to be a souvenir.
From Tataaran intersection, take turn to Tondano city, you may pass the rice field, greeny butsometimes yellowish which means near the harvest time. The view of the rice field and mountains were very attractive. In Tondano City you can make a city tour by 'bendi', a vehicle pull by a horse. Lake Tondano, one of the famous lakes in Indonesia, is located 30 km south-west of Manado and 600 m above sea level.
To visit Lake Tondano, from Tomohon Terminal go to Tondano Terminal, and take a bemo to Remboken
Lake Tondano, the largest lake in Minahasa, has a beautiful area for hiking, or just to enjoy the view of the lake. Having the same name as Minahasa's capitol, it is surrounded by mountains. Around the lake there are rice paddies, that use the lake as a source of irigation. Towns are also spread out around the lake, and are treated with cool temperature, because of the lake and the considerable height of the region above sea-level. Unfortunately, boats are not in abundance in this lake. Only small canoes can be seen here and there. Around the side of the lake, you may find wonderful restaurants and some of them have some gardens to wander around. For a nice tourism place at Remboken you may stop by at Sumaru Endo, where you can sit and relax.
Near Tondano, you can find a Hotspring, Ranopasu ( air panas - hot water ). Try an extremely relaxing bath in hot sulphurous water. Private bathrooms available. From Tondano City. except the road to Tomohon, there is many ways to go out. You can take a road to Bitung via Airmadidi, the road to Remboken, Kakas and Langowan, or take a road to Eris.
KawangkoanDuring WW II, the Japanese dug caves into the hills surrounding Manado to act as air-raid shelters, and as storage space for ammunition,. food, weapons and medical supplies. One accessible Japanese Cave is 3 km from Kawangkoan.
About 5 km from Kawangkoan is Watu Pinabetengan, a place of immense spiritual significance for the Minahasans. It is a megalithic stone, that is four meters long and two meters high, and are filled with carvings, that until today have not been deciphered. According to Minahasan history, this is the place, around 670 AD, where the ansectors of the Minahasan people, chiefs of seven Minahasan tribes met to discuss and determine the division of land, to ensure peace among the tribes. The seven areas that were divided were called Tombulu, Tonsea, Toulour, Tontemboan, Tonsawang,Ponosakan and Pasan Ratahan.
About 5 km from Kawangkoan is Watu Pinabetengan, a place of immense spiritual significance for the Minahasans. It is a megalithic stone, that is four meters long and two meters high, and are filled with carvings, that until today have not been deciphered. According to Minahasan history, this is the place, around 670 AD, where the ansectors of the Minahasan people, chiefs of seven Minahasan tribes met to discuss and determine the division of land, to ensure peace among the tribes. The seven areas that were divided were called Tombulu, Tonsea, Toulour, Tontemboan, Tonsawang,Ponosakan and Pasan Ratahan.
Other Places
There are also hot springs, private mineral baths and nice walks near Langowan. From Tondano Village, take a mikrolet to Langowan, and ask the driver to drop you off nearby. Several kilometers out of Tomohon, on the road to Tara Tara, are caves, which were used by Japanese forces during WWII. Komplex Walepapetaupan Toar-Lumimuut is a park, swimming pool and landscaped garden dedicated to the Minahasans' origin myth in Sonder. From Sonder, occasional mikrolets go toTincep, from where it's a short walk to more pretty waterfalls. Some of the best Japanese caves are just outside Tondano village on the road to Airmadidi. A bus from Airmadidi to Tondano will get you to the caves in 45 minutes. From the caves, you can hitch or walk ( one hour ) to the mikrolet terminal in Tondano village. From Terminal Karombasan in Manado, mikrolets regularly leave for Tondano village, or you can get there by mikrolet from Tomohon. From Tondano, catch another mikrolet to Remboken, and get off anywhere you like along the main road around the lake. From Tondano, you can also take a leisurely bandi to anywhere you want. At Sawangan, you can see the Waruga (old pre-Christian tombs of the ancestral Minahasans).
More information please send your email to: tommystemmy@gmail.com
There are also hot springs, private mineral baths and nice walks near Langowan. From Tondano Village, take a mikrolet to Langowan, and ask the driver to drop you off nearby. Several kilometers out of Tomohon, on the road to Tara Tara, are caves, which were used by Japanese forces during WWII. Komplex Walepapetaupan Toar-Lumimuut is a park, swimming pool and landscaped garden dedicated to the Minahasans' origin myth in Sonder. From Sonder, occasional mikrolets go toTincep, from where it's a short walk to more pretty waterfalls. Some of the best Japanese caves are just outside Tondano village on the road to Airmadidi. A bus from Airmadidi to Tondano will get you to the caves in 45 minutes. From the caves, you can hitch or walk ( one hour ) to the mikrolet terminal in Tondano village. From Terminal Karombasan in Manado, mikrolets regularly leave for Tondano village, or you can get there by mikrolet from Tomohon. From Tondano, catch another mikrolet to Remboken, and get off anywhere you like along the main road around the lake. From Tondano, you can also take a leisurely bandi to anywhere you want. At Sawangan, you can see the Waruga (old pre-Christian tombs of the ancestral Minahasans).
Around Bitung you can find nice places to visit, like Waruga's Ancestor Graveyard at Sawangan, Airmadidi, White Sand Beach of Batu Nona at Kema, Mount Klabat ( the highest mountain in North Sulawesi ), Tangkoko National Park, Lembeh Island ( paradise for divers who loves little critters ), Traditional Gold Mining at Dimembe, Likupang, Bangka Island, Batu Putih. Or you can stay at the homestay like Benteng Resort, Ranger Homestay, Mama Ross Homestay, Tarsius Homestay, or Pulisan Jungle Beach. For you who loves diving, you can stay at Kungkungan Bay Resort or Benteng Resort. At Gangga Island, there is Gangga Island Resort. On the way from Manado to Airmadidi you may find restaurants to stop by and having lunch or dinner.
