For most tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of nature, especially enjoying marine tourism in North Sulawesi, Bunaken Marine Park, Manado City is the most recommended place. It must be admitted, currently the big name of Bunaken has become a tourism icon in North Sulawesi. However, did you know that apart from Bunaken, other natural attractions are no less beautiful in Manado? Below are some natural tourist attractions that you can try besides Bunaken when you visit Manado.
- Siladen Island
Siladen Island has a marine park with colorful fish and coral reefs and a beautiful cave. Located in the northeast of Bunaken Island, Bunaken District is about 8 miles from the city center for 45 minutes by motorboat. Siladen Island is known as a quiet tourist island. Siladen will be right for those of you who want to get away for a moment from the fatigue and bustle of the city. You will get a pleasant experience to rest and sunbathe enjoying a healthy sun. On this island, there are catamarans (glass boats), diving centers, cottages, and food stalls, so you can choose tourist attractions that suit your taste.
- Tumbak Island
The revealing of the beauty of Tumbak Island has opened the eyes of many people that marine tourism in North Sulawesi is not only the Bunaken Marine Park. As a natural tourist destination that has not been widely exposed, Tumbak Island offers various marine tourism activities, ranging from fishing, snorkeling to diving. Tumbak Island is administratively included in the area of Tumbak Village, southeastern North Sulawesi. In a place 3 hours away from the center of Manado City, you can choose 20 swimming spots with incredible views.
- Lembeh Island
The Lembeh Strait is an island that is administratively located in the autonomous region of Bitung. On this island developing underwater tourism. Here also stand the resorts that offer diving tour packages. Lembeh Strait is well known, and many foreign tourists realize the beauty of its marine life. While Bunaken is famous for the beauty of its coral reefs, the Lembeh Strait is better known for its diversity of underwater flora and fauna.
- Lihaga Island
This island is located in the Minut area, near the city of Manado. In this exotic tourist spot, you can find beaches with white sand and clean beach conditions. In addition, the waves on this beach are quite friendly and calm. Anyway, because entrepreneurs manage this beach, don’t be surprised if you will be charged an entrance fee when you visit.
- Ratotok Island
This tourist spot in Manado is located in one of the sub-districts in Southeast Minahasa. This place has a very nice view. I am starting from clean beaches, clear sea to soft and comfortable sand. Not only that, here the air is clean and perfect for health. The perfect place to cool off.
- Ratahan Telu Waterfall
If calculated, the distance is about 20 km from downtown Manado to the entrance gate. To get to the waterfall itself, you still have to walk through the forest for about 20 minutes. No need to worry, because there are no food vendors inside, there are already toilets and rest areas. So, try to bring your lunch. The tired journey will pay off after seeing this waterfall firsthand.
- Love Hill Cliff Sculpture
This hill is about 55 km from downtown Manado. This hill itself is a symbol of religious harmony, and it can be seen from the five places of worship from 5 different religions. What is phenomenal from Bukit Kasih are the two face carvings on the cliff. It is believed to be the image of the Minahasa tribal gods named Toar and Lumimuut.
Whether your trips take you on a long stroll on beaches, delicious cuisines, relaxing spas and resorts, or urban attractions, additional research will give you the best experience for your visit. Get to know more about Bunaken by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.