Inhabited by the '''Minahasa''', North Sulawesi is a solidly Christian (mostly but not entirely Protestant) enclave in mostly Muslim Indonesia. A center of Dutch settlement in colonial times, North Sulawesi still retains many traces of Western influence.
The local language is Manado Malay (''bahasa manado''), also known as Minahasa Malay.
Air Asia, Asia's budget airline now run three flights a week direct from Kuala Lumpur to Manado. Silk Air run direct from Singpore but a quite a lot more expensive.
Manado has a harbour with ships going to and from the more Northern Islands (Sangir Talaud area). Bitung is the major port of North Sulawesi and you can get on board a Pelni ship to sail towards other area's of Indonesia. Some of the larger cruise ships that travel from Australia towards Thailand or other Asian countries also make a stop at Bitung.
You can also visit the Minihasan Highlands to climb some of the volcanoes in the area. Taxis can be arranged from your hotel in Manado to the town of Kinilow and Tomohon. From here it is easy to reach the nearby peaks. Also worth a visit is the local market in Tomohon, not for the faint hearted locals choose from delicacies dog, bat and the rather boring pig (North Sulawesi is largely Christian).
Food from North Sulawesi is known in Indonesia as Manadonese or Minahasa cuisine, and is covered under Manado.
North Sulawesi is largely Christian and so alcohol is a little easier to find than in other part of Indonesia. The local beer Bintang is usually between 15,000 and 20,000 Rp usually sold in resorts. Also worth trying is the local brews for something a little different.
The ethnic strife in central and south Sulawesi has not affected North Sulawesi. The Philippine rebel group Abu Sayyaf are said to operate in the northern islands near the Philippine border, but no attacks or kidnappings have been publicized.