Sulawesi North
National parks, volcanoes and great diving spotsWith an area of approximately 180,000 km², Sulawesi is Indonesia’s 4th largest island and offers a correspondingly wide potential for sights and activities. Today, as in the past, the gateway to Sulawesi’s north is typically through the metropolis of Manado. In the 16th century it was the rich resources of the surrounding area that made Manado a strategic port along the route of the spice traders, but today it is the many natural attractions located in the immediate vicinity that make the city the starting point for a trip in the region.
Located in the so-called ‘Coral Triangle’, divers and snorkelers in Bunaken Marine Park and Lembeh Straits can count on a species-rich underwater world with exceptionally good visibility. But the region also impresses with numerous interesting scenic features on land as well, including the Minahasa highlands, various nature parks with interesting wildlife and active volcanoes.
What you should see in Nord-Sulawesi:
- Manado - The gateway to North Sulawesi: Manado will probably be the destination airport and starting point of your North Sulawesi trip. Manado is Sulawesi's northernmost center and the gateway to the Bunaken Marine Park, the Lembeh Straits and the Minahasa Highlands as well as various nature reserves. As the largest city in this Christian region, there are also numerous entertainment and activity options here.
- North Sulawesi’s Marine Parks: The dream destination for divers and everyone who wants to become one. The Bunaken Marine Park and the Straits of Lembeh are known as very special highlights for underwater activities. Located in the middle of the so-called 'Coral Triangle', you will find wonderful diving and snorkeling areas with unique corals and fish species. Although it's easy to do from the mainland, such an underwater experience becomes much more atmospheric when combined with a stay on one of the small offshore islands.
- The Tangkoko National Park: The absolute highlight for anyone who is enthusiastic about nature and animals and is worth a trip in itself. Located close to the port town of Bitung and known for its small monkeys, the Sulawesi tarsiers, the Tangkoko National Park covers the northernmost tip of Sulawesi. It also offers an insight into the lives of the black crested monkeys that live almost exclusively there, as well as one of the largest tarantula species, the 'Sulawesi Black/Grey Velvet'. At least as worth seeing, but somewhat more remote, is the Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, which is also home to numerous endemic species.
- Sulawesi's Minhasa Highlands: If you are passionate about nature, then the Minahasa Highlands are an indispensable part of your trip. Nestled between Manado and Bitung, the altitude not only ensures a pleasant climate, but also creates a magical panorama that includes many small towns as well as various lakes and active volcanoes.
- Tomohon the city of the flower festival: Have you already admired the tulip splendor of Holland? Do you love flowers? Then Tomohon could be something for you. In contrast to Manado, the city is not located on the sea, but at an altitude of around 800 m in the middle of the attractive landscape of the Minahasa highlands. Every year the beautiful flower festival attracts thousands of visitors, but this is not the only attraction of this place.
- Tomohons Pasar Ekstrim: Is visiting a local market part of your regular routine? Then stay tuned for ‘Pesar Ekstrim’. Although markets often have similar offerings, Tomohon's so-called 'Pesar Ekstrim' can still be described as exceptional. In addition to the local fare of fruit and vegetables, the offering here extends to grilled bats, snakes and rats.
- Lake landscape - Sulawesi's diverse north: In North Sulawesi you will find beautiful coastal landscapes as well as a variety of lakes. A trip through the varied scenery of the north will inevitably take you past various lakes, with Linow and Tondano Lake being among the best known locally. While the former changes color every day, there are various fish restaurants around the latter that offer not only good food but also a great view of the lake.
- North Sulawesi mountain panorama: The mountain is calling! There is no shortage of mountains for adventurous trekking in North Sulawesi. North Sulawesi's mountain panorama is impressive, especially as one or two peaks represent an active volcano. The clouds of steam emitted again and again from Gunung Soputan, Lokon or Empung make the already wonderful scenery seem even more interesting.
- Thermal springs in North Sulawesi: Relax in the thermal spring after trekking. It's not just the mountain peaks that are visible signs of volcanic activity. There are also hot springs scattered throughout the region, some of which attract attention from afar.
- North Sulawesi's mysterious Warugas: Exciting and another attraction that shouldn't be missed on your trip is located in the Minahasa Highlands. The Warugas date back to the 9th century. The stone graves, which are decorated differently depending on the profession and status of the deceased, contain not only miscellaneous items but also some utensils that accompanied them in earthly life. Don't miss this mystical sight.
A mystical story from North Sulawesi
The Legend of Kawasaran and Lumimuut:
There are various legends and stories from the north of Sulawesi, Indonesia. A well-known legend comes from the Minahasa region, which makes up much of the northern part of Sulawesi. Here is one of the stories:
Long ago, two tribes, the Kawasaran and the Lumimuut, lived in the Minahasa region. These tribes were enemies, and their conflicts led to much fighting and suffering. However, in the midst of this conflict, there were two young people, a man from the Kawasaran tribe named Kawasaran and a woman from the Lumimuut tribe named Lumimuut, who fell in love with each other.
The two lovers tried to bring peace between their tribes, but their efforts were rejected by the elders. The tribal leaders were determined to continue the conflict and demanded that Kawasaran and Lumimuut be separated. Nevertheless, the two remained loyal to each other.
One day, as the conflict between the tribes escalated and neared a climax, Kawasaran and Lumimuut decided to resist their tribes' pressure. They met secretly and asked the gods for help. The gods, touched by their unconditional love and desire for peace, turned them into stones.
The Kawasaran and Lumimuut stones became prominent rocks in the region, still considered symbols of love and peace today. The legend teaches people that love and unity are stronger than conflict and enmity.
Speaking of mystical stories from North Sulawesi: Visit the wonderful Tomohon International Flower Festival!