Bitung is the chief port of North Sulawesi that lies to the east of Manado. Bitung also is a home for many factories especially fisheries. Its port stated right in front of the Lembeh Island, that makes Bitung harbour safe from the big waves of the ocean. For information about ships that goes from Bitung to any other directions, see the Pelni & Sanger Ship page.
Bitung is the chief port of North Sulawesi that lies to the east of Manado. Bitung also is a home for many factories especially fisheries. Its port stated right in front of the Lembeh Island, that makes Bitung harbour safe from the big waves of the ocean. For information about ships that goes from Bitung to any other directions, see the Pelni & Sanger Ship page.
| Dive Spots : 1. Batu Angus 2. Aw Shucks 3. Hairball 4. Hairball Two 5. Kasuari 6. Mandarine Dive 7. Magic Rock 8. Nudi Retreat 9. Makawide 10. Jahir 11. Nudi Falls 12. Police Pier 13. California Dreamin' 14. Pulau Putus 15. Batu Merah 16. Angel's Windows 17. Batu Sandar 18. Pantai Parigi 19. Mawali Wreck 20. Sarena Kecil 21. Pulau Abadi 22. Kapal Indah 23. Tanjung Labuan Com |  |
Dive the magnificent spots, i.e :
1. Batu Angus
2. Aw Shucks, a patch reef near one of the pearl farms along the Sulawesi Coast. The mushroom corals here sometimes have the tiny commensal white pipefish. A seemingly endless sand slope can hold surprises like devilfish, nudibranch and snake eels.
3. Hairball, A true "Muck" site that is home to some of our most unusual critters. There are no corals, only black sand, algae and an occasional patch of sponges. Some of the critters found here grow skin filaments to blend in with the algae, often seen are the frogfish, ambon scorpion fish, snake eels, devilfish, dragonettes and even the flamboyant cuttlefish. Recent sightings including seahorses and the Lembeh Frogfish.
4. Hairball Too, a site similar to hairball but with a great chance of seeing common seahorses in the shallows.
5. Kasuari,
6. Mandarine Dive
7. Magic Rock, A small fringing reef leads to patch reefs and coral heads at 35'. The site takes its name from the small rock that teems with live, ribbon eels; pearl-eyed morays, sweepers, leaf fish and devilfish have been seen. The shallows are a good place to spot large cuttlefish.
8. Nudi Retreat, A small-protected cove along the Sulawesi coast. The reef slope starts in only 10' of water and gradually works it's way deeper. A colourful wall abuts the slope in the shallows. It has resident cockatoo waspfish, and a pair of Pegasus sea moths. Frogfish often put in an appearance and on night dives a coral cat shark can be seen.
9. Makawide, A gradual slope which is a great place to find lots of different kinds of sand dwellers including the Black-rayed shrimp goby and dragonettes, the depths have lots of sea whips where black coral crabs and shrimps make their home, pygmy seahorses have been spotted around 90'.
10. Jahir, One of the new sites named after the dive guides that discovered it. Another great muck site with lots of purple heart urchin's home to the beautiful Zebra crab, Ambon Scorpion fish are regulars along with tiny frogfish and many eels. Recent sightings include the Wonderpus. Nightime gives a good opportunity to see the strange stargazer.
11. Nudi Falls, Beautiful miniwall that gives way to a sand and rubble slope. This site is well known for it's variety of nudibranchs, comet fish and pygmy seahorses. Recent sightings include the very rare Rhinopias Frondosa or "weedy scorpionfish".
12. Police Pier, A muck dive, gradual sandy slope runs from the shallows. The bottom is covered with patches of sponges and rubble that conceal thorny seahorses and frogfish. The blend in well with their habitat.
13. California Dreamin', On the northern coast of Lembeh Island so visibility is usually good. The area is full of gorgonians, sea fans and brilliant orange tree corals that bloom when the current is running. Giant green frogfish have been seen and there are plenty of fish. A shallow plateau at 40' is a great place for hunting unusual critters.
14. Pulau Putus, On the Northern end of Lembeh is a steep reef that gives way to a sand slope at 80'. A very pretty site with good visibility and lots of fish life. You can see the shy jaw fish on a sand slope by the mooring. This site has one of the most beautiful gardens in this area.
15. Batu Merah, A gradual sand slope with a fringing reef that has several beautiful ribbon eels. At 80' there is depression in the sand that houses and marvelous rock that is filled with sweepers, feather stars, cleaner shrimp, dragonettes, eels and many other critters. The cleaner shrimp are so numerous that you can just put out your hand and have a dozen or so cleaning your nails.
16. Angel's Windows, A submerged pinnacle off the North Coast of Lembeh Island that rises to just under the surface. Visibility is usually very good and the soft corals and seafans are some of the best around. The pinnacle has several swim throughs at 80' where Jacks and snappers hang out. It also has an assortment of critters like pygmy seahorses, devilfish and leaffish. A big school of butterfly fish like to follow divers around and steal Sargeant Major eggs as the divers pass by.
17. Batu Sandar, Midway up on Lembeh Island. The fringing reef in the shallows gives way to sand and patch reefs that go dorn to 80', ornate ghost pipefish are regulars here.
18. Pantai Parigi, A gentle slope just off Lembeh, hiding in the sand we've seen seahorses, devil fish and robust pipe fish, in the shallows is a very pretty patch reef in which to end the dive.
19. Mawali Wreck, A wreck named for the near-by village on Lembeh. A Japanase WWII ship that was scuttled lies on its port side in 100' of water, it's about 250' long, intact and heavily overgrown. The highlight of the dive is its many large lionfish that suspend themselves around the masts. Also seen are many kinds of nudibranchs, huge scorpion fish and a banded sea snake often puts in an appearance.
20. Sarena Kecil, At the northwest tip of Sarena Kecil, it is a steep reef with lots of nooks and crannies for critters to hide. The reef is beautiful with many green branching corals. Two giant frogfish are often seen and also crab-eyed gobies in the shallows.
