Discover the 10 best tourist attractions in North Sulawesi, from the beauty of Bunaken National Park to the charm of Lemo Village, which combines nature and captivating culture.
Sulawesi is one of the largest islands in Indonesia that has unique nature, culture, and amazing traditions. North Sulawesi, as one of its provinces, offers various interesting tourist destinations that combine natural beauty and history.
With an area of 1.24 million km² and a population of around 17 million people, North Sulawesi is an ideal tourist destination for nature and culture lovers. Here is a list of the 10 best tourist attractions in North Sulawesi that you must visit.
1. Siladen Island
Siladen Island is located east of Bunaken National Park. This island is known as a paradise for swimmers and snorkelers.
Its clear and calm sea water allows tourists to enjoy the beauty of marine life, such as colorful coral reefs and tropical fish, without even diving too deep. The island also offers a calm atmosphere with soft white sand, perfect for relaxing.
2. Tomini Fort
Tomini Fort is a historical site built in the 19th century. Located in North Sulawesi, this fort is a witness to the local people’s struggle against Dutch colonialism. Its unique architectural design, built of stone and wood, gives a charming classic feel.
From here, you can enjoy beautiful sea views, making it an ideal tourist spot for history and photography enthusiasts.
3. Lemo Village
Lemo Village is one of the cultural tourism destinations in North Sulawesi. The village is famous for its Torajan traditional houses that have unique and captivating architectural designs.
In addition to enjoying the beauty of the traditional houses, visitors can learn more about the culture and traditions of the Torajan people, including carvings and traditional rituals that are rich in historical value.
The village provides an authentic tourism experience for travelers.
4. Malalayang Beach
Malalayang Beach is located at the southern tip of Manado City. This beach offers the beauty of a natural marine park, complete with coral reefs and colorful fish.
Because of its strategic location, only about 10 minutes from the city center, this beach is easily accessible by public transportation. One of its main attractions is the stunning sunset view, so the best time to visit is in the late afternoon.
5. Bunaken National Park
Bunaken National Park is one of the most famous tourist destinations in North Sulawesi. Located in Manado Bay, this park is a paradise for divers.
With an area of about 8.08 km², Bunaken offers extraordinary underwater beauty, including coral reefs, colorful fish, and other marine life. Due to its beauty and biodiversity, Bunaken National Park has been recognized as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
6. North Sulawesi State Museum
The North Sulawesi State Museum is located in Wenang District, Manado City. The museum houses various collections depicting the history, culture, and natural diversity of North Sulawesi.
With a total collection of 2,810 items, visitors can see geological, biological, historical, fine art artifacts, and more. This museum is an interesting educational place to deepen knowledge about North Sulawesi.
7. Likupang
Likupang is a tourist destination famous for its beautiful beaches and unique folklore. Located in North Minahasa Regency, Likupang has exotic beaches with white sand and clear sea water.
In addition, this area is also known as one of the five Super Priority Destinations being developed by the Indonesian government. With its extraordinary underwater beauty, Likupang is a favorite destination for divers and tourists seeking tranquility.
8. Lembeh Island
Lembeh Island is a paradise for macro divers and underwater photographers.
Located next to Bitung City, Lembeh Island offers a different diving experience with its amazing diversity of micro marine biota, such as pygmy seahorses, blue-ringed octopuses, and frogfish.
Apart from diving, visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and the friendliness of the local people.
9. Mount Mahawu
For those of you who like trekking activities, Mount Mahawu is the right choice. This mountain offers a relatively easy hiking trail and stunning views of the crater at its summit.
From the top of Mount Mahawu, you can enjoy the panorama of Manado City, Bunaken Bay, and Mount Lokon. In addition, this area also has cool and refreshing air, perfect for relieving fatigue.
10. Lake Tondano
Lake Tondano is the largest volcanic lake in North Sulawesi surrounded by green mountains. This lake is located in Minahasa Regency, about 40 km from Manado City.
Tourists can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while fishing or exploring the natural beauty of the surroundings. Lake Tondano is also famous for its culinary specialties, such as grilled tilapia fish, which is an additional attraction for visitors.
North Sulawesi is a tourist destination that offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. From exotic islands to historical sites, this province has something for everyone.
Paal Beach and each tourist spot in North Sulawesi offer a unique experience that will leave unforgettable memories for travelers.
