North Sulawesi | Manado | Bunaken | Siladen | Bubur Manado

Travelling in North Sulawesi :Figura Festival

2011-10-27T05:27:00.000-07:00

Figura is a public entertainment in North Sulawesi which is performed colossally in order to celebrate the “Kuncikan” or closing of all activities throughout the month of December every year. The participants generally come from groups of people who represent their sub-districts, institutions, or organizations in a city or regency. They usually dress up in various unique and entertaining costumes, from a clown to a minister’s costume derived from the theme they’re performing.

More from me : This festival is really funny and entertaining. You can not pass it if you are in Manado around January – February. Trust me, you will have so many great pictures to be shown to your family when you come back to your country. So, don’t forget to bring (or at least, borrow…) a camera.

How to Get The Best Entertainment?

2011-10-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

If you are in the middle of 20s, you will be in time when you are busy to make money and really need your own time to travel and have an entertainment. Entertainment may come in various forms, from just watching TV in your home, watching movie in theatre or watching a spectacular show by sitting at the best seat. But, how can you afford that kind of seat?

If you are really in need to experience the third entertainment, please check this entertainment : Toronto Maple Leafs Tickets, New York Rangers Tickets, Anaheim Ducks Tickets, Philadelphia Flyers Tickets and Winter Classic Tickets. You may choose another option but hey, use your money for something that you never try and of course, affordable :)

How Your Gold Investment Pay Your Travel?

2011-04-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

Some people say, gold is God’s currency and ideally, it will always increase and become the best investment you have ever made. If you buy something like Gold IRA and save it for some years, you may have a very good financial condition. Let me tell you something about buy bullion as a good investment.

Let’s say, you have salary every month and save it in bank. You save your money with a high expectation that you will use it for traveling after some years. In this case, you must consider about the existence of inflation. Your money now, may buy more stuffs compared when you use it 3 years later. So, get a gold bullion as your chosen investment and make sure that you have an awesome travel. Happy Traveling

Are You Close Enough With Nature?

2010-12-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

Everyone has their own favorite vacation. My niece wants to see artistic architecture in Europe, My best friend wants to dive all over the world and some friends want to live and learn the local culture to richen their experience. For me, I just simply love vacation. I love it because I do not have to do the routines and I am FREE to be whoever I want. I have been to some places in Asia but never take a step to Australia, America, Europe and Africa. If I have to choose, I will choose Australia for my first step outside Asia. It is the closest place I can reach from my place and I have several friends to be my guide so it will be a great experience. My friend says that visiting Sidney and Melbourne will be great and I am excited to go there but, there is something I never do in my vacation, that is : getting closer with nature.

My friend shares a good place named Kakadu cruises. I am so excited to hear about that. While having vacation with Kakadu cruise, we will get an unforgettable experience with wildlife and of course a very awesome sunrise and sunset. Getting an experience with Kakadu cruises will be something to remember and will be great to “fix” our relationship with nature. So, what do you think? Experience in a place like Sidney or Kakadu cruises?

I Love New York City

2010-06-24T04:41:00.000-07:00

Several days ago, I watched one of the coolest movies ever named Sex and The City 2. It is about an awesome character named Carrie Bradshaw played beautifully by the one and only : Sarah Jessica Parker. The movie is about very awesome women in New York City and of course, it makes me want to go there someday…after Vegas (hehehehe…) Anyway, I am a kind of independent traveler so, I love to travel alone without being in a group (except if I travel with My Mom) because besides I can explore “the real thing” about the place I visit, I can also save money. But, how do I know the best place to visit?

I can do that by browsing internet, hire a professional driver or I can have Guided Walking Tours. It is very fun. If I were in New York City, I plan to experience New York walking tours and visit greatest thing in New York City. NYC walking tour will form a group but for me, it is ok as long as it is not a big group and we are not committed as we have a big tour.

How do you travel?

2010-06-24T04:35:00.000-07:00

Besides having a fun life as a smart shopper, I am also a frequent traveler as well. I am having some fun with all kind of traveling. From using plane, car, bus until bicycle. Every way has its awesomeness and I love doing that. Using plane makes me comfort and of course save my time so I may have more time to travel. I also always love the time when the plane is landing so, plane is awesome. Using a car is always great, since I am not the driver ^_^. We have good times together and we can spend more quality time together. Traveling by car is perfect if we have a reunion or family travel. And it will be completed when you are not the driver.

However, even if I am not a driver, I know that having good rain guards is very important to make sure that our traveling will run well so, my friend always be careful when purchasing it so he may get the best quality rain guards with affordable price.Traveling with bus is awesome because it is more comfortable than car and cheaper than plane. Traveling with bus will be great when you are a single traveler also when the views of your destination is beautiful so you may take time to see it all for free. Finally, traveling by using bicycle. If you are not in a perfect health, just have a short destination but when you are having a great health, you may travel around a continent with bicycle. It is cheap, health and of course, you will taste more local environment. Remember, if you are lazy, just prefer plane or bus. Now, how do you often travel?

Do you have a vacation plan now?

2010-04-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

In my previous vacation, I had a good time in Malaysia and Singapore. It’s such a beautiful place. However, I still love Indonesia and for my next vacation plan, I will visit some places in Java. It will be a great vacation. Anyway, I will have that vacation with my friends and it will be a wonderful journey for all of us.

Talking about vacation plan, after a domestic vacation, I plan to have my international vacation and for that vacation, I plan to go to Argentina. It is seemed to be a beautiful country to be visited. I find in internet that Turismo en Argentina is fantastic so, there is no reason to not choosing Argentina as my vacation destination. If you have time and search about Hoteles en Argentina and Hoteles en Buenos Aires, you will see that all my statements are true. So, if you have a vacation plan now, just consider Argentina as one of your destination.

My International Vacation

2010-04-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of 2010, I had a great vacation with my friends in Malaysia and Singapore. We had so much vacation although it is just around one week. That experience makes me want to be an independent international traveler (seemed good,huh?). But, what should I do at the first time?

I believe, I must find more data about how to get cheap flights. You have to know that my job can not afford all my crazy needs to travel around the world so, besides having job with a higher salary, I tried to find several data about international flights in internet. Then, I find a great website addressed in http://www.travel.com.au. It is a great website with a complete info about international airfares so, I highly recommend this to be taken as one of your references when you are like me : a-limited-budget-traveler. Good luck.

A Brand New Holiday?

2010-03-11T08:37:00.000-08:00

I am actually not a people's person.Being alone is like my guilty pleasure.I love to sit alone and daydream all day.Yeaa...weird.But that's me.I always dream about being in a place like in "dawson's creek".Being relax, wake up early, having a tea and writing while seeing the sails..aaggh...what a life.

anyway, it is a little bit weird but i think my weirdo may be a brand new holiday for me and I see that Boothbay Harbor will make it comes true. I find an info about Boothbay Harbor Maine when I try to find my dream vacation as in dawson's creek.Boothbay Harbor Inn seemed to be perfect and i plan to go there for my next vacation...ahh....what a life...

It’s Holiday Time…

2010-01-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

Besides being an internet marketer, I am also a part time lecturer so, since my students have just finished their final exam, I have a time to take vacation. I always love holiday time and of course always provide budget for it. For my next week holiday, I have a short trip to Malaysia and Singapore.

My current trip plan is planned by a tour agent and I pay as they asked me. But, after some talks with my close friends, I found out that actually, I may get the cheaper deal. So, I decided to plan my next trip by myself so I may get cheap holiday deals and may save budget for the other trips.

To be honest, I have no experiences in planning my own trip. I have several previous trips but it is planned, whether by tour agent or the community so, it is a new thing for me to arrange my own trip.

I choose Cyprus as my first destination so, as I planned before, I tried to get Cheap Flights To Cyprus. I browsed in internet and got several great deals and comparisons. After that, I need to get my complete package of Cheap Holidays To Cyprus so, I browsed the best tourism place there and of course a cheap hostel so I may have more money in my pocket. It is sp fun to do that, by considering that Google gives us everything we need. Finally, I highly expect that this information may help you to have (or even start) your first trip arranged by yourself.

Are You in a Hurry?

2009-11-26T01:53:00.000-08:00

There will be several times when we have to travel in a hurry. It may be because or mistakes or sometimes because travel agents' mistakes. However, it has already happened so, what we should do at that time is finding the best solution for last minute flights.

Funny thing here, I found a website that provides me cheap flights and even will help me to find out last minute hotels when I need it. So, if you have the same experience like me, just find the website that I recommend. See you at the next tips.

Have a Very Nice Flight...