21. Pulau Abadi, another shallow reef with good coral growth and many giant sea fans, pygmy sea horses have been found here along with crab-eyed gobies and mantis shrimp.
22. Kapal Indah, A small wreck about 180 m long, it sits in 100' of water along side a fringing reef. The wreck has been down for 40 + years so iscovered in coral life; a great spot for finding black coral crabs on sea whips and crinoid critters also large scorpion fish. When your bottom time is up simply swim into the shallows where you can find devil fish and crab-eyed gobies.
23. Tanjung Labuan Com
2. Aw Shucks, a patch reef near one of the pearl farms along the Sulawesi Coast. The mushroom corals here sometimes have the tiny commensal white pipefish. A seemingly endless sand slope can hold surprises like devilfish, nudibranch and snake eels.
3. Hairball, A true "Muck" site that is home to some of our most unusual critters. There are no corals, only black sand, algae and an occasional patch of sponges. Some of the critters found here grow skin filaments to blend in with the algae, often seen are the frogfish, ambon scorpion fish, snake eels, devilfish, dragonettes and even the flamboyant cuttlefish. Recent sightings including seahorses and the Lembeh Frogfish.
4. Hairball Too, a site similar to hairball but with a great chance of seeing common seahorses in the shallows.
5. Kasuari,
6. Mandarine Dive
7. Magic Rock, A small fringing reef leads to patch reefs and coral heads at 35'. The site takes its name from the small rock that teems with live, ribbon eels; pearl-eyed morays, sweepers, leaf fish and devilfish have been seen. The shallows are a good place to spot large cuttlefish.
8. Nudi Retreat, A small-protected cove along the Sulawesi coast. The reef slope starts in only 10' of water and gradually works it's way deeper. A colourful wall abuts the slope in the shallows. It has resident cockatoo waspfish, and a pair of Pegasus sea moths. Frogfish often put in an appearance and on night dives a coral cat shark can be seen.
9. Makawide, A gradual slope which is a great place to find lots of different kinds of sand dwellers including the Black-rayed shrimp goby and dragonettes, the depths have lots of sea whips where black coral crabs and shrimps make their home, pygmy seahorses have been spotted around 90'.
10. Jahir, One of the new sites named after the dive guides that discovered it. Another great muck site with lots of purple heart urchin's home to the beautiful Zebra crab, Ambon Scorpion fish are regulars along with tiny frogfish and many eels. Recent sightings include the Wonderpus. Nightime gives a good opportunity to see the strange stargazer.
11. Nudi Falls, Beautiful miniwall that gives way to a sand and rubble slope. This site is well known for it's variety of nudibranchs, comet fish and pygmy seahorses. Recent sightings include the very rare Rhinopias Frondosa or "weedy scorpionfish".
12. Police Pier, A muck dive, gradual sandy slope runs from the shallows. The bottom is covered with patches of sponges and rubble that conceal thorny seahorses and frogfish. The blend in well with their habitat.
13. California Dreamin', On the northern coast of Lembeh Island so visibility is usually good. The area is full of gorgonians, sea fans and brilliant orange tree corals that bloom when the current is running. Giant green frogfish have been seen and there are plenty of fish. A shallow plateau at 40' is a great place for hunting unusual critters.
14. Pulau Putus, On the Northern end of Lembeh is a steep reef that gives way to a sand slope at 80'. A very pretty site with good visibility and lots of fish life. You can see the shy jaw fish on a sand slope by the mooring. This site has one of the most beautiful gardens in this area.
15. Batu Merah, A gradual sand slope with a fringing reef that has several beautiful ribbon eels. At 80' there is depression in the sand that houses and marvelous rock that is filled with sweepers, feather stars, cleaner shrimp, dragonettes, eels and many other critters. The cleaner shrimp are so numerous that you can just put out your hand and have a dozen or so cleaning your nails.
16. Angel's Windows, A submerged pinnacle off the North Coast of Lembeh Island that rises to just under the surface. Visibility is usually very good and the soft corals and seafans are some of the best around. The pinnacle has several swim throughs at 80' where Jacks and snappers hang out. It also has an assortment of critters like pygmy seahorses, devilfish and leaffish. A big school of butterfly fish like to follow divers around and steal Sargeant Major eggs as the divers pass by.
17. Batu Sandar, Midway up on Lembeh Island. The fringing reef in the shallows gives way to sand and patch reefs that go dorn to 80', ornate ghost pipefish are regulars here.
18. Pantai Parigi, A gentle slope just off Lembeh, hiding in the sand we've seen seahorses, devil fish and robust pipe fish, in the shallows is a very pretty patch reef in which to end the dive.
19. Mawali Wreck, A wreck named for the near-by village on Lembeh. A Japanase WWII ship that was scuttled lies on its port side in 100' of water, it's about 250' long, intact and heavily overgrown. The highlight of the dive is its many large lionfish that suspend themselves around the masts. Also seen are many kinds of nudibranchs, huge scorpion fish and a banded sea snake often puts in an appearance.
20. Sarena Kecil, At the northwest tip of Sarena Kecil, it is a steep reef with lots of nooks and crannies for critters to hide. The reef is beautiful with many green branching corals. Two giant frogfish are often seen and also crab-eyed gobies in the shallows.
21. Pulau Abadi, another shallow reef with good coral growth and many giant sea fans, pygmy sea horses have been found here along with crab-eyed gobies and mantis shrimp.
22. Kapal Indah, A small wreck about 180 m long, it sits in 100' of water along side a fringing reef. The wreck has been down for 40 + years so iscovered in coral life; a great spot for finding black coral crabs on sea whips and crinoid critters also large scorpion fish. When your bottom time is up simply swim into the shallows where you can find devil fish and crab-eyed gobies.
