Wildlife Reserve
Tasikoki Wildlife RescueAbout 9km southwest of Bitung, Tasikoki is an entirely volunteer-run organisation that rescues and cares for animals confiscated from smugglers. The aim…
North Sulawesi
North Sulawesi has lots to offer in a relatively condensed space. You can dive some of the world’s best coral reefs at Pulau Bunaken one day, explore volcanic scenery near Tomohon the next, and visit the lowland Tangkoko-Batuangas Dua Saudara Nature Reserve and its wildlife the day after. The Bitung area's world-class muck diving (including very quirky macro life) is another huge draw.
Economic prosperity from tourism and agriculture (mostly cloves and coconuts) means that North Sulawesi is the most developed province on the island. The two largest distinct groups in the region are the Minahasans and the Sangirese, but there are many more subgroups. Dutch influence is stronger here than anywhere else in the country: the Dutch language is still spoken among the older generation, and well-to-do families often send their children to study in the Netherlands.
Explore North Sulawesi
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout North Sulawesi.
Museum
Muesum PinawetenganNot just another roadside attraction, this complex is home to Minahasa houses, a history museum, a celebration of owls (the Minahasa Regency mascot), a…
Beach
Pantai LiangSuffering from erosion and rising sea levels, the beach at Liang has become a svelte, though pleasant, strip of white sand. At low tide, there's still…
Beach
Pantai PangalisangForming much of the east coast of Pulau Bunaken, Pantai Pangalisang is a long stretch of walkable soft white sand tucked between a thick wall of mangroves…
Market
Traditional MarketUp the hill east of town is the colourful, chaotic, anything-goes traditional market you've probably heard stories about – and those stories are true…
Island
Pulau SiladenLocated 3km east of Pulau Bunaken and the smallest island of the archipelago, Siladen boasts wonderful white-sand beaches and a wall of gorgeous corals…
Cemetery
Waruga Opo WorangMinahasans traditionally interred their dead in a squatting position in waruga stone sarcophagi shaped like houses sitting above ground right near their…
Buddhist Temple
Kienteng Ban Hian KongThe 19th-century Kienteng Ban Hian Kong is the oldest Buddhist temple in eastern Indonesia and it has been beautifully restored. The temple hosts a…
Lake
Danau LinauDanau Linau is a small, highly sulphurous lake that changes colours with the light, and is home to extensive birdlife. Take a mikrolet to Sonder, get off…
Museum
Public Museum of North SulawesiThis museum features a large display of traditional costumes, and an exhibit illustrating traditional pottery-making. There are captions in English.
Architecture
Woloan Wooden House BuildersHere master craftsman build stunning Minahasa-style wooden homes to be disassembled and shipped to their new owners.
Ruins
Benteng OtanahaOn the northwestern outskirts of Gorontalo, this ruined Portuguese fort is on a hill overlooking Danau Limboto. The ruined remains include three simple…