2009-11-16T20:15:00.000-08:00

We often listen to it while we have a flight. The words will be same but the services are not the same. One flight will give us one excellent service while the other will give us the standard or even below-standard service. So, what's the difference? I believe it must be the price.

If we pay more, we will get more...so,as an economist says that we want more by paying less...we tend to hunt the cheap price for our flights. But, where to find it? I am a busy girl so, how can i find it easily?

For international flights that I take, i choose the best cheap flights to get more by paying less. Well, i guess i'm just finished my tips for today. Hope that you enjoy it.Thx

Playing Golf in The Beach?

2009-11-16T20:13:00.000-08:00

To be honest, I do not know how to play golf. I have no interest and also have enough time. Yesterday, I met a friend of mine who is well known as golf expert. I am so glad to see him since he always brings me things. So, while I am taking some of his gifts, he says that he played golf in a beach.

He did Myrtle Beach Golf by simply taking Myrtle Beach Golf Package while having Myrtle Beach Golf Vacations. Yeaa...he is rich so, it's ok for him. he said that he enjoyed Golf Packages Myrtle Beach and asked me to go there. what do you think? hahahaha...I should ask him first. Who will pay for my vacation?

I want to go to beach

2009-11-16T19:44:00.000-08:00

I am an aquarius girl and maybe that's the reason I always love water. I love raining because it makes me feel relaxed. I also loves beach, especially at night. (You know, at the day, there are too much crowded). So, I have provided special time to have a vacation to the beach and I currently interested to Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Hotel. I believe it also has Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Resort so, I may enjoy the beach and stay exclusively in Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Resorts.

I am now browsing to find the best guide and can not wait to go to Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Hotels. Hope that everything will be perfect because I will spend my savings for this

Have you ever Heard about Sardinia?

2009-11-16T07:47:00.000-08:00

I travel a lot and this is the first time I heard about sardinia. Such a beautiful place. And I am thinking of going there. The problem is, I need a great guidance. It is a new place and I am excited to explore anything.

This place makes me remember at the time when I have to travel to a tourism place and it is my second time going there. At that time, I need a customized travel where I may choose the hotel I stay and everything and you will be glad if you really can do that. Anyway, I will find out more about Sardinia to tell you more next time.

What is your dream holiday?

2009-09-23T03:21:00.000-07:00

Several friends of mine answer : Paris, Hawaii, Indonesia and so many common destination of travel. I have to admit that I have not ever been there (except Indonesia..yeaaa...I am an Indonesian so I have already visited many place in Indonesia) but if I have to choose, I want to have Holidays to Sharm El Sheikh.

Sharm El Sheikh Holidays is very rare. Just few people know about it. But, as I see in website, I conclude that Sharm El Sheikh is a warm destination and is perfect if we want to spend time in a sunny place.

The problem here, I am still a working student. I am not Donald Trump who can go anywhere he wants. So, I plan to have Cheap Sharm El Sheikh Holidays by browsing internet. I have so many information there and now have already confused to choose. Just my additional information, if you want to find information in order to get cheap travel, you must choose a trusted website so you will get all information you need without several hidden costs.

Now, I have to save money first (and get more jobs, I guess) before having my holiday so, wish I be luck!!

Rusli Zainal Sang Visioner

2009-08-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

Setelah seringkali membicarakan mengenai Sulawesi Utara di blog ini, saya akan membicarakan mengenai propinsi lainnya yang akhir-akhir ini terkenal dengan gubernur mereka, Rusli Zainal Sang Visioner. Bagi teman-teman yang belum kenal, Rusli Zainal adalah gubernur kebanggaan dari Riau. Kalau kita di Sulawesi Utara begitu bangga atas Gubernur SH Sarundajang atas prestasinya lewat World Ocean Conference (WOC), penduduk Riau patut berbangga memiliki Gubernur seperti Rusli Zainal yang berhasil memajukan Indragiri Hilir, yang dikenal sebagai kabupaten miskin ke-3 di Riau.

Apa yang membedakan seorang Pemimpin Visioner dan Pemimpin yang biasa-biasa saja? Bedanya adalah : Pemimpin Visioner berpikir ke depan, merencanakan sesuatu yang unpredictable untuk kemajuan komunitasnya di masa depan

Dan, khusus untuk Rusli Zainal Sang Visioner, beliau sudah mempelopori K2I yang merupakan program pengentasan kemiskinan, kebodohan dan peningkatan infrastruktur yang jikalau bisa berhasil, sudah sepatutnya menjadi benchmark bagi propinsi lain sehingga bila dilihat dalam skala besar, bisa memajukan Indonesia yang kita cintai ini. Maju terus Rusli Zainal Sang Visioner!!

Excellent Beach Vacation?

2009-07-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

I believe, most of people in the world love vacation. The difference is, some of them love to go hiking, some of them love to go skiing while, if you ask me about my favorite holiday, I will say going to the beach. I know, I am in a tropical country and it is not so difficult to find beach but...what I want to tell you this is not the beach in my place but about myrtle beach.

It is one of the best beach in the world and I believe, when you go there..you must have a dream to get a high class and unforgettable vacation so, regarding that, I recommend you Myrtle Beach Resort. To be honest, I never got there. But, based on what I see through browsing, I see that these Myrtle Beach Resorts are awesome. When you get there, do not forget to enjoy Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Resort so you may have unforgettable vacation. Have a nice beach vacation!!

Have Your Best Ski Vacation!!

2009-07-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

Since I live in a tropic country, I always dream to see and feel snow. And if I may choose about what to do when snow is falling, I will directly choose skiing. It's an interesting sport but, the funny thing here...I do not even know how to do that. So, I will need a "really professional trainer" there. So far, I believe, all my problems are solved.

After some consideration, I finally arrive to one thought that, it will be difficult to find the best ski equipment since there will be too much choices and I will not know what is the best choice. But, since I am a smart girl (^_^), I browse about thins and find this one best choice for fulfilling my dream= SKI BUTLERS, a hugh class service for aspen ski rentals, whistler ski rentals and vail ski rentals.

For most of you, this name seemed to be weird (also for me,hehe) but, I find that this rental provider is professional enough to be used since it just won for the second straight year the Vail Vail Valley Partnership Platinum Service Award.Hm...not a bad achievement,huh?

I know what you are thinking now : THE PRICE. I believe, you have already know that "everything has its own price". If you just want to get a standard and forgettable ski vacation then just choose the other one but, if you are same with me, who lives in tropical country and think that snow is a miracle, then just create an unforgettable moment with SKI BUTLERS. Anyway, do not think that they are expensive because they have a cheaper price compared with their competitors (you may check if you want) while what you have to realize is how they will satisfy you in your ski vacation with affordable price. They can even deliver the equipment to you. Mm...too good to be true? then try it by yourself. Have a great ski vacation.

What to do in Myrtle Beach?

2009-07-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

Now, let’s say that you have decided to visit Myrtle beach. Then what next? I believe, you will need Myrtle Beach Accomodations to ease your journey since I assume that you do a vacation and not in process of backpacking so, the most important thing is not a price but a feeling of safe and comfort. Am I right? Myrtle Beach Accomodation will provide you the best service and information so you may enjoy Myrtle beach as easy and as soon as possible. But, your pleasure will not just stop there, because you may also stay in Myrtle Beach Hotels and get all the benefits. Are you ready to get the best of myrtle beach?

Create an Unforgettable Moment

2009-07-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

If you have already arrived in this page, means that you have decided an interesting place and I assume that it is Myrtle Beach. The question now is : How to create an unforgettable moment in every place where we arrive? The answer is simple : By staying in a place with an excellent service. So, if I may recommend you a place, then I will mention Myrtle Beach Resort and Myrtle Beach Hotels. Do not save your money and have a disappointing experience because myrtle beach is too beautiful to be forgotten so, just pack your bag and find Myrtle Beach Resorts, whether from internet, travel offices or even brochures because it will determine whether you will have a great vacation or not. Happy vacation!!

Dream Vacation

2009-06-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

Everyone has their own dream vacation. SOme may love to go to the beach, some may love to go to the desert and some may feel the same way I feel : Love to try something new everytime going to have travel. And now, I will introduce you to one of the best ravel in the world : Alaska Travel. Yeah...you must be said that I'm silly but hey..have you ever gone to Denali Park? If Yes, Then, you must agree that Travel Alaska is the best travel of the world. At least, you will never forget your vacation once you visit there. So, if you really want to have a latest and fresh travel or vacation then go and enjoy your own alaska.

Get this Cheap Travel!!

2009-06-09T00:12:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I want to confess that I really love to travel. I love to see anything new in life. Travel is not just the place we go but also the culture and the people we meet, that will bring us the new “air” in running our life. The problem here, I am not a millionaire..yet (^_^) and that’s why I need cheap airline tickets to make sure that I have a cheap flights so I may use my money for anything else instead of wasting it to purchase an expensive ticket.