23. Tanjung Labuan Com
Gunung Klabat
Gunung Klabat ( 2022 m ), the highest peak at North Sulawesi. The obvious path to the crater at the top starts behind the police station at Airmadidi, where you must register and take aguide. The climb ( about four hours to the top, two for the descent ) goes through superb rainforest flora and fauna, but it's tough hike. It's best to stay overnight near the top, in a tent or makeshift shelter, and be there for the sunrise and the supendous views across the whole peninsula. Try to avoid Sunday, whn the mountain can be surprisingly crowded with local hikers. This area was the last hideout for the anti-Indonesian rebels in the late 1950s and early 60s; and it's easy to see how they evaded capture for so long.
Gunung Klabat ( 2022 m ), the highest peak at North Sulawesi. The obvious path to the crater at the top starts behind the police station at Airmadidi, where you must register and take aguide. The climb ( about four hours to the top, two for the descent ) goes through superb rainforest flora and fauna, but it's tough hike. It's best to stay overnight near the top, in a tent or makeshift shelter, and be there for the sunrise and the supendous views across the whole peninsula. Try to avoid Sunday, whn the mountain can be surprisingly crowded with local hikers. This area was the last hideout for the anti-Indonesian rebels in the late 1950s and early 60s; and it's easy to see how they evaded capture for so long.
The Tangkoko-DuaSudara Nature Reserve sits like a thumbnail on the tip of the peninsula. About 2 hour more drive from Manado, this 8.800 ha reserve is one of the most beautiful and accessible rain forests in Indonesia and, despite its modest size, offers opportunities for treks from beach forest through gently sloping lowland forest and on up to cloud forests that cling to the edges of volcaniccalderas. The reserve's 3 volcanic peaks are the 1.109 m of Mt. Tangkoko, the ash cone of Batuangus ( 450 m ), which resulted from an eruption in 1839, and the 1351 m twin peaks of Dua Sudara. Batuangus is almost bare of vegetation and has a new lava flow that extends to the sea, where a collapsed lava tunnel has formed a 400 m long cove with coral reefs and the only mangrove habitat in reserve. The north coast is a series of crescent-shaped, sandy bays, separated by rocky headlands.
More than 150 of Sulawesi's 379 bird species have been recorded in Tangkoko, including 47 Sulawesi endemics. there are severakl good guides in the village who can be contacted via the PHPA post at the park entrance; with their knowledge of bird calls and the best areas, you should catch up with most of the park's specialities in a 3 or 4 day visit. Tangkoko have many endemic mammals and birds like Tarsius Spectrum ( nocturnal, the smallest primates in the world ),Macacas Nigras ( black monkey ), Hornbills, Kingfishers, Parrots, etc.
More than 150 of Sulawesi's 379 bird species have been recorded in Tangkoko, including 47 Sulawesi endemics. there are severakl good guides in the village who can be contacted via the PHPA post at the park entrance; with their knowledge of bird calls and the best areas, you should catch up with most of the park's specialities in a 3 or 4 day visit. Tangkoko have many endemic mammals and birds like Tarsius Spectrum ( nocturnal, the smallest primates in the world ),Macacas Nigras ( black monkey ), Hornbills, Kingfishers, Parrots, etc.
Four basic homestays in Batuputih, near the park entrance, all with fullboard and about US$ 25,- per person + entrance fee US$ 10,- per person per entry
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Recomendations for Visitors
Dress appropriately. Wear light, breathable clothing that dries quickly. Drab colours are preferable; avoid whites and reds. Although it is hot, long sleeves and pants prevent scratches and insect bites. Use insect repellent and tuck your pants into your socks to minimize insect, leech and mite bites.
Carry good binoculars; without them even the most spectacular birds will be no more than a shiny dot in the canopy. Carry a waterproof bag big enough for binoculars and cameras in case of a downpour.
Go slowly, quietly and in small groups (no more than 5) so animals will be less likely to be disturbed by your presence.
Seek out fruiting trees, especially figs, or pools and streams. These are profitable places to sit and wait for wildlife, particularly birds.
Sit often and for long periods and search for the things that tend to go unnoticed like glossy beetles, graceful butterflies, velvety ants, and exquisite but minute flowers.
Be aware of sounds - the buzzing of insects, calls of birds, rustling in the underbrush. Quite often these cues are the first indication that something is about to happen.
Go early. Most birds and many mammals are active in the morning with their movements dropping off by midday. The afternoon peak is never as energetic as the morning but these are good times to visit streams and water sources.
When viewing monkeys, let them approach you on their own terms. If you stoop down and avoid looking directly in their eyes they will be less inhibited. Do not chase or pursue monkeys and never feed them. No matter how innocent they may look, wild monkeys bite and carry dangerous diseases.
When viewing tarsiers at night don't forget your flashlight. However be considerate of their extremely senstitive eyes.
Dress appropriately. Wear light, breathable clothing that dries quickly. Drab colours are preferable; avoid whites and reds. Although it is hot, long sleeves and pants prevent scratches and insect bites. Use insect repellent and tuck your pants into your socks to minimize insect, leech and mite bites.
Carry good binoculars; without them even the most spectacular birds will be no more than a shiny dot in the canopy. Carry a waterproof bag big enough for binoculars and cameras in case of a downpour.
Go slowly, quietly and in small groups (no more than 5) so animals will be less likely to be disturbed by your presence.
Seek out fruiting trees, especially figs, or pools and streams. These are profitable places to sit and wait for wildlife, particularly birds.
Sit often and for long periods and search for the things that tend to go unnoticed like glossy beetles, graceful butterflies, velvety ants, and exquisite but minute flowers.
Be aware of sounds - the buzzing of insects, calls of birds, rustling in the underbrush. Quite often these cues are the first indication that something is about to happen.
Go early. Most birds and many mammals are active in the morning with their movements dropping off by midday. The afternoon peak is never as energetic as the morning but these are good times to visit streams and water sources.
When viewing monkeys, let them approach you on their own terms. If you stoop down and avoid looking directly in their eyes they will be less inhibited. Do not chase or pursue monkeys and never feed them. No matter how innocent they may look, wild monkeys bite and carry dangerous diseases.
