Manado Getting there & around

Getting around

Public transport

It seems that Manado’s mikrolet, if put bumper to bumper, would wrap around the city 75 times. On the bright side, finding one with a spare seat is a matter of waiting a second or two. They’re not too hard to work out: look for the sign on top of the vehicle, check the direction it’s going in and double-check the tiny sign on the window. Mikrolet heading south on Jl Sam Ratulangi with ‘Wanea’ on the window sign will go to Terminal Karombasan. Most mikrolet heading north go through Pasar 45 (with a few traffic jams along the way), and past the Pasar Jengki fish market, but some go directly to Terminal Paal 2 along Jl Sudirman. Mikrolet heading to Terminal Malalayang go down Jl Piere Tendean. The fare for any destination around town is 1500Rp.

Private taxis circle the city and the air-conditioning can be a relief on a hot day. However, very few drivers are willing to use the meter, so negotiate before setting off.