For that “saving money” purpose, I start to browse some websites and finally arrive to www.lowfares.com that provides complete information about comparison of airline tickets. I even can arrange my special trip by using that website. Mm…. So, if you really a traveler with a low budget, just visit that website as one of your alternatives

Get all Travel Information here for free!!

2009-05-21T00:21:00.000-07:00

I have ever been in a condition where I got a call to go to Australia and it is a holiday so it is so difficult to reach travel agents in Manado that will serve international flights booking since some of them close at the day and I don’t have time to check what office that opened so, I finally arrive at the decision to find travel information by online. You know, online store never closes ^_^

Then, I spend few times to explore all travel websites and finally find the website that unexpectedly also inform cheap flights to me It is a great moment for me when I find it since it gives me complete flights' information , from what kind of flight I take until the dates I need to travel. It has comparison information and even customer support so, It really helps me. So, if you have ever been in the situation like me, just visit travel websites to browse or directly find http://www.travel.com.au

Best Way to share Travel Experience...

2009-04-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

Let's say...you are finally arrived at the best decision in your life : Go Traveling to Paris. So, what should be prepared? a backpack, passport and...don't forget a blog. You will need it, because your beloved friends and family will know all your travel progress by reading it. But,what is the best way to prepare a travel blog?

What I really mean here is very serious. Having a travel experience is one of the best moment and you must have a credible and trustable blog provider to keep it memorable. If you agree with me, just visit http://jurnl.com and start you very own and customized travel blog.There are so much menus to explore and the best thing is, you will get more comments and readers because it's just like a community. MM...seemed great? then, join !! Have a great ravel!!

Pennsylvania Adventure, Anyone?

2009-04-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt bored with your life and routinity? Feel that you do not want to do your job and take an adventure with the one you love? If yes, you may need this info so, read this carefully.

If you need to explore Pennsylvania then, you need to join gettysburg camping (it can be free for you) by having RV and doing adventure with your family or even your friends. In your way, you may stop in rv camping Gettysburg and enjoy pa rv camping. There will be so much to be enjoyed there which will make you thank me for that unforgettable holiday. So, what are you doing begind your desk? Take a holiday, pack your bag and have an adventure in Pennsylvania, anyone!!

One Stop Information for your dream vacation?

2009-04-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever planned to have a private vacation when you travel around the world? If yes, then you will need so many information from your travel agent or wasting thousand hours to compare prices from one agent to other agent or even from one website to one website.

To be honest, I totally understand how you feel about too many information offered by internet. That’s why I think it will be great if I share you this great information. Mm..what I really mean here is the website with one stop information about hotels and destinations in all over the world, from montreal hotels until cheap accommodation in new york city. Mm…sound interesting? Then just open the website. Have a nice hunting!!

How to Enjoy a Really Great Camping?

2009-04-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

To be honest, I am a truly family girl so, having an adventurous holiday with my family seemed to be a “dream comes true” holiday. Now, the question is, what kind of camping that really enjoyable for the whole family?

For me personally, I do not think that having a hard work to have camping in mountain will be a great idea so, it is a great moment when I find out that I may have an interesting and enjoyable camping with the whole family by using rv park nc.

The idea behinds it is : we will have a great camping in a beautiful area of nc rv parks . rv park north Carolina is so beautiful so, it is perfect for the whole family since the effort to get there will not kill you (hehehe) and you may have a safe and enjoyable camping in that area. Sometimes, the area has special events so, makes sure that you get there at the “event” time. See U There…

All About London…

2009-03-26T00:08:00.000-07:00

London always become a unique, old and prestige country (do not know why, maybe because their currency is so high-valued,hehehe) and if I have opportunities, I want to have a backpack traveling there. It can be alone but, I always love to travel with a partner.

By considering that I want to have a backpacking travel, then I should have an access to complete information about all the cheap stuffs in London. But, how can I get it? So, as usual, I browse some London websites and finally find a great London website to explore (yippie!!)

The website consists of information that I really need (maybe you too, when you plan to go to London), that is : cheap London hotels. In that website, besides getting information about the latest deal for London hotel, I also can get a location and map information when I want to travel outside my hotel London (mm….what a desirable information)

Interested to have a special Trip in Alaska?

2009-03-23T22:23:00.000-07:00

Let me bring you to this situation. You are tired and bored with your daily job and finally get a short holiday (Yippie…). Then, where will you go? If you are not interested with a beach then, you should try to Travel Alaska, a beautiful place to enjoy your unforgettable holiday.

The problem is, what will you do when you have an Alaska Travel? If you do not have time to plan your own adventure, then give those tasks to professional travel agent to arrange your trip to all beautiful places in Alaska, included Denali Park.

You may go alone but highly recommended to go with your family or the one you love so you may share all the happiness there. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bag and just go to Alaska.

Christmas in Manado Part 2

2008-12-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

Hi...Just want to share some interesting pics about Christmas in Manado. Enjoy!!

This is a pic where Santa has to walk and find the registered child's home. Mm...what a dedicated Santa,hehehe

This is a pic of Santa, his scary assistants and one of the registered children. (He's looked suffer. Isn't he?

This is a pic where Santa is in front of the car...

Finally, this is my pic where I became a "registered child"

Christmas in Manado

2008-12-01T04:44:00.000-08:00

Like I’ve said before, Majority of Manadonese in North Sulawesi is Christian so, can you imagine what will happen on Christmas?

Just forget the snow, the light and the competitions in your country because Christmas in Manado feels so GREAT. The feels of Christmas even can be felt from September (can you believe that?) while Manadonese called it “Ber-Ber Month”, which are : September, October, November and December.

At the beginning of December, you can enjoy approximately Santa Claus Week while, groups of Youth Christian will travel Manado to visit each registrated child for “Santa Claus Meet and Greet” so, at that first week, on the afternoon, you can see minimal 3 groups of Santa Claus with loud speaker, Christmas song and of course the displays of people who use costumes of Santa Claus and its various assistants. Feel that it’s not enough? Just go to Boulevard and feels the Christmas sensation offered by each mall and department stores. Trust me, it’s just a small part of Christmas in Manado so, I’ll wait for you to come here.

As additional, my “bad” friends had ever registrated me in this event (huwaa…can you imagine how ashamed I was when Santa Claus Assistant called my name by using loudspeaker in my environment) and worst of it,you know what my gift was? A medicine to reduce the pain when I’m in menstruation.

North Sulawesi' s Unique History

2008-11-22T01:51:00.000-08:00

North Sulawesi has a unique history that has been a part of its culture. As what I’ve heard, Minahasans are believed to come from Lumimuut who rose from the sea and gave birth to Toar. Then, because of untold reasons ,these mother and son separated. After many years separation, they met again but, they can not recognize each other’s face which make them finally married and their descendants populated the region.

back to north sulawesi's culture

Traditional House of North Sulawesi

2008-11-13T23:31:00.000-08:00

There are various kind of North Sulawesi’s traditional House as a part of its culture but there is one thing that will always be found in each North Sulawesi’s Traditional House that is : all of them has a stair which makes every house has two floors. As what the old men said, the stair is used to protect the people in the house from the wild animals.

In North Sulawesi, you can still find traditional house although it’s very rare so, if you want to see more about the traditional house (especially Traditional House of Minahasa), you can ask the local people or your tour guide about Woloan, a special place to make a traditional house of North Sulawesi as a perfect place to explore more about North Sulawesi’s culture.

I remember that, when I was a student, my lecturer brought me to woloan and it’s a great experience. At that time, my class had an exchange student (If I’m not mistaken, from Netherland) and I’m very proud to see her enthusiasm to this part of North Sulawesi’s culture when we arrived in Woloan. In woloan, we can see a finished house and even a-half finished house while, as we see the workers did their job, the owner of the place explained that , those houses are not just known by people in North Sulawesi but it has already known by people outside North Sulawesi and even outside Indonesia. Regarding that matter, the owner accepts many orders to make a traditional house while the most orders come from Netherlands.

So, are you interested to have one traditional house of North Sulawesi in your country?

Click here to see my class trip to woloan for seeing the traditional house in North Sulawesi.

Archeology Exhibition in North Sulawesi

2008-11-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

There is no doubt that national heritage is a very important asset for a country while the more important thing is, how to build Young Generation’s care to the heritage so it can be existed for a long time. Regarding that, from November 4-7, Indonesian Government held an archeology exhibition in Manado, nears The North Sulawesi Museum.