When viewing tarsiers at night don't forget your flashlight. However be considerate of their extremely senstitive eyes.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Sangihe and Talaud Regency lies at the position of 2° 3' to 5° 5' North Latitude and 125° 10' to 127° 12', East Longitude. This region comprises 2.263,56 km2 land area and 44.000 km2 sea area or about 95 % of its territory is waters, so this region familiar called maritime one.
The type of climate according to Schmidt and Ferguson is damp type. The average temperature is 27° C. The lowest occur in February (25,7° C ) and the highest in June ( 27,7° C ). The humidity is quite high, average 83% per month.
The same as other region in North Sulawesi. The climate type is influenced by monsoon win. Dry season from March to September and rain season from September to beginning of March.
This region has several kinds of rare animals such as Wild Boar, Wild Cow, Civetcat, Sampiri, Maleo, Swallow, Nut Crab, Squirrel, Parrot, White and Blue Kumkum and also some vegetation like Ebony, Orchid, Rattan, Ressin and other kinds of wild plants.
Moreover, there are some kinds of popular fruits like lancium, Duren, Sallaca, etc.
Empat Wayer is a well known dance beside Mesalai, Membawelase, Alabadiri, Gunde and Samper also every 31 January the Traditional ceremony conducted in some places and The Traditional Catching fish called "Mane'e" in May every year at full moon in Intata Island by Kakorotan people.
The type of climate according to Schmidt and Ferguson is damp type. The average temperature is 27° C. The lowest occur in February (25,7° C ) and the highest in June ( 27,7° C ). The humidity is quite high, average 83% per month.
The same as other region in North Sulawesi. The climate type is influenced by monsoon win. Dry season from March to September and rain season from September to beginning of March.
This region has several kinds of rare animals such as Wild Boar, Wild Cow, Civetcat, Sampiri, Maleo, Swallow, Nut Crab, Squirrel, Parrot, White and Blue Kumkum and also some vegetation like Ebony, Orchid, Rattan, Ressin and other kinds of wild plants.
Moreover, there are some kinds of popular fruits like lancium, Duren, Sallaca, etc.
Empat Wayer is a well known dance beside Mesalai, Membawelase, Alabadiri, Gunde and Samper also every 31 January the Traditional ceremony conducted in some places and The Traditional Catching fish called "Mane'e" in May every year at full moon in Intata Island by Kakorotan people.
A. Tahuna
- From Sam Ratulangi Airport Manado goes to Airport Naha, it takes ± 65 minutes and from Naha to reach Petta Subdistrict of Tabukan Utara ± 10 minutes by land vehicle "Mini Bus". If you want to do snorkeling or diving in a group island of Bukide, you can rent boat of local people in Petta harbor. Or if you want to take a rest and experience the way of life of the local people in Petta, you can stay or go to Leppe beach that you can reach on foot from Petta.
- 90 minutes from Petta to Bukide Island. Enjoy the beautifulness of Tinakareng white Beach and enchantment of under water beautiful nature. Moreover this land group covered by white beach, and swallow habitat.
- Reach Tahuna in 7 hours by speed ship "Oceania" or ± 12 hours by another medium speed ship.
This region is suitable for you who love fishing. You can spend nights here, and the local people especially the village head staff ready to give you accommodation but if you don't plan to spend the night over there, go back to Petta and then you need ± 20 minutes to reach Tahuna. In Tahuna you can have your accommodation easily. Some hotels and homestays can be your choice.
And if you want to take a rest in Petta and visit Talengen Bay that was aiming by many investors for aquaculture area of varying economic species of fish as export commodity. Moreover in this part of Talengen area there is a unique attraction on May or June. On this month according to local people usually the schooling of dugong transit in this waters.
- 90 minutes from Petta to Bukide Island. Enjoy the beautifulness of Tinakareng white Beach and enchantment of under water beautiful nature. Moreover this land group covered by white beach, and swallow habitat.
- Reach Tahuna in 7 hours by speed ship "Oceania" or ± 12 hours by another medium speed ship.
This region is suitable for you who love fishing. You can spend nights here, and the local people especially the village head staff ready to give you accommodation but if you don't plan to spend the night over there, go back to Petta and then you need ± 20 minutes to reach Tahuna. In Tahuna you can have your accommodation easily. Some hotels and homestays can be your choice.
And if you want to take a rest in Petta and visit Talengen Bay that was aiming by many investors for aquaculture area of varying economic species of fish as export commodity. Moreover in this part of Talengen area there is a unique attraction on May or June. On this month according to local people usually the schooling of dugong transit in this waters.
B. Siau
The old name of Siau is KARANGETANG, which means “the highest”. Karangetang is the name of Volcano in this island that active every time. Many tourists interesting in the uniqueness of this volcano. The lava of this volcano was blown out of the first time of eruption on October 1974. The first height of the volcano was about 1700 meters but after several times of eruption increase to be about 1800 meters.
From Ulu by bus you can go to natural hot water bathing places in shore lines of Lehi village Ondong Sub District in the west of Siau Island. It takes ± 45 minutes.
Moreover there are some historical objects like the grave of King Lokon Banua, and Legendary Lehi Lake, footprint and onding gigantic stick. Enjoy the beautiful nature of Mahoro Island or to Balerangeng coral reef in the south of Mahoro. It takes ± 45 minutes from Ulu. Before reach these areas you can experience of beautifulness of white beach of Bebase beach in Pahepa island closed by Buhias or lies at Buhias strait. In this beach you can enjoy the smoothness of the sea and this place very suitable for Jet Sky.
Mahoro Island has original coral reef, cave or swallow nest and remains of Portugal fortress. There are some hotels and homestays near the seaport! Or built a tent for camping in MAHORO Island. There is no occupant. You can stay some days if you have more provision and enjoying its silent night with shining of star or moon.
