Various Tourist Spots and Must-Try Foods in Manado

The eastern side of Indonesia is now very popular for the beauty of its nature. It is no wonder that some regions in the area have become tourist destinations, from Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to Raja Ampat in Papua.

Almost all destinations in East Indonesia are dominated by marine tourism spots. If you love water sports like snorkeling and diving, spare some time to visit these spots. One of the cities in East Indonesia, Manado, North Sulawesi, is known for its underwater paradise, the Bunaken National Park.

Not just the Bunaken area, Manado also has a series of interesting destinations to visit, which definitely offer an exceptional panorama and beauty. These destinations range from mesmerizing beaches and islands to waterfalls.

Manado can be a good option for those planning a trip soon. Below are several iconic and appealing destinations in Manado.

5 Iconic Destinations in Manado

Malayang Beach

Malayang Beach can be your first stop when visiting Manado. This is the best place to enjoy a sunset in Manado, the "Blue Line City".

On this beach, you can also clearly see the beauty of the Manado Tua and Siladen islands. Additionally, it has low waves, making it the ideal spot for relaxing.

Manado Tua Island

Next is an iconic island called Manado Tua, bearing the shape of a volcanic cone, standing 655 meters above sea level. At 150 meters underwater, you can see an active volcano.

Aside from its volcanic beauty, Manado Tua Island is also a destination for divers who want to see its fascinating marine life. If you love diving, visiting this island is a must.

Kima Atas Waterfall

Are you bored of beaches? Visit Kima Atas waterfall. Located in the Mapanget sub-district, the breathtaking Kima Atas Waterfall offers a natural atmosphere normally found in the highlands.

It is situated far from the city center. Thus, this destination is suitable for those seeking serenity and fresh air.

Christ Blessing Statue

In addition to Tana Toraja, you can find the Christ Blessing statue in Manado, precisely in Winangun Satu, Malalayang sub-district. This statue is close to the city center. Therefore, you need only about 15 minutes' drive to get there.

Bunaken National Park

The last is the singular tourism spot in Manado, Bunaken National Park. Bunaken National Park's beauty is popular among tourists within and outside the country. This park is normally packed with tourists at the peak of the holiday season.

Often called the underwater paradise, Bunaken is indeed exceptional. This place is among the favorites for divers for diving and snorkeling. Inhabited by more than 2000 species of fish, the marine beauty of Bunaken is a sight for sore eyes.

Besides its natural wonders, Manado is also known for its delectable dishes.  Manado cuisine's taste is unique, with a mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors since it is enriched with various spices and herbs.

Quoted from detik.com, there are at least 3 dishes to try when visiting the city. What are they? Let's find out!

3 Must-Try Manado Dishes

Woku Belanga Chicken

This dish has a unique taste. As the name suggests, Woku Belanga Chicken is made from chicken meat cooked with the Manado signature seasoning, namely woku.

The seasoning combines various spices, such as red and green chili peppers, garlic, shallots, ginger, lemongrass, turmeric, and lime leaves that produce a spicy and savory dish.

You can have Woku Belanga Chicken with light or thick soup. You can have the Woku Belanga Chicken with the light soup if you want a refreshing taste. You can also try the other one if you are curious. The key to a satisfying culinary trip is to embrace your curiosity.

Pampis

Pampis looks like meat floss, but it has rougher cuts. Made from shredded fish, Pampis uses Manado's signature seasoning and spices to create a special taste.

Pampis is usually made of thick fish meat such as mackerel tuna. The shredded fish is then processed with the prepared seasoning. You must try this dish with a plate of warm rice. You can't get enough once you try this combo.

Ikan Kuah Asam

As the name implies, Ikan Kuah Asam, or sour fish soup, is cooked with select seasonings and spices with a sour flavor. If you love refreshing soup, you must give Ikan Kuah Asam a try.

This dish is also spicy since sour and spicy are two signature flavors of Manado's cuisine. You can adjust the spiciness to suit your palate.

Those are some tourist spots and dishes with deep flavors you can find in Manado. Are you interested in going on a trip to Manado? Make sure to use car rental from TRAC for a safe and comfortable journey to every destination in Manado.

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