For me personally, I am not so satisfied with that exhibition by considering the less quantity of the heritages that are displayed but overally, it still entertaining enough to be seen. It is a great step to introduce Indonesian Heritage to the Young Generation, although the stuffs displayed are just the replicas but it is looked almost the same with the original one.

Anyway, here are some shots :

It is an adult skull. As the guide said, this a skull of an ordinary person in which, there are some stuffs which are brought together with the dead body, such as: bowl.

It is a child skull. The guide said,he/she maybe come from a rich family because his/her dead body is in a bronze-made place

Welcome Modern Area!! There has already tombstone in this age.

It is a skull from person who is buried in the place nears the beach

It is a head skull from Siau Island

It is great to see the postitive respond from the students to this exhibition

Hopefully, next time, it can be held with a more entertaining package in a crowded place like mall.

Ban Hin Kiong Klenteng in Manado’s Chinatown

2008-11-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

Does your place has Chinatown? In Manado,North Sulawesi, we have it one in D.I. Panjaitan Street. Our Chinatown consisted of so many stores of Chinese People and also, fulled by Klenteng, a temple for Buddha, Taoism and Ru Religion (Confucius Religion). I do not know how you mention Klenteng in your language but for sure, in Manado, we call it klenteng based on Bell’s Ring : Teng…Teng…Teng…

As I told before, there are many klenteng in Chinatown but, the most famous klenteng is Ban Hin Kiong Klenteng, the oldest klenteng in Manado (existed since 19th century) also, the biggest klenteng in this Chinatown so, if you visit Manado, do not forget to visit Ban Hin Kiong Klenteng

Oh ya, thanks for the friendship award from Na. I have received it here. Thanks so much.

pics are contributed by monal

Buddhist Festival in Manado (Part 2)

2008-10-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

The fifth part of this festival in manado, North Sulawesi, is in outdoor, while there are statues shows the first time Buddha teach his followers. Besides the statue, there is ashoka pillar with the greatest words I’ve ever read

Then, there is a gate to connect us to another place There is a unique room to do a meditation with a Buddha statue inside

Then, this is the most important statue in this festival, that is: Sleeping Buddha statue, which is very large.

Buddhist Festival in Manado (Part 1)

2008-10-21T21:33:00.000-07:00

Started from October 17, there is a Buddhist Festival held in Megamall, one mall in Manado, North Sulawesi. The ticket is Rp.5.000 (Around $0.5) and it includes free book, CD, VCD and souvenir but the best thing here is, I am allowed to bring my camera in. YIPPIEEE!!! The festival is held indoor and outdoor so, I will make two posts of it while for the first post, I will tell you about the indoor one.

The first part of this place is an exhibition of Buddha (Sidharta Gautama) story while, the pic above is my favorite story and statue.

The second part is a room consists of some relics which is borrowed from Thailand Kingdom. As the guide said, they just borrow the small relics because if they borrow the big one, they must also bring some Thailand Securities.

The third part is a room of literatures.

The fourth part is a place where there is three tables for three Buddha, completed with mannequin.

The fifth part is a little Buddha in which, as the guide said, when we wash the statue, we can ask to prevent ourselves from negative thinking.

Eiffel Tower in North Sulawesi

2008-10-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

In my previous post, Big Ben and Jesus Statue in North Sulawesi seemed to get a great attention so, regarding that, I will introduce you another world stuff in North Sulawesi that is: Eiffel Tower. Yup, I am not kidding. North Sulawesi also has an Eiffel tower, although it is not as high as the original one in Paris (just around 12m) but, at least, it has the same form,hehehe. This tower is made by a mayor of Bitung ( a small,beautiful and clean city around 1 hour from Manado) who studied in Paris and impressed by the beautiful Eiffel and finally decide to bring that beautiful stuff in Bitung.

Pics are taken from http://sitidj.blogspot.com/2008/04/bitung.html and http://www.north-sulawesi.org/images/bitung1.jpg

p.s:I got this friendship poem from Na and,I decide that to give it to you..yes...YOU...all of you who read my blog...this is the poem:

We need friends for many reasons, all throughout the season.

We need friends to comfort us when we are sad,and to have fun with us when we are glad.

We need friends to give us good advice.

We need someone we can count on,and treat us nice.

We need friends to remember usone we have passed sharing memories that will always last.

Citraland in North Sulawesi

2008-10-09T08:48:00.001-07:00

There is Citraland, a beautiful place to live in Manado,North Sulawesi. There are so much facilities in this place, from waterboom until kindergarten and school. Currently, I am not a rich person so, I still can not afford to live there but, if I get much money, this place will be one place to be lived with my parents because it is so beautiful. In Citraland, there are two interesting stuffs : Big Ben and Jesus Christ Statue so, if you are in Manado, just try to visit Citraland (or…you want to live in there?hehehe).

Pics Contributed by Monal

This Blog's First Award . . . Hooray!!

2008-10-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!!!

This blog gets its first award so, thanks so much to Mrs.Na (a Super Mom) and Linh for this award. I really appreciate it.Now,I'll accept this award and also follow the rules:

1) Put the logo on your blog.

2) Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4) Add links to those blogs on yours.

5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

Mm...actually, I want to give this award to all my friends but, the rule just mentions seven bloggers so,I'll give this award to seven bloggers those are:

1. Borneo Falcon

2. Eunice

3. Rintjez

4. Asian Traveler

5. Shawn

6. Idealpinkrose

7. Jasper Jugan

so, enjoy!!

Lake Linow

2008-09-24T05:55:00.000-07:00

If you visit North Sulawesi, take time to visit Lake Linow, which is located in Lahendong Village,Tomohon city. This lake is so unique and beautiful and it makes many people come here just to relax and even having a pre-wedding photo. The best thing of this lake is, the lake color can change into blue, green, turquoise and so much more while, the color will be depend on the perspective view and the light (the sun). The lake color can be yellow when the day is bright and sunny.

Nb: the pic of linow lake is contributed by Monal

Traditional Market in North Sulawesi

2008-09-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

While staying in Tomohon,North Sulawesi, you can visit Tomohon’s Traditional Market everyday and if you know the right time, you can feel the real traditional market of Tomohon. The activities in the traditional market can be increased during holiday, especially Christmas Season because for many people, during Christmas season, Tomohon’s Traditional Market becomes a place to prepare and to sell hundreds of porks and other protein resources for the festives.

In front of the Market, we can see people who sell bamboo (called “buluh” by local people) used for cooking. This bamboo is sold in the form of already wrapped with banana leaf inside it. This typical long tiny bamboo is used as cooking tool of Minahasan Tribe for the food called “Nasi Jaha” (made from Gluten Rice and spicies such as Ginger), “Pangi” (vegetable dish can be made by using chicken, pork and so much more) and also to cook chicken, pork and etc. At this corner, there are also people who sell Pangi Leaves that mostly already chopped tinily ready to be cooked in the bamboo along with chicken or pork.

In Tomohon’s Traditional Market, it is rare to goat meat and beef while most of the seller sell Pork and Dog Meat (usually used to cook RW or Rintek Wuuk or Tinny Hair). Talking about unique culinary, there is also culinary from “paniki” (bat) and Tree Rat so, I guarantee, Batman will not leave Gotham to save North Sulawesi,hehehe… If you are not interested with the above offering, you can purchase fish in fish section while, there are “Mujair” and Carp Fishes. Besides that, there are also smoked tuna, soked “roa”, and fresh “nike” to be purchased. As The Information, Tomohon Market is ranked first in the term of uniquity among the other markets in Indonesia, followed by Bukittinggi Market. Finally, if you are interested to visit this traditional market at Christmas, the market will be very crowded until late night.

nb:this pic is given by my friend, Monal, from sultan Tours and travel

Travelling in North Sulawesi : Museum

2008-09-09T00:47:00.000-07:00

If you visit North Sulawesi and love to explore its culture, makes sure to ask your tour guide for bringing you to National Museum North Sulawesi in Manado but if you are a backpacker, you can stop a microlet titled “TELING” and says “Museum”. More details for the backpackers, it is located in Komo Dalam and exactly built next to Don Bosco Manado Senior High School. It’s opened Monday to Friday, from 8.00 AM – 4.00 PM

I’ve just gone there once and I did it alone because my friend did not interested so much to the culture (hikz..). My suggestion for the backpackers, when you are in its gate, sometimes you can find the guard but if there’s no guard, just walk through some stairs and if you have arrived to the door in the end of the long stairs, just turn right to find your own guide who will bring you for having a little tour inside. If you are lucky, you will be guided when all the staffs uses Bentenan Cloth (Bentenan is a famous cloth from North Sulawesi which is a must-wear clothes for the civil servant especially on Friday) as a part of North Sulawesi’s culture but if you are not lucky, just go to Souvenir shops to buy one for yourself. At the time when I got there, I was lucky because my guide (Mr.Fei Pomohon) used Bentenan.