From Ulu by bus you can go to natural hot water bathing places in shore lines of Lehi village Ondong Sub District in the west of Siau Island. It takes ± 45 minutes.
Moreover there are some historical objects like the grave of King Lokon Banua, and Legendary Lehi Lake, footprint and onding gigantic stick. Enjoy the beautiful nature of Mahoro Island or to Balerangeng coral reef in the south of Mahoro. It takes ± 45 minutes from Ulu. Before reach these areas you can experience of beautifulness of white beach of Bebase beach in Pahepa island closed by Buhias or lies at Buhias strait. In this beach you can enjoy the smoothness of the sea and this place very suitable for Jet Sky.
Mahoro Island has original coral reef, cave or swallow nest and remains of Portugal fortress. There are some hotels and homestays near the seaport! Or built a tent for camping in MAHORO Island. There is no occupant. You can stay some days if you have more provision and enjoying its silent night with shining of star or moon.
C. Tagulandang and Biaro
You can depart from Manado to Tagulandang. It takes ± 5 hours to reach Tagulandang harbour. Tagulandang known as central of snake fruit (sallaca). You can enjoy the beautifulness of sallaca plantation and taste the sweetness of tough sallaca with specific aroma or visit Laing Patehi cave lies some meters under sea level. Only ± 10 minutes from Tagulandang seaport by traditional boat. Or dive and explore the beautifulness of Passige original coral reef. The originality of coral reef surrounded by colourful of fish and seagrass. You can reach Biaro Island and Passige from Manado by traditional boat of local people. It takes 4 – 5 hours to reach this region. If you a lover of fishing, Biaro island ever stir up the world. And don’t forget before move to Biaro Island there are a natural hot water spring in Minanga village and a volcano in Ruang Island.
By cruising time ± 90 minutes you can see by yourself the mystery of Biaro Island which challenge many expert of Marine science. Close by Biaro island there is a small island named “Salangka” that to be a dream of many fishermen from all corners of the world.
According to many marine scientists and fishermen once a year in the waters around Biaro Island takes place the breeding of the whale. The spectacular episode “Courtship in Honey Moon” of the whale is a scarce moment that so expensive. For the marine expert, and marine biologist, or just a lover of sensational event, don’t let the scarce opportunity passed ! You still have an opportunity if you want to stay for more days with this gigantic fish because female fish will stay in this water until it gave birth its new generation and then will leave where ever.
Two different world are waiting for you to explore : On the tree there are millions of cave bat hang on. Under water there is an aqua culture of pearl shells and grouper.
By cruising time ± 90 minutes you can see by yourself the mystery of Biaro Island which challenge many expert of Marine science. Close by Biaro island there is a small island named “Salangka” that to be a dream of many fishermen from all corners of the world.
According to many marine scientists and fishermen once a year in the waters around Biaro Island takes place the breeding of the whale. The spectacular episode “Courtship in Honey Moon” of the whale is a scarce moment that so expensive. For the marine expert, and marine biologist, or just a lover of sensational event, don’t let the scarce opportunity passed ! You still have an opportunity if you want to stay for more days with this gigantic fish because female fish will stay in this water until it gave birth its new generation and then will leave where ever.
Two different world are waiting for you to explore : On the tree there are millions of cave bat hang on. Under water there is an aqua culture of pearl shells and grouper.
D. Tahuna Bay and Awu Volcano
The beautiful Tahuna Bay colored by traffic visiting to this region from Manado, Bitung, Talaud and the other islands. It takes ± 25 minutes to reach the top of Lenganeng on foot or ± 10 minutes by car. Another interesting place is Kolongan Beha Beach resort ± 5 kilometers from Tahuna. The beach has an interesting panorama for taking a bath in the seashore. Pananuelang white beach is the other alternative. It is situated in Tariang Baru village central Tabukan subdistrict. It is length ± 500 meters that so beautiful for visitor. The distance of Pananualeng from Tahuna is 26 kilometers that can be reached by bus ± 1 hours.
Another alternative is climbing Awu Volcano. Its height 1320 meters from sea level. When you reach the top of this volcano you will amaze and enjoy fresh air and lake and see the beautifulness of the lake in top of this volcano. You can reach the top of this volcano in ± 4 hours from Angges Village.
For researchers, in Manganitu there is historical object like the grave of Bataha Santiago, a former king of Manganitu who governed from 1670 – 1675. This grave is situated ± 14 kilometers from Tahuna or the former place of King Mocodompis in same district about 10 kilometers from Tahuna.
Another alternative is climbing Awu Volcano. Its height 1320 meters from sea level. When you reach the top of this volcano you will amaze and enjoy fresh air and lake and see the beautifulness of the lake in top of this volcano. You can reach the top of this volcano in ± 4 hours from Angges Village.
For researchers, in Manganitu there is historical object like the grave of Bataha Santiago, a former king of Manganitu who governed from 1670 – 1675. This grave is situated ± 14 kilometers from Tahuna or the former place of King Mocodompis in same district about 10 kilometers from Tahuna.
There is a series of small islands in the south of Sangihe Island. It is a part of Tamako sub district. To reach them you can depart from Tahuna straight away by taxi boat from the former harbor of Tahuna in the center of the city that have a beautiful panorama in the part of Tahuna bay. It takes ± 3 hours to Mahangetang or departs from Towo bus terminal in Tahuna to Tamako ± 1 hour and near Tamako harbor for about 5 minutes by speed-boat and you can enjoy the beautifulness of original coral reef covered by clear waters. According to coral reef researcher team from faculty of fisheries and marine science Sam Ratulangi University, the coral reef in Tamako waters better then in the other regions in North Sulawesi today.
If you want to prove this statement you can dive for some hours before continuing your travel to Mahangetang Island that to be one of the two mistery beside in Caribia. It has invited many researchers especially vulcanologists from everywhere to open the secret of this volcano. The top of the volcano depth is ± 6 meters when low tide and ± 8 meters high tide from sea level. The distance is 127 sea miles from Manado and ± 18 sea miles from Tahuna. It lies ± 300 meters from Mahangetang Island.
