North Sulawesi The Province

North Sulawesi is a land of magnificent coral reefs protecting virgin -white beaches, mountains and active volcanoes, reminding the islanders and the world of the potential power of one of the earth's most awesome forces. The people of North Sulawesi can be classified into four groups: Minahasa, Bolaang Mongondow, Gorontalo and the Sangir-Talaud. The Minahasans are centered around the Provincial capital of Manado, but the entire province has a strong tra-dition of trade and contact with the outside world. The Sangir-Talaud island to the north of the mainland, form a natural bridge to the Philippines providing a convenient route for peoples and cultures to easily move between Indonesia and the Philippines, and many traces of Filipino culture can still he found here. Apart from introducing a Strong political and religious structure, the Filipinos encouraged the local populations to raise coconuts, copra and nutmeg. Today the main industries of the province are copra and cloves. North Sulawesi has a larger concentration of coconut trees than any other part of Indonesia.

The Dutch, however, have had the strongest influence on the development of the region. First contact with European traders came in the 16th century with the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese, and with them they brought Chris-tianity. It wasn't until the arrival of the Dutch that Christianity became the predominant religion of the area. The provincial capital of Manado is one of the international gateways into Indonesia. Regular flights to all parts of the Indonesia archipelago service this beautiful town, as well as the smaller airports of Gorontalo, Tabuna and Talaud. Manado's main attractions are off-shore: the truly incredible coral reefs off nearby Bunaken island are now a protected Marine Park and offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.


Other Places of Interest

Manado

North Sulawesi is a land of magnificent coral reefs protecting virgin -white beaches, mountains and active volcanoes, reminding the islanders and the world of the potential power of one of the earth's most awesome forces. The people of North Sulawesi can be classified into four groups: Minahasa, Bolaang Mongondow, Gorontalo and the Sangir-Talaud. The Minahasans are centered around the Provincial capital of Manado, but the entire province has a strong tra-dition of trade and contact with the outside world. The Sangir-Talaud island to the north of the mainland, form a natural bridge to the Philippines providing a convenient route for peoples and cultures to easily move between Indonesia and the Philippines, and many traces of Filipino culture can still he found here. Apart from introducing a Strong political and religious structure, the Filipinos encouraged the local populations to raise coconuts, copra and nutmeg.

Today the main industries of the province are copra and cloves. North Sulawesi has a larger concentration of coconut trees than any other part of Indonesia. The Dutch, however, have had the strongest influence on the development of the region. First contact with European traders came in the 16th century with the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese, and with them they brought Chris-tianity. It wasn't until the arrival of the Dutch that Christianity became the predominant religion of the area. The provincial capital of Manado is one of the international gateways into Indonesia. Regular flights to all parts of the Indonesia archipelago service this beautiful town, as well as the smaller airports of Gorontalo, Tabuna and Talaud. Manado's main attractions are off-shore: the truly incredible coral reefs off nearby Bunaken island are now a protected Marine Park and offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.


Bunaken

About half an hour by a motorized outrigger canoe from Manado, Bunaken Island is a veritable paradise for snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts. The coral reef off Bunaken Island is particularly noted for the drop-off at Liang Cove. It is des-cribed by international divers as being among the most spectacular anywhere in the world, with caves, gullies, and caverns harboring an immense wealth of marine life. The water averages a balmy 28 degrees C and visibility is sensational (over) 30 m.


Manado Tua Island

ManadoTua is the main island of the Manado Bay group. A path to the top of the central mountain takes several hours to climb, but the view takes in all the islands in the Manado Bay Superb snor-keling and skin diving. The beach is a mixture of white sand and coral formations. The reef lines the coast of Tangkoko Batuangus in a nature reserve. A permit should be obtained from Sub Balai Konservasi Suinber Daya Alam (Nature Conservation Office) in Manado, before heading for this reserve.


Tasik Ria

Tasik Ria is situated about 20 km southwest of Manado and has a beautiful sandy beach fringed with coconut trees. Ideal for sunbathing, swim-ming, fishing, diving and snorkeling, Tasik Ria seashore resort hosts the four-star Manado Beach Hotel, with 250 rooms, a swimming pool, bar & discotheque. Easily reachable by public bus or taxi from Manado.


Tara-tara

15 km further southwest from Tasik Ria this village has traditionally been the center of Minahasan culture and arts. Traditional dances enthrall on the open air at Kemer Garden. There are World War II at Japanese caves at the Ranowangko dam, and the Kenier natural bathing spot nearby in the shadow of the volcano Lokon, Mount Kasehe and mount Tatawiran. Easily reachable from Manado by public bus or taxi.


Watu Pinabetengan

According to Minahasa history, this is the place where the ancestors first divided up the land among the people. Watu Pinabetengan means "The stone of discussion about the division".

The famous megalithic stone here is covered with crude, mysterious drawings and a script which has never been deciphered. It is located in Tompaso, about 45 km from Manado.


Waruga Cemetery

This ancient cemetery of Minahasan ancestors consist of 144 stone sarcophagi, remnants of the Megalithic age. "Waruga" sarcophagi are unique square stones with holes in the middle and prism shaped lids. The tombs are carved with various motifs such as human beings, plants, animals, and traditional geometrical motifs like clouds, strings, curls and double braids. The cemetery is located in Sawangan village, about 24 km from Manado.


Tangkoko Batuangus

An open grassland nature reserve covering the slopes of Mt. Dua Saudara, the park is composed of impressive green hills and valleys with wondrous scenic views of natural beauty. Black apes, maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbills and rusa deer live in the 3,196-hectare reserve.

There are several cottages and small restaurants nearby. It is only reachable by four-wheel drive jeep from Girian village over a rough road.


Dumoga Bone National Park

Located on the border between two districts, approximately 260 km from Manado, this park straddles Dumoga in Bolaang Mongondow and Bone in Gorontalo. Its mountains and hills are blanketed in dense forests, making it an ideal habitat for rare species like maleo birds, anoas, hornbills and tarsius spectrums. An entry permit should be obtained from Sub Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (Nature Conservation Office) in Manado in advance.



Lake Tondano - Rembakon Tourist Site

About 36-km southwest of Manado is Lake Tondano, 600 in above sea level. The drive to Tondano passes through charming villages and sprawling clove plantations. Situated right on the edge of the lake is the Remboken Tourist site, an ideal place for water skiing, fishing, and boating. Bungalows, a natural hot-water swimming pool and restaurants are available.


Saronde Island

This tiny but exquisite Island with white-sand beaches for swimming, boating, snorkeling, diving, and water-skiing is located in the district of Gorontalo.


Lake Moat

Situated in the highlands about 900 m above sea level the lake is surrounded by a dense forest abounding with birds of various species. It is located in the district of Bolaang Mongondow.


Ranopaso

Sparkling clean natural hot springs set in a gorgeous setting of terraced rice fields make this a popular tourist destination. Bungalows are available at Koya village, about 3 km from Tondano.

Wale Papataupan

Situated at Sonder village, about 37 km from Manado, Wale Papataupan is a sumptuous tourist spot with bungalows, a swimming pool, steam bath facilities, restaurants, fish ponds, and an open stage for cultural performances. It is easily reachable from Manado by public bus or taxi.


Japanese Monument

Since Bitung play an important role during the Pacific War as a home base for the Japanese Imperial forces, it become the last resting place for their soldiers who died in the area. The Japanese and North Sulawesi governments jointly founded this monument.

source www.travel-indonesia.com