This is a list of what I saw in my tour to see a “small size” of North Sulawesi:

Introduction Room

“Small Size” of Bunaken

North Sulawesi people in the oldest age

Stuffs for Traditional Funeral in North Sulawesi (more)

Traditional hand-made from North Sulawesi

Replicas of Traditional House in North Sulawesi (more)

Traditional Fishing Tools in North Sulawesi

Inheritance from some North Sulawesi’s Heroes

Traditional Transportation in North Sulawesi (more)

Fishing activities in North Sulawesi

Traditional Music Instruments in North Sulawesi (more)

The activities to process palm sugar

Traditional Wedding in North Sulawesi (more)

And so much more, you have to see it by yourself and don’t forget to take your picture in special place like what I’ve done in my visit.

More information about the museum, its formal address is Jalan Supratman No. 72 and, when I got there, the guide did not ask me to pay but frankly, I was very satisfied with my tour so, I gave donations (it’s not much but at least, it can help the government to maintain and make this museum better for the future to keep our rich culture)

Traditional Wedding

2008-08-31T00:20:00.000-07:00

There’s no something special about the wedding ceremony as a part of culture in North Sulawesi but you can find various wedding wear in the North Sulawesi’ traditional wedding. Actually people in North Sulawesi has adapted a modern wedding ceremony so, if you can see the traditional one, you are so lucky to see the culture by your own eyes. As additional, there is not just the various wedding wear but there is also the special decoration for the groom and bride while, if you are not so lucky to see the real one,the decorations and the wedding wear still can be seen in museum.

Wait a minute, if you are REALLY interested to have your own traditional wedding, just click here to make it come true.

Traditional Funeral in North Sulawesi

2008-08-27T00:36:00.000-07:00

For traditional funeral in North Sulawesi as a part of its culture, there are two kind of funeral stuffs that I know:

The first one is waruga, which is existed from megalithic age. 144 stone graves were built to house the remains in the sitting position. The pre-Christian belief was that the babies were born in the sitting position in the mother's womb, and it is in this position that humans must pass on to eternity. The engravings on the headstones depict the cause of death, the deceased's hobby, character or occupation, etc. If you want to see this kind of culture, there is a small shop in front of the gate and a small donation is suggested. It is located at Sawangan village near Airmadidi, 24 km from Manado.

As additional, my guide for exploring North Sulawesi’s culture in museum told me that the usage of Waruga had already stopped some years ago because there is a special disease which is caused by the vapour from waruga. Then, the second one for the traditional funeral as a culture in is Lingun, from Bolaang Mongondow as the place to dry the dead body while there is a special hole as the place for the “dead body’s sand” to fall behind. As an additional, the stuffs showed by the picture below is still used by a few people above Lingun to make the “evil spirit” get away.

Learn Manado Language

2008-08-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

CHAPTER 1

Greetings

Greetings in Manado language is same as Greeting in Indonesian Language :

Selamat Pagi : Good Morning

Selamat Siang : Good Day

Selamat Sore : Good Afternoon

Selamat Malam : Good Evening

Pronoun

Kita : I

Ngana : You (singular)

Ngoni : You (Plural)

Dorang : They

Torang : We

Dia : He/She

Possesion

For possession word , such as: his, her and its, Manadonese just uses word:pe

Example with word : bag = tas

My Bag = Kita Pe Tas

Example with word : Book = Buku

Your Book = Ngana Pe Buku

Example with word : Class = Klas

Your Class : Ngoni Pe Klas

Example with word : friend=tamang

Their Friend = Dorang Pe Tamang

Example with word : family=keluarga

Our Family = Torang Pe Keluarga

Example with word : boyfriend

Her Boyfriend = Dia Pe Paitua

Exercise:

Translate this to Manado Language:

Some needed Translations

Mother = mama

Father = papa

Television = Televisi

Ticket = Tiket

Money = doi

Questions :

My Ticket

His Father

Our Television

Their Mother

Your Money

Gangga Island

2008-08-24T05:35:00.000-07:00

Gangga Island is one of islands in North Sulawesi with beautiful white-sandy beach. lay away thousand of enchantment sea garden with colorful corals and various unique fish. In this area, you can do Fishing, diving, snorkeling and swimming and even research. As a good news, there is a representative resort available in Gangga Island

Traditional Dances : Kabasaran ( Cakalele Minahasa )

2008-08-24T05:12:00.000-07:00

Kabasaran is a war dance in North Sulawesi which is affecting patriotism, heroic and courage. This kind of North Sulawesi’s culture is usually performed by men wearing red war costumes with swords and shields, uttering cries to frighten the enemies. Actually, Cakalele is also popular in the Moluccas where it probably has its roots. However, there are also similarities with war dances in Portugal.

back to North Sulawesi's Traditional Dance

Welcome to North Sulawesi

2008-08-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

I’ve been lived in North Sulawesi (Indonesia) since 1999. At that time, my hometown got riot so, I moved to Manado ( a capital of North Sulawesi ) and found out that, North Sulawesi is a great province which is unique and full of fun (and I mean it!!).

Currently, I’ve been in North Sulawesi for 9 years and still love this place. I love North Sulawesi’s people, North Sulawesi’ food, North Sulawesi’s tourism place and even North Sulawesi’s climate (hehehe…). So, when I knew that Manado is planned to be World Tourism City in 2010 and North Sulawesi is in progress to introduce itself to the world, I feel that it’s time for me as a North Sulawesi girl to show the world how much I love this place. Regarding that, I create this blog to introduce the world my beloved North Sulawesi in my point of view.

At last, enjoy this blog, pack your belongings and I’ll wait for you to come here!!!

Ivana The

nb: Picture is taken from www.ganggaisland.com

Let's Diving in North Sulawesi

2008-08-24T03:58:00.000-07:00

Can you Imagine having a scuba diving travel all year round in more than 150 dive sites with 1000 reef fish species?

In North Sulawesi You can.

You can see all you want about diving in North Sulawesi by visiting www.divenorthsulawesi.com or, you can visit these supported websites :

NUSANTARA DIVING CENTER (NDC)

Molas Beach PO . BOX 1015

Tel: 0431 -863988, 863992, Fax : 0431-860368, 854668

E-mail : info@ndc-manado.com

MANADO UNDERWATER EXPLORATION (MUREX)

Jl. Raya Trans Sulawesi , Kalasey 1 Manado 95361

Tel : (+62431) 826091, 868513

Fax : (+62431) 826092-852116

E-mail : info@murexdive.Com .

Alternative Website :www.manado-liveboards.com .

TWO FISH DIVERS

Bunaken Island , Tel : 0811 43 2805

E-mail : info@TwoFishDivers.com .

ECO DIVERS

Tasik Ria Resort, Tel : (0431) 824445

E-mail : info@tasikria.com .

FROGGIES DIVERS

Bunaken Island

E-mail : manado@divefroggies.Com .

Tel : +62812 430 1356/1464

THALASSA DIVING CENTER

Tongkaina, Molas, PO . Box 1644 Manado , 95000

Tel : (0431)850230

Fax : (0431) 858666-850231

E-mail : info@thalassa.net

CHACHA DIVE RESORT

MOLAS, Dusun II, Manado

Tel : (0431) 869441-869441

SULAWESI DIVE QUEST

Bunaken Island , Liang Beach

PO . BOX 1030 , Manado 95000

Tel : 62-8124417676, 62-8124408116

INDO PACIFIC DIVE CENTER (Rhema scuba)

Jl. Trans Sulawesi , Tasik Ria, Manado

Tel : (0431)826407-826551

Fax : (0431) 826406

LUMBALUMBA DIVING

Mokupa Village

Tel : (0431) 826151

Fax : (0431) 826151

SCUBANA DIVERS

Bunaken Marine Park

Tel: 08124401566

email. info@scubanadivers.net

picture is taken from www.ganggaisland.com, www.divenorthsulawesi.com

miscellaneous stuffs for North Sulawesi : Wenang Asri Art Shop

2008-08-24T03:49:00.000-07:00

It’s a wonderful experience to enter such a great souvenir shop in North Sulawesi like Wenang Asri Art Shop. When I got there, a kind shop-keeper welcomed me and give me so much information that I need. The shop-keeper (I forget his name. Sorry,dude!!) even let me to take and put all the souvenirs as I want so I can get the picture I want (hohoho…)

There are various souvenirs made in Pulutan (So, you do not have to go to Pulutan for purchasing some Pulutan Stuffs), made by Wenang Asri and even some small accessories such as :key chain, glass, bowl,unique statue, unique bag and so much more.