You can spend the night in the losmen beside enjoying beautifulness of Tamako tropical forest near from your accommodation. Moreover there is a beautiful waterfall called Nguralawo in Binalo village ± 6 kilometers from Tamako. According to the legend long time ago it became bath place of fairies from heaven.
Now if you want to continue your travel to Mahangetang, you can go by local people boat. It takes ± 1 hour to reach Mahangetang. In the south of Mahangetang ± 25 minutes by speed boat you can reach Kalama Island that known as cave of swallownest in the southeast and ±25 minutes by the some transportation you can enjoy beautifulness of Kahikitang island that according to marine researchers in this island in this waters there is a gigantic rayfish live here. This island rounded by white sand and coral reef that to be idola of many visitors. And if you sail to the south direction ± 25 minutes to south direction you will be at Para and Siha Islands
These islands have white sand beach and coral reef. Not far from the village there is an artifical gigantic fish pond that contented of many kinds of salt water fish. So if you’re fishing lovers you can do your hobby in this isaland. Many tourists very interesting stay in Nitu island, because this island have specific beautifulness.
In Para you can see the process of producing salt fish of local people. You can stay here longer before satisfied enjoy under water panorama. If you go straight away from Para to Dagho Ferry Harbor you may pass some small beautiful islands like Bebalang and Baunderang. From ferry harbor “Dagho” to Laine village it takes 25 minutes, and you can enjoy fresh and cool air around this Kadadima waterfall. From Dagho to Tahuna ± 3 hours by land vehicle.
If you want to prove this statement you can dive for some hours before continuing your travel to Mahangetang Island that to be one of the two mistery beside in Caribia. It has invited many researchers especially vulcanologists from everywhere to open the secret of this volcano. The top of the volcano depth is ± 6 meters when low tide and ± 8 meters high tide from sea level. The distance is 127 sea miles from Manado and ± 18 sea miles from Tahuna. It lies ± 300 meters from Mahangetang Island.
You can spend the night in the losmen beside enjoying beautifulness of Tamako tropical forest near from your accommodation. Moreover there is a beautiful waterfall called Nguralawo in Binalo village ± 6 kilometers from Tamako. According to the legend long time ago it became bath place of fairies from heaven.
Now if you want to continue your travel to Mahangetang, you can go by local people boat. It takes ± 1 hour to reach Mahangetang. In the south of Mahangetang ± 25 minutes by speed boat you can reach Kalama Island that known as cave of swallownest in the southeast and ±25 minutes by the some transportation you can enjoy beautifulness of Kahikitang island that according to marine researchers in this island in this waters there is a gigantic rayfish live here. This island rounded by white sand and coral reef that to be idola of many visitors. And if you sail to the south direction ± 25 minutes to south direction you will be at Para and Siha Islands
These islands have white sand beach and coral reef. Not far from the village there is an artifical gigantic fish pond that contented of many kinds of salt water fish. So if you’re fishing lovers you can do your hobby in this isaland. Many tourists very interesting stay in Nitu island, because this island have specific beautifulness.
In Para you can see the process of producing salt fish of local people. You can stay here longer before satisfied enjoy under water panorama. If you go straight away from Para to Dagho Ferry Harbor you may pass some small beautiful islands like Bebalang and Baunderang. From ferry harbor “Dagho” to Laine village it takes 25 minutes, and you can enjoy fresh and cool air around this Kadadima waterfall. From Dagho to Tahuna ± 3 hours by land vehicle.
From Sam Ratulangi Airport Manado to Melongguane Airport in Talaud and continue your travel to Melonguane and Beo. In Lirung, there is a small white beach island called “Sara”. There are big Sara and small Sara. In this island, beside wealth of coral reef attraction, rare species of Bird “Maleo” live here. Not only its egg that relative as big as its mother, but cause of its colorful body hair and its sweet voice, also some kinds of conservation rare animals like Nuri birds, Nut Crab. To reach this island by motorboat it takes ± 45 minutes from Lirung and ± 60 minutes from Melonguane. ± 18 kilometers from Lirung you can visit Lawasan beach in Salibabu village by land vehicle ± 1 hours.
In this region you can see the life of adherent of traditional religion in Musi village ± 30 minutes by bus from Lirung. And if you want to look all part of this island, you can see from top of Ayambana mountain near Lirung.
The white beach is interesting enough because supported by the dence of tree around. Or to Bitunuris village for taking a rest in “Tiwuda Beach”. Today this beach on every Sunday and holiday seems to be the best choice of surrounding people. Beautifulness of under water in Bitunuris richen by some kinds of pearls shells.
At Mangaran Island, there are Anemawira sea garden. Asisi cave, Wambangan cave and Awanganan water fall. You can use transportation means only in Mangaran to go around this island, the calm situation and original coral reef make this region have extra ordinary enchantment.
In this region you can see the life of adherent of traditional religion in Musi village ± 30 minutes by bus from Lirung. And if you want to look all part of this island, you can see from top of Ayambana mountain near Lirung.
The white beach is interesting enough because supported by the dence of tree around. Or to Bitunuris village for taking a rest in “Tiwuda Beach”. Today this beach on every Sunday and holiday seems to be the best choice of surrounding people. Beautifulness of under water in Bitunuris richen by some kinds of pearls shells.
At Mangaran Island, there are Anemawira sea garden. Asisi cave, Wambangan cave and Awanganan water fall. You can use transportation means only in Mangaran to go around this island, the calm situation and original coral reef make this region have extra ordinary enchantment.
