Hello Manado!

So, here I am, finally. Manado. And it’s absolutely gorgeous!!! ‘Where?’, you say? That’s what friends & family said when I told them where I was going. Few people know about this beautiful place or are fortunate enough, as I am, to visit. Let’s give you a little run down on Manado…

Manado





Manado city is the provincial capital of North Sulawesi, Indonesia.. The Island of Sulawesi, previously known as Celebes, lies like an orchid shaped island in the pearl chain of the Indonesian archipelago. The next tourism city by 2010. Manado itself dominant by Minahasan ethnicity which most of them came from nearby region called Minahasa & Tomohon. Manado itself known as "The twelfh Province of Netherland" with majority Christians. 'Dutch in Minahasa & Manado' is the starting point for exploration of the Minahasa region's many attractions.





One of the most western oriented people in Indonesia, the Minahasa, are Christians and friendly people. Their first contact with Europeans was with the arrival of Spanish and Portuguese spice traders. However it wasn't till the Dutch landed on their shores that they became totally Christianised. Dutch influence grew subduing indigenous traditions. "Minahasa" refers to the confederacy of tribes and existing monuments bear evidence to the ancient system of tribes and clans. Fun-loving and extroverted, the Minahasa people live in neat wood frame houses, with fences and flower gardens, giving Manado a European feel.

There is a wide range of hotels and restaurants. Those with an adventurous palate should try the famously hot and spicy Minahasa cuisine. The Minahasan curry is scrumptious! Very much to my liking. The city's numerous shops and markets are filled with an abundance of consumer goods and agricultural produce, while behind every building are glimpses of emerald hills and azure sea.

Inland from Manado, a trip through the Minahasa Highlands will take you to intriguing prehistoric above-ground burial sites, volcanoes, hot springs, the highland lake Tondano and breathtaking panoramas of lush mountains, coffee and coconut plantations, orchid gardens and terraced hillsides. From Manado, also be sure to visit the Dua Saudara Nature Reserve, home to birds and other wildlife unique to Sulawesi, such as the Tarsier - the smallest monkey, cus cus, Hornbill etc.

Getting to Manado, North Sulawesi

Manado ( North Sulawesi ) is an accessible capital city, reachable via international flights from Singapore / Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Philippines (DAVAO) and domestic daily flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan and Bali.






I am staying at the beautiful Kungkungan Bay Resort. Fell in love with it at first sight. Life is so good to me…

Our home :D

A little bit on my home for the next 2 weeks… :D

Kungkungan Bay Resort (KBR)

Kungkungan Bay Resort is a renowned upscale dive resort set in a large bay on the protected side of the beautiful tropical island of North Sulawesi. Kungkungan Bay is a part of the world famous Lembeh Strait which in the last few years has become the premier macro and critter diving destination in the world.



In harmony with the surrounding nature, Kungkungan Bay Resort, or just 'KBR' to its many fans, is built on a former coconut plantation. Kungkungan faces the Lembeh Strait and guests dining in the over-the-water restaurant have an unfettered view of this unique and peaceful setting.

Facilities at KBR include a private jetty with camera rinse tanks and hot showers, swimming pool with swim-up bar, lounge, internet access ( even by the beach!) and lending library. Restaurant service is available 24-hours of every day. Currently under construction, the resort’s facilities will be enhanced with the opening of a health spa to cater to your every need from traditional massage to coiffeur treatments or sauna.