Now, I’ll tell you my experience when I got there. Arriving in that place seemed like stealing my own wallet because there are so much unique and funny stuffs (in my imagination, all the souvenirs seemed to invite me to purchase them) but, by considering my limited income (you know, I got there at the end of the month), I just purchased a unique ball key chain and I’m so glad to do that. I even take a picture with that key chain in the souvenir shop. Mm…can’t wait to go back there.

Cute Tarsius Statue

Cool bowl

Great Kabasaran Dancer Handcraft

Great Bag

Great Handcraft

Inside Wenang Asri Art Shop

Bukit Kasih…A Religious Travelling

2008-08-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

The Monument of Togetherness

Hanging Out in The Monument

A Great Wall-to be

A Sulphurous Area

Kawangkoan Peanut

If you have a family travel North Sulawesi and have no interest to swim or dive, Bukit Kasih Kanonang in Kawangkoan Area, North Sulawesi, will offer you a unique experience in your visit because there are various things to do when you get there.

The destination between Bukit Kasih and Manado is around 50 kms and you can reach it whether by renting a car or using general transportation by spending Rp.10.500 from Manado to Kawangkoan and then Rp.5.000 from Kawangkoan Terminal to Bukit Kasih. Finally, to enter the place, you just have to pay Rp.1.000/person, Rp.3.000 for a car and motorcycle and Rp. 5.000 for a bus.

Now, let’s say, you have entered Bukit Kasih. So, what will you do now? Firstly, I, as the blog owner (hehehe) suggest you to take a walk in a long stairs (some people say, it’s looked almost the same with The Great Wall in China,hehehe) to reach the statues of Toar and Lumimuut (Persons who are believed as the ancestors of Minahasa) and also five worship places for religions in Indonesia. When you have already conquered the stairs, do not forget to take pictures there so you can show it to your friends when you go back to your country.

Secondly, you must visit a natural boiling water sulphurous-contained which is believed can cure some kinds of skin diseases.

Thirdly,you can taste a corn which is directly cooked in the natural boiling water also,you can visit some “warung” to taste a fried banana which is provided with dabu-dabu. Mmmm…Yummy…

Finally, do not forget to taste Kacang Kawangkoan (Kawangkoan Peanut) when you visit this place because this peanut is so much delicious and famous of course,hehehehe…

So, what are you waiting for? Bukit Kasih is waiting for you…NOW…

Exchange Your Money

2008-06-28T03:26:00.000-07:00

If you are in Manado, North Sulawesi, and need to find the place to exchange your money, just go to these places :

PT. Haji LA Tunrung AMC

Jl. Jendral Sudirman 95B

Telp. (0431) 867722

PT. Manado Inter Money Changer

Jl. Wolter Monginsidi 62

Telp. (0431) 866677

Bank Internasional Indonesia

Jl. Sam Ratulangi 18

Telp. (0431) 860543

Bank ABN AMRO

Jl. Dr. Sam Ratulangi 67

Telp. (0431) 846125

Tomohon...still Tomohon

2008-06-28T00:37:00.000-07:00

Tomohon...City of Flower

Fresh Scenery, huh?

Someone ever told me that if she had to choose a place to live, in Manado and the place around, she would choose Tomohon, North Sulawesi, as she currently lives in. Tomohon gives a combination of nearby manado, the central town in North Sulawesi, and the cool weather. Apparently, tomohon is only 35 minutes far from manado, makes possible for people whose main activity is in manado to be able to live in tomohon. We see much workforce go to manado and back to tomohon at the afternoon everyday. Tomohon in other case is a cozy living place. If manado has the hot weather and polluted air, tomohon gives people a very cool weather and then the fresh air brought from the mountains condition.

Tomohon has two identities, the cool weather and the flowers. Since I was a little, I knew that many outsiders visited tomohon and then had an interest to have a house here. Many people like the place here to build a house of rest, due to the fresh air, coolness, and the peace and quiet here. Tomohon also has the identity of flowers. Since several years ago tomohon has been declared as the city of flowers. Perhaps because of the climate here, so many flowers are familiar to grow healthy and rapidly. And perhaps these two elements have formed the habitual behavior of people in tomohon to be so kind and friendly. (hehe!)

These two identity of tomohon, be recognized or not, becomes the main factor that sustain the economy here. Due to the climate, many vegetations of fruits and vegetables can grow very rapid. Tomohon therefore be the big supplier of fruit and vegetable needs. And the flowers factor makes tomohon loudly be talked recently. People outside recognize that many different kind of beautiful flowers can be found in Tomohon. These flowers become a business for some Tomohonese who specifically become the flowers agents and even for every household in tomohon.

By: McAndroe Sondakh,SE

The Old Church

2008-06-24T05:48:00.000-07:00

The Old Church is located in Manganitu, Sanger Besar Island,North Sulawesi. It was built by Steyler, a German missionary in the last century. There is nothing left inside, however the building is still intact. There is a family gravesite on the property. Take a look, as it is one of the few historical sights in the islands.

The King's Palace

2008-06-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

North Sulawesi's The King's Palace Is the old royal residence used during the period of the Tahuna Kingdoms, Manganitu and Tamako. Inside the building you can still see relics of the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and Tagalog episodes. This is a definite must see.

Sangihe Talaud

2008-06-24T05:43:00.000-07:00

Sangihe Talaud consists of 77 islands, of which 56 islands are inhabited. The population is 260,370 people (1996). Most of the people are involved in agriculture, which include coconut, vanilla, nutmeg, and clove. The islands are located north of the Sulawesi Peninsula, and south of the Philippines The islands are divided into two main groups; Sangihe, consisting of the islands Sangir Besar, Siau, Tagulandang and Biaro; and Talaud consists of the islands of Karakelang, Salibabu, Kaburuan, Nanusa, Miangaas, plus many other small islands. The capital of Sangihe Talaud is Tahuna, which is located on Sanger Besar.

The airport located about 21 km from Tahuna is serviced by domestic airlines on a irregular basis. Please check with a travel agent. There are seaports in Tahuna, Siau, Tagulandang and Beo which are serviced by various ferries and local boats. Sangihe Talaud is renowned for its magnificent white sandy beaches with amazing coral gardens as well as an underwater active volcano. It is also known for its beautiful dances with a variety of war dances and those re-enacting legends.

Traditional music of Sangihe Talaud consists of Oli-Oli and Bamboo Music.Handicrafts from Sangihe Talaud include wonderful ebony carvings and beautiful fine embroidery from Batunderang Island in Sangir Besar.

Mount Ambang

2008-06-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

This impressive Mount Ambangof North Sulawesi is reached by passing through the coffee plantations between modayag and lake mooat and is 27 km from kotamobagu. this nature reserve offers a crater lake, unexplored forest and hot mud pools.

Molosing Indah Beach

2008-06-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

Molosing Indah Beach is 50 km from Kotamobagu,North Sulawesi, offshore from Motabang village on the tiny island of Molosing. This tranquil tropical island is pleasant for swimming, fishing, boating, as well as snorkeling. There is basic accommodation and restaurants.

Bolaang Mongondow

2008-06-24T05:37:00.000-07:00

North Sulawesi'sBolaang Mongondow is the name of a district, which covers the highlands & lowlands between Minahassa and Gorontalo. The population is 411,086 (1996). Beside the legend of their origin, Bolaang Mongondow is renowned for their traditional ceremonies, which are unique and impressive and portray the process of human life from birth to adulthood. These celebrations are great tourist attractions that should not be missed. Another cultural attraction is the traditional dances, which have been preserved over time.

Imam Bondjol Mausoleum

2008-06-24T05:35:00.000-07:00

Imam Bondjol Mausoleum, located 7 km from Manado, represents traditional Minangkabau architecture and honors Imam Bondjol, a national hero from Minangkabau in West Sumatera. He was a hero of the Perang Paderi (Paderi War) against the Dutch and was later exiled to North Sulawesi. He was born in 1791 and died in Lota Village, Pineleng in 1864.

Lapian - Taulu Monument

2008-06-24T05:33:00.000-07:00

Lapian - Taulu Monument, located in Kawangkoan, 45 km from Manado,North Sulawesi, commemorates Bernhard Wilhelm Lapian and Charles Chus Taulu, the leaders in Peristiwa Merah Putih, February 14th, 1946, which represented the heroic fight to defend the Republic of Indonesia. B.W. Lapian was also a religious hero who established KGPM (Kerapatan Gereja Protestan Minahasa).

japanese caves

2008-06-24T05:31:00.000-07:00

These japanese caves are located alongside the road between Kiawa and Kawangkoan, countryside villages about 45 km from Manado. The caves were built by the Japanese during the World War II primarily for storage.

