Blue Bay Divers
Churches and coconut palms
Minahasa
The Minahasan region 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.
MOUNT KLABAT
The highest mountain in North Sulawesi (1995 m) is a 5-6 hours climb beginning near the Police Station in Airmadidi. Try walking up at night during a full moon and staying overnight to watch the sunrise. On Sundays and holidays Mt. Klabat bustles with the activity of students and hikers.
WARUGA
Ancient stone graves (sarcophagi) of the Minahasan people. 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. 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.
LAKE TONDANO - REMBOKEN
About 36 km southwest of Manado is Lake Tondano, 600 m above sea level. The drive to Tondano passes through picturesque villages and clove plantations. Situated right on the edge of the lake is the Remboken tourist site where bungalows, a hot water swimming pool and restaurants are available.
PULUTAN
This village has a pottery industry. It is located just a few km from Tondano. RANOPASO. The name “Ranopaso” means hot water. Hot springs are scattered across this lovely area of traditional villages. Located in Koya Villages, 3 km from Tondano, it is worth a visit.
KARUMENGA
Hot baths with water originating from hot volcanic springs attract visitors for relaxation and health reasons. Located in the village of Karumenga, Langoan, about 50 km from Manado.
TAMASKA HIJAU
This area in Tataaran features hot springs and impressive views of rice fields. It has limited facilities for overnight stays.
TOMOHON
This picturesque town, 25 km. from Manado, is the center for many of the Christian Missionary groups. It is located on a plateau between two active volcanoes, Lokon and Mahawu. The cool fresh air enables a multitude of flowers and all kinds of the more exotic plants to proliferate. Bukit Inspirasi, (auditorium) facing Mt. Lokon is the home to national conventions, festivals and other events.
MT. LOKON & MT. MAHAWU
The volcanic mountains Lokon (1.580 m) and Mahawu (1.311 m), both have crater lakes of considerable beauty. Lokon is sometimes considered to be the most beautiful of the two. The trek to the top should be made by climbers in reasonable condition. The steaming crater lies 600 m below the peak of the mountain and the lake is about 60 m deep. The best time to start walking from Kakaskasen is 7 AM and it is possible to arrive at the crater while the morning is still cool. It is important to contact Pos Pengamanan Gunung Lokon and Gunung Mahawu in Kakaskasen III, Tomohon.
TEMBOAN AND RURUKAN
Both these villages were launched as village and community based model tourism villages. They are located approximately 30 km from Manado, and can be reached by bus. The abundance of flowers, cash crops, cool fresh air and the beautiful view to Lake Tondano and Bitung Habour make both of these villages an interesting stop.
WOLOAN
This village is a center for traditional Minahasan house-building. It is located just a few km from Tomohon.
DANAU LINOW
Small, highly sulphurous lake whose colours change depending upon the light and viewing perspective. About 6 km from Tomohon, near Lahendong village.
WALE PAPATAUPAN
Situated at Sonder village, about 37 km from Manado Wale Papataupan is a flowery tourist spot which has bungalows, a swimming pool, steam bath facilities, restaurants, fish ponds, and an open stage for cultural performances. It is easily reachable from Manado by public bus.
MT. SOPUTAN
This active volcano is situated in Tombatu, 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.
WATU PINAWETENGAN
Pinabetengan 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.
JAPANESE CAVES
These 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.
TARA-TARA
15 km from Tasik Ria this village has traditionally been the centre of Minahasan culture and arts. In Tara-Tara traditional dances can be enjoyed in the open air at Kemer Garden. Easily reachable from Manado by public bus or taxi.
KALI WATERFALL
Located in Kali Village, Pineleng, about 10 km from Manado, this natural 60 m waterfall is an ideal place to enjoy nature and fresh water pools at the base of the falls. It is easily reachable from Manado by public transportation followed by a 30-45 minute hike past the village.