If you have reached Melonguane by air plane or continue your travel from Lirung by passenger ship from Manado, in Karakelang island you have some alternative objects. If your choice to Nusa Dolong and Nusa Topor in Rae and Lobbo village is better if you take a passenger ship to Beo harbor from Manado harbor. But from Melonguane if you arrive by air plane from manado, you reach this region by land vehicle. From Melonguane to Beo ± 35 kilometers and you will pass panorama of Ambela Dam ± 5 kilometer to Tarun village with green rice field and if you an archeologist there is Tatombatu cave white sand and dense of mangrove in Tarohan village.
In this cave kept many skulls as victim of fight with colonialist. If you in Beo, you can go straight away to Nusa Dolong and Nusa Topor by motor boat ± 45 minutes or by bus to Rae-Lobbo village ± 30 minutes and rent motorboats to cross from Lobbo. Many tourist have visited these islands enjoy enchantment of white sand coral reef and beautifulness of under water.
Mane’e is a method of catching fish traditionally which was kept inheritantly by the people in Kakorotan village and many tourists also central and local government has intended this traditional rare ceremony. Garat Island is one of the most beautiful that both in land and in the sea still original that make yourself like in Paradise garde.
Until now this island became a conservation area stated of Indonesian conservation body.
And the effort of local people have succeeded get KALPATARU award to conservatory people from this island by Indonesian government on 1984. This island also inhibited by many kinds of rare animals like : Maleo bird, Nut Crab, Kumkum ( kind of white bird ) and Kuskus. This interesting and wonderful panorama create by, reading white sang a long coast line and dense of reef and colorful decorating fish also the original coral reef.
From Nusa Dolong you can see white sand named Anemawira ( white sand ) in Lahae gulf ± 2 kilometers from Rae village. Every Sunday or holiday this beachusually visited by people surrounding cillage. In the center of Karakelang island if you hunting lover there is a location of hunting beside enjoy the Karakelang forest. You can start from Rae village. By going a long Andaaran river the longest river in Karakelang island. Karakelang forest inhabited by many species of bird and one of them well known as Sampiri only in this region of the world as specific bird of Talaud. In the North of this island there is Arangkaa situated in Arangkaa village contented of skulls that was victims of fight of Larenggam hero with Dutch colonializer and pirates from Mindanao, South Phillippine. It can be reached from Essang by motor boat ± 30 minutes.
Other alternative if you have reached Beo is Wetta cave situated in Rainis ± 12 kilometers from Beo by bus ± 30 mnutes. When Rainis village bombed by Alliance, the cave was used as hiding place for local people. Its length from front of the cave about 100 meters. Nowdays there are thousang small bats in the cave and tehere is a rivulent at the bottom of the cave. Climbing inactive Piapi mountain in Pulutan village is your another alternative. Your choose to enjoy beautifulness of “Napo Burias” with original and colorful reef and white sang in Alo village.
In this cave kept many skulls as victim of fight with colonialist. If you in Beo, you can go straight away to Nusa Dolong and Nusa Topor by motor boat ± 45 minutes or by bus to Rae-Lobbo village ± 30 minutes and rent motorboats to cross from Lobbo. Many tourist have visited these islands enjoy enchantment of white sand coral reef and beautifulness of under water.
Mane’e is a method of catching fish traditionally which was kept inheritantly by the people in Kakorotan village and many tourists also central and local government has intended this traditional rare ceremony. Garat Island is one of the most beautiful that both in land and in the sea still original that make yourself like in Paradise garde.
Until now this island became a conservation area stated of Indonesian conservation body.
And the effort of local people have succeeded get KALPATARU award to conservatory people from this island by Indonesian government on 1984. This island also inhibited by many kinds of rare animals like : Maleo bird, Nut Crab, Kumkum ( kind of white bird ) and Kuskus. This interesting and wonderful panorama create by, reading white sang a long coast line and dense of reef and colorful decorating fish also the original coral reef.
From Nusa Dolong you can see white sand named Anemawira ( white sand ) in Lahae gulf ± 2 kilometers from Rae village. Every Sunday or holiday this beachusually visited by people surrounding cillage. In the center of Karakelang island if you hunting lover there is a location of hunting beside enjoy the Karakelang forest. You can start from Rae village. By going a long Andaaran river the longest river in Karakelang island. Karakelang forest inhabited by many species of bird and one of them well known as Sampiri only in this region of the world as specific bird of Talaud. In the North of this island there is Arangkaa situated in Arangkaa village contented of skulls that was victims of fight of Larenggam hero with Dutch colonializer and pirates from Mindanao, South Phillippine. It can be reached from Essang by motor boat ± 30 minutes.
Other alternative if you have reached Beo is Wetta cave situated in Rainis ± 12 kilometers from Beo by bus ± 30 mnutes. When Rainis village bombed by Alliance, the cave was used as hiding place for local people. Its length from front of the cave about 100 meters. Nowdays there are thousang small bats in the cave and tehere is a rivulent at the bottom of the cave. Climbing inactive Piapi mountain in Pulutan village is your another alternative. Your choose to enjoy beautifulness of “Napo Burias” with original and colorful reef and white sang in Alo village.
From Bitung take a ship straight to Karatung. Transit a series of beautiful small islands : Mamore, Kawio, Kawalusa, Miangas and Nanusa. Now you are in the border of Indonesia and Philippines. Do You ever know about shark fin ? Or many kinds of coral reef enchantment inhabited by decoration fish species, snorkeling and diving in clear and fresh waters surrounding by white sand with the dense of trees ? You can find in this region. Moreover traditional fish catching ceremony onlu in Intata island.
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North Sulawesi Smiling Tours
After you arrived from the Airport ( Airport - Manado = 45 minutes ), you may take a road to Manado City and pass the Golf Court, to the right side of the road. To the North, there is Nusantara Diving Centre and Santika Hotel & Thalassa Diving Centre at Tongkaina Molas District. To the South, along the coast, when you pass the border you will meet the fish-baked restaurants, maybe attract your appetite. At Kalasey there is Murex Live Aboard , Celebes Divers. at Mokupa, there is Tasik Ria Beach, where stands Tasik Ria Resort, Eco Divers, LumbaLumba Diving
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