Back to Travelling in North Sulawesi

watu pinawetengan

2008-06-24T05:29:00.000-07:00

North Sulawesi'sPinabetengan village, about 50 km from Manado, is the home to an ancient stone, shaped like a table. It measures 4 m long and 2 m high and is one of remnants left by the Minahasan Tribes where they negotiated the territorial division, unification, peace, and war against their enemies. Pictography carvings on the stone cannot be deciphered.

Mount Soputan

2008-06-24T05:08:00.000-07:00

Mount Soputan is situated in Tombatu,North Sulawesi, about 60 km from Manado or 10 km walk from Toure village. Soputan, 1825 meters in height, is still active, often times steaming and spewing volcanic ash. Trekers will pass through plantations, as well as areas overun with "Edelweys" flowers, usually called "Bunga Abadi" or "Eternal Flower". Often times people choose to camp overnight in the Casuarina Forest before making the final accent which begins at 4:00 AM.

Minahasa

2008-06-24T05:04:00.000-07:00

The Minahasan region of North Sulawesi covers an area of approximately 418,862 Ha with a population of 733,029 people (1996).The capital of this district is Tondano, a town close to Lake Tondano. It is situated on a plateau 700 m above sea level, surrounded by magnificent countryside with cool mountainous air.Minahasan people believe the legend that they are descendants of Toar and Lumimuut. The reminders of this time long ago are the Waruga, stonegraves in Sawangan Airmadidi, and Watu Pinabetengan in Tompaso.The word Minahasa which means unification of the traditional tribes was derived from the word esa or one, hence the land was named Minahasa.As additional,there are so much places here to be considered to have a hiking vacation

Tamaska Hijau

2008-06-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

Tamaska Hijau in Tataaran, North Sulawesi, features hot springs and impressive views of rice fields. It has limited facilities for overnight stays.

sarapung and korengkeng monument

2008-06-24T04:59:00.000-07:00

sarapung and korengkeng monument in North Sulawesi, located 1km from the center of the town, honors the Tondano War, 1808-1809 led by Sarapung, the chieftain of Tondano Touliang and Korengkeng, chieftain of Tondano-Toulimambot tribes.

Kyai Modjo Mausoleum

2008-06-24T04:56:00.000-07:00

Kyai Modjo was the commander of Pangeran Diponegoro during the Java War (1825-1830). He was exiled to Tondano, North Sulawesi, and died in 1848. Kyai Modjo Mausoleum that was built in his honor, is located in the village named Kampung Jawa about 12 km from Tondano.

dr sam ratulangi monument and grave site

2008-06-24T04:53:00.000-07:00

dr sam ratulangi monument and grave site located in Tondano,North Sulawesi, memorialize this national hero from North Sulawesi, born in Tondano 1890 and died in 1949. Situated on a hill with an unspoiled view of Lake Tondano and surrounding rice fields, it reminds us of the spirit of national heroism during the revolutionary period.

Ibu walanda maramis mausoleum

2008-06-24T04:50:00.000-07:00

Ibu walanda maramis mausoleum in North Sulawesi pays homage to walanda maramis, one of national heroine of Women's Rights in North Sulawesi. Ibu walanda maramis mausoleum. She was born on December 1, 1872 and died on April 22, 1924. An organization called "PIKAT" was established by Ibu Walanda Maramis to involve women in social and educational development.

Trikora Monument

2008-06-24T04:45:00.000-07:00

Trikora Monument in North Sulawesi Is situated on a bluff at Lembeh Island Beach, the DC3 monument and park offers a nice opportunity to observe ships going by as well as being a gathering place on Sundays and holidays. Reachable by motorized outrigger.

Japanese Monument

2008-06-24T04:42:00.000-07:00

As Bitung played an important role in World War II as a home base for the Japanese Forces, it became the last resting place of their soldiers who died during the War. To commemorate this time in history and the men who died, the Japanese and North Sulawesi Government constructed this Japanese monument located at Manembo-nembo 7 km from Bitung center.

wolter monginsidi and pierre tendean monument

2008-06-24T04:38:00.000-07:00

Wolter monginsidi and pierre tendean monumentin North Sulawesi is a monument to commemorate the meritorious young men from North Sulawesi, Wolter Monginsidi and Pierre Tendean. Wolter Monginsidi died during the struggle of Indonesian Independence and Pierre Tendean died in the so-called "communist rebellion" on September 30, 1965.

Situated on the waterfront, facing the Bay of Manado, North Sulawesi, it is usually crowded with people who want to relax while enjoying the beautiful panoramic view of the bay. The monument is located in Bahu at the intersection of Jl. Monginsidi and Pierre Tendean.

Ranomuut horse racing area

2008-06-24T04:32:00.000-07:00

Ranomuut horse racing area in North Sulawesi is primarily used on holidays, national days and for special events where the public can witness horse racing as well as the traditional cart racing.

Manado Tua island

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Manado tua island in North Sulawesi is the main island of the group. There is a hiking path to the top which takes several hours to climb, and offers a spectacular view of all the islands of Manado Bay. Superb for diving and snorkeling.

Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park

2008-06-24T04:20:00.000-07:00

Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park in North Sulawesi used to be recognized as Dumoga Bone, located in the western part of Kotamobagu, in Bolaang Mongondow about 250 km from Manado, as a destination for tourists who enjoy adventure. Some of the endemic creatures that live in this area are Anoa, Taon (Horned Bill) Bird, Kuskus, Babirusa (pigdeer), and maleo bird. There are also monkeys, some type of birds, Tarsius Spectrum, and other rare animals. The facilities available in this area are accommodations, restaurants, pathways and control tower.

Mooat Lake

2008-06-24T04:12:00.000-07:00

Mooat Lake in North Sulawesi is located about 17 km southernmost from Kotamobagu, which reach the high of 10.000 km above sea level. Mooat Lake integrated with Mount Ambang Natural Reserve Area is one of gorgeous tourist destination because, besides the air is cool, this area is surrounded by forest. About 1.5 km from the lake, there is a small lake called Tondok with the facilities available for tourists such as traditional house, arts and culture building, accommodation, and restaurants.

Lakban Beach

2008-06-24T04:09:00.000-07:00

Lakban beach in North Sulawesi is located in Ratatotok Timur Sub District, and is one of the gorgeous beaches in South Minahasa Regency.

Rurukan Tourism Village

2008-06-24T04:04:00.000-07:00

Rurukan Village in North Sulawesi is located upon the hills northernmost of the city of flower, Tomohon, is also known as the Agrotourism Village for the clusters of agro plantation areas and beautiful views. A trip to rurukan from Tomohon can be reached in less than an hour.

Klabat Mountain Trekking

2008-06-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

Mount Klabat in North Sulawesi is the highest mountain in North Sulawesi, around 2.500 m above sea level. The trekking will take five to six hours starts from Airmadidi, North Minahasa Regency. Mount Klabat possesses several of exotic plants and some distinctive animals. Beautiful scenery of surrounding cities and regencies can be viewed from the top of this mountain.

Lahendong Pine Forest

2008-06-24T03:57:00.000-07:00

Lahendong Pine Forest in North Sulawesi, which is nearby the hot springs is not yet familiar by the people so, makes sure that you explore this place when you visit North Sulawesi. This pine forest is actually perfect for recreation and trekking.

Bentenan Beach

2008-06-23T06:06:00.000-07:00

Located in South Minahasa Regency about 100 kms from Manado, North Sulawesi , The Bentenan Beach, with a wide spread of white sand with background of the reflection of clear sea and surrounding greenery, becomes an eye catching tourism object for all who visit. In the area of Bentenan Islands, there is a sea garden that is rich in fish species and creatures, which is a target for international divers.

Kali Village and Tapahan Telu Waterfalls

2008-06-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

Kali Village, Minahasa Regency in North Sulawesi, located 13kms south of Manado city, is one of the oldest villages in Minahasa and has been known since the Iberian Time on the 17th century. About 1.000 ms to the east of the village, there is a waterfall site called “TAHAPAN TELU” which means “a place where water drops three times”. The water comes from the natural spring located on the village farming area of Tinoor Village and streaming down, becoming the river of Malalayang, flowing through the soil structure and drops three times in a row. The first water drop height only 10-15 ms, the second drop is 20-30 ms, and the third one is further down which is 60 meters long.

