'''North Sulawesi''' (''Sulawesi Utara'', abbreviated ''Sulut'') is a province at the northeastern tip of the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Regions

Cities

  • Manado - the capital and gateway to the province
  • Tomohon - cool off in the central highlands
  • Bitung - the main deep-water port and access to the Lembeh Strait
  • Other destinations

  • Bunaken - world-famous diving site
  • Understand

    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.

    Talk

    The local language is Manado Malay (''bahasa manado''), also known as Minahasa Malay.

    Get in

    You can get to North Sulawesi by air, sea, and land.

    By plane

    Manado has an International airport with numerous flights a week to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Davao (in the Philippines), and just about all the big cities in Indonesia.

    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.

    By boat

    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.

    By car or bus

    You can travel by car or bus from South Sulawesi towards Manado, however due to security issues in Central Sulawesi this is currently not recommended. So, if you plan on travelling by land, check the local situation first!

    Get around

    By motorcycle

    By car

    Rental cars are available in Manado, but like most other areas of Indonesia, hiring a car with driver is advisable because of traffic woes and knowledge of local conditions. That wiggly line on the map may or may not be passable. A bilingual driver with a car in condition may cost approximately 500,000RP per day.

    By mikrolet

    You won't go far without seeing a torrent of light blue Mitsubishi Colts (aka bemos elsewhere) trolling the streets for customers. Though usually used within towns, you can take mikrolets intercity as well.

    By bus

    See

    Itineraries

    Do

    Scuba diving is the main draw for tourists to North Sulawesi. Famous diving areas are:
  • Bunaken National Marine Park
  • Lembeh Strait, for it's excellent muck diving
  • Bangka area, for it's brilliant soft coral and diversity in dive sites (from beginner to very advanced)
  • 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).

    Eat

    Food from North Sulawesi is known in Indonesia as Manadonese or Minahasa cuisine, and is covered under Manado.

    Drink

    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.

    Stay safe

    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.

    Get out