Lake Tondano

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Lake Tondano, the largest lake in North Sulawesi, is located in the Minahasa Regency. It is surrounded by mountainous areas and neatly ordered environment that make visitors content to linger and enjoy the beauty of the lake. When you arrive in Lake Tondano, you can enjoy water biking or fishing, and have recreations in several locations around the lake, such as the Sumaru Endo Tourism Site in Remboken Village.

Mount Lokon

2008-06-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

Mount Lokon is one of the active volcanos in North Sulawesi, located in the middle of Tomohon city in North Sulawesi. The mountain with 1,580 meters high has a crater lake and beautiful scenery surround. The perfect time to start walking from Kakaskasen is 7 am, when the morning is still cool. As additional, the trekking spend about 45 minutes. Beside Lokon, there is Mount Mahawu (1311 m).

Mangaran Beach

2008-06-23T05:32:00.000-07:00

Mangaran Beachin North Sulawesi is a long stretch of smooth and clean white sand beach. In this coastal area, there is the habitat of the endemic Maleo Bird and the coconut crab. It is located 1,5 Km from Mangaran, the capital of Kabaruan sub-district.

Sara Island

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Sara Island is located in Talaud Islands Regency, North Sulawesi, which is surrounded by a stretch of white sand beach and covered with a rast green vegetation has naturally an alluring appeal to visitors because this is a habitat of The Maleo Bird, Parrot and Coconut Crab. This island has beautiful corals, a variety of fish species and other sea creatures it possesses. To reach the island, an outrigger boat is used from Lirung about 45 minutes, and from The Melonguane Airport, Talaud Islands Regency, it is about 60 minutes away.

Mohoro Island

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Situation in the east Siau area, The Mohoro Island(North Sulawesi) with its vegetation is surrounded by magnificent sea gardens rich in variety of fish species and other sea creatures. This island is inhabited by swallows and on the other side of the island the remaining ruins of a Portuguese fort can be found. To reach this location, it will take about 60 minutes using outrigger boats from the ulu Siau Harbor.

Mahangetang Undersea Volcano

2008-06-23T05:19:00.000-07:00

Mahangetang is located about 18 km from the city of Tahuna, Sangihe Islands Regency, in itself this undersea volcano has its own charm as bubbles emerge from the ocean floor to the volcanic activities under water. This tourism object is often visited by foreign tourists who enjoy diving. It is easily accessed from Tahuna by outrigger boats.

pictures is taken from www.sayang-sayang.com

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Lembeh Strait

2008-06-23T05:14:00.000-07:00

Lembeh Strait is located in Bitung city, 1 hour away from Manado, has fast developed a reputation as being the place for muck. The sheltered straits form a kind of bottleneck in the surrounding sea, which has led to an abundance of Plankton. This silty-bottommed strait therefore doesn’t have the same spectacular coral walls of Bunaken but it does mean that the conditions are just right for serious divers to see a menagerie of weird and wonderful creatures up close that they rarely , if ever, get to see anywhere else. Creatures with weird descriptive names that conjure up all sorts of strange images are common here – the ornate ghost pipefish, neon colored nudibranch (a kind of seaslug), mimic octopuses and flamboyant cuttlefish, as well as the diminutivepygmy seahorse and the aptly named frogfish can all be seen hiding among the crevices of the Lembeh Strait. The latest news is, there are several diving resorts have been built.

pictures are taken from www.bluwavediving.com

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Bukit Kasih

2008-06-23T05:09:00.001-07:00

Bukit Kasih is located approximately 50 Km from Manado, in the area of Kanonang Village, Minahasa Regency. Bukit Kasih, which is surrounded by lush vegetation becomes a “Spiritual Sanctuary”, in which according to the legend of the Minahasan Tribe, is the place where the ancestors of Minahasan “Toar Lumimuut” died. Up on the hill, there are 5 worship places that represent the five religions such as : Mosque, Catholic Church, Protestan Church, Buddhist and Hindu Temples which can be reached by walking up the stairs. The monument of Life Together erected in thin tourism object illustrates the harmony among religious in North Sulawesi. Bukit Kasih is not merely a tourism object that is attractive to visit, but moreover it is a place of gathering for the people of North Sulawesi to pray and worship.

more about Bukit Kasih

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Tangkoko Dua Sudara Wildlife Reserve

2008-06-23T05:06:00.000-07:00

Tangkoko is located about 60 km from Manado or 29 km from Bitung, consisting of a variety of flora and fauna. The endemic fauna found in this reserve are maleo bird, Anoa, Pigdeer, cuscus, Harmed Bill Bird as well as other wildlife in habitants, path ways, observations tower and you can see the smallest and funny animal called tarsius

pictures are taken from www.bluewavediving.com

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Bunaken National Sea Garden

2008-06-23T04:54:00.000-07:00

The whole area comprises of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Nain and Mantehage Islands, including the coastal areas of Molas, Meras, Tongkaina and Tiwoho. In the south, there is Arakan and Wowontulap. The sea garden of Bunaken Island is especially magnificent and abundant with various forms and colors of the corals of the corals and underwater creatures and fish.

Among the attractions that is rarely found in other places are the sleep drop offs, caves, tunnels, cracks and magnificent curves. The Bunaken Sea Garden is very well known around the world as one of the most beautiful sea garden in the world, visited by foreign and domestic tourists. A range of facilities are provided on Bunaken Island, such as lodging, restaurants, glass-bottomed boat (catamaran), diving equipments and so much more. It is only 30 minutes trip from Manado ( North Sulawesi ) to Bunaken Island by speed boat.

Miscellaneous Stuffs : Visa

2008-06-17T03:31:00.000-07:00

For now, visitors from most countries are granted a 60-day (non-extendable) 'short-stay' visa at any of the 'designated' air and sea gateways. Some major gateways in Sulawesi include Manado, Makassar and Bitung port. It is important that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Indonesia. In the past, the nationals of 48 nations were given a 60-day stay (visa free) upon arrival at an Indonesian international gateway. Under the new rules effective February 1, 2004: Only 11 countries and territories will be eligible for a "Visa Free" facility, they are: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Philippines, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Chile, Morocco, Peru and Vietnam. Beginning February 1, 2004, the nationals of 21 countries will be able to obtain a "Visa on Arrival" processed at the gate of entry following the payment of an official fee. The citizens of the 21 countries and territories eligible to purchase visas on arrival are: the United States, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Finland, Hungary, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Norway, France, Poland, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Taiwan. The Visa on Arrival fee for citizens of eligible countries is US$ 25 for a 30 day visa and US$ 10 for a 3 day visa.For more additional, just check it to Ministry of Foreign Affair and the most important thing here, don't you ever put "family ski vacation" in your reason of visiting North Sulawesi,hehehe

BIMP-EAGA Community-Based Ecotourism Conference

2008-06-17T03:23:00.000-07:00

BIMP-EAGA Community-Based Ecotourism Conference

Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

October 30th – November 1st, 2008

The BIMP-EAGA community based eco-tourism conference in Manado, North Sulawesi will raise awareness and understanding of the potential and opportunities of land and marine-based eco-tourism develoment in region. The conference will explore the benefits of community based eco-tourism by presenting experiences/ lessons learnt as well as developing win-win partnerships in eco-tourism between local communities, the private sector and public sector. Issues and trends in community based eco-tourism development, operation, marketing, and regulations will also be discussed at the various forums.An added feature of this conference will be the preparation of a road map for marketing the BIMP-EAGA as a Single Community Based Eco-Tourism Destination. The initiaves and outcomes of the meetings will be conveyed and proposed at the upcoming BIMP-EAGA SOMM/Leaders forum.

An eco-tourism showcase/exhibition will also be held smultaneous with the conference and will feature eco-tourism destinations in BIMP-EAGA, products of eco-tourism related technology, and eco-certification organization and initiatives.

What Should We Expect from WOC?

2008-06-17T03:20:00.000-07:00

From North Sulawesi's World Ocean Conference 2009, we expect :

* International commitment to manage the ocean for the benefit of humankind, as manifested in the 'Manado Ocean Declaration'.

* Establishment of the center for tropical marine activities. Such as marine tourism, ocean heritage management, and ocean policy in Indonesia

* Establishment of the International network of ocean experts.

Issues in World Ocean Conference

2008-06-17T03:16:00.000-07:00

There are some issues which are discussed in North Sulawesi's World Ocean Conference, those are :

* Ocean Governance

* Ocean Environment & Sustainability

* Ocean Disaster Mitigation

* Ocean as the Next Frontier

Activities in World Ocean Conference

2008-06-17T03:05:00.000-07:00

There are some activities in North Sulawesi's World Ocean Conference, those are :

* Senior Official Meeting

* The Summit in Manado

* Working group discussion

* Excursion