North Sulawesi (Indonesian: Sulawesi Utara) is a province of Indonesia. It is on the island of Sulawesi, and borders the province of Gorontalo to the west (originally a part of North Sulawesi until 2001 when it became its own province). The islands of Sangihe and Talaud form the northern part of the province, which border the Philippines.
The capital and largest city in North Sulawesi is Manado. With a population of about 2 million (As of 2006[1]), the region is predominantly Christian (70%) with Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist minorities, which is an exception in this predominantly Muslim country. The largest ethnic group is Minahasan.

North Sulawesi is divided into nine regencies (Indonesian: kabupaten) and four cities (Indonesian: kotamadya).

Regencies (seat):

• Bolaang Mongondow (Kotamobagu)
• Minahasa (Tondano)
• North Bolaang Mongondow (Boroko)
• East Bolaang Mongondow (Tutuyan)
• South Bolaang Mongondow (Pinolosian)s
• North Minahasa (Airmadidi)
• Sangihe Islands (Tahuna)
• Sitaro Islands (Ondong)
• South Minahasa (Amurang)
• Southeast Minahasa (Ratahan)
• Talaud Islands (Melonguane)

Cities:

• Bitung
• Kotamobagu
• Manado
• Tomohon

Places of interest :

There are a lot more to see and experience within the area of Minahasa and beyond in North Sulawesi to ensure your visit absolutely not a waste of time.

MOUNT LOKON AND MAHAWU
The volcanic mountains Lokon (1,580 m) and Mahawu (1,311 m) both have crater lakes of considerable beauty. Lokon is considered the more beautiful of the two but Mahawu is safer to climb. The trip to the top of Lokon should be made only 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.

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 short 30 - 45 minute hike past the village.

LINOW LAKE
A small, highly sulphurous lake of 35 Ha,which bubbles at the edges and has steam jets.The lake changes color, depending upon the light and viewing perspective, to shades of light blue, green, or turquoise.Take a microlet from the Tomohon bus terminal, get off at the intersection at the lake, and walk ( about 700 m ) along the access road to the lake from Lahendong village.

WOLOAN
This village is a center for traditional Minahasan wooden house-building. It is located just a few km from 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. The villages have convenient homestays as well as a cultural performance stage.

TONDANO LAKE
A large scenic lake with clear water, overlooking the Lembean mountain ranges. This 4,278 Ha lake is surrounded by picturesque villages, rice fields and in some parts, green hills. Its abundant fish provide a livelihood for the native population nearby.Good for boating, fishing, and water skiing.

RANOLEWO
The name "Ranolewo" means Rano = Spring, Lewo= Bad or Bad Hot springs are scattered across this lovely area of traditional villages. Located in Langowan, 80 km from Manado, it is worth a visit. 3 of Natural pool and located at ricefield surrounds make this Hotsprings is become a favorites of the

PULUTAN
This village has a pottery industry. It is located just a few km from Tondano.

WATU PINABETENGAN
Pinabetengan village, about 50 km from Manado, is the home to this ancient stone, shaped like a table. It measures 4 m long by 2 m high and is one of the remnants left by the Minahasan tribes where they negotiated the territorial division and unification. Pictography carvings on the stone have not yet been deciphered.

NIMANGA RIVER WITH WATERFALLS
Located near Sonder Village. Rafting on the Minanga River is becoming more and more popular for sport enthusiasts. It offers a variety of white water rafting challenges with difficulty levels from 3-4. This river has also two waterfalls, one in Tincep village with a height of 70 m and the other in Timbukar village with a height of 90 m.

HORSE RACING ARENA
This arena is located in Tompaso. Horse racing events are regularly held here.

MANADO & Bunaken National Park

One of the most well-known tourism spots in North Sulawesi is the Home to a rich marine life, Bunaken is about 30 minutes away by boat from the capital of Manado. In 2009, North Sulawesi hosts the Sail Bunaken event which features the parade of ships and sailboats, including the USS George Washington. North Sulawesi, is one of the nicest areas in whole Indonesia, it has magnificent volcanos and unbelievable beautiful coral reefs. These are breathtaking. North Sulawesi has a natural gateway to the Philippines. North Sulawesi is great for Nature lovers  with in Flora and Fauna above and under the water . Manado is the capital city of North Sulawesi. This place was visited by many of divers, the opinion about Manado that it is the best places in East Indonesia. Pulau Bunaken is a great place for divers, its international well knows and the 800 hecatre is part of Bunaken Manado Tua Marine National Park. You can see colorful of fishes and Sea turtles and dolphins also spectacular coral reef formation. One of the spotlights is Pantai Liang and Pantai Pangalisang, this is paradise for the snorkel and dive lovers. Explore the island by a boat trip with a glass bottom or with a submarine, and snorkeling or diving. Manado city became a eastern of Indonesia gate way with an international flights by Silk air from and to Singapore ,also go by boat and flight to Davao city in southern Philippines.

BITUNG CITY
ECO & MARINE RESOURCES

THE HIGHLIGHTS

Bitung was rewarded three times (2007, 2008, 2009) with the Adipura and Swastisaba as one of the most clean and healthy cities of Indonesia. Even being within the city center, you often have an excellent view of the volcanoes, the jungle of Tangkoko National Park, the famous Lembeh Strait and the ocean. Bitung has tens of kilometers of beachfront both on the mainland and the famous island of Lembeh. The 200.000 people living here are a mixture of different ethnic groups which may differ in culture and religion but live together in a very good harmony. Bitung is an excellent base for your holiday on North Sulawesi. You can find several hotels and 11 resorts in Bitung. Together they offer accommodation for all budgets. Many of them are having a swimming pool, spa and dive center.

TANGKOKO NATURAL RESERVE

About 8000 hectars with in for tourism activity is about 3000 hectars. Hiking and trekking si fantastic among the primary rain forest. Many kinds of best quality wood and rare animal is entertain during the visits. Located about 20 Km from Bitung (Girian), reachable by public or private car or bus. Tarsier claimed as the world smallest primate is available during the trip, also some other wild life such a Hornbill, Macaque Nigra, Cus-cus etc. The area is enjoyable for all age levels.

Culture
Although Bitung is a modern city with Internet Cafés and money machines, you still can find much of the traditional Indonesian life and culture if you look for it. Daily at the local markets and the nightly foodstalls and during events such as Tulude, the traditional thanksgiving day of the Sangihe people and the yearly celebration of the Minahasa tribes. Also during other events with some luck you can witness the traditional war dances Kabasaran, Cakalele, Maengket, Gunde and dances related to fishing and harvesting.
Often at the same events you can listen to the unique traditional bamboo music.

Lembeh Strait
In recent years, more and more divers have discovered the enormous diversity of underwater life of the Lembeh Strait. This stretch of sea is unique. Here you can find all sorts of so called critters on the typical black volcanic sand bottom, as well as beautiful coral gardens, walls and several wrecks. It is NOT unusual to see a number of different Seahorses, Frogfishes, Octopuses, Ghostpipe fishes and countless Nudibranch in just one dive or even while snorkeling.

Lembeh Island
This 22 Km long green island offers unspoiled nature, both black and white sandy beaches and small friendly traditional villages. It can easily be visited by boat and there are very good hiking possibilities. The nature is very rich with birds, butterflies, tarsius, civet and lizards.

Beach
Bitung has so many beaches that even on Sunday when traditionally the Indonesian families enjoy themselves playing and swimming on the water front, you still can find a beach for you alone. The more popular beach are Pantai Tanjung Merah, Teluk Kembahu, Pantai Pasir Putih, Pantai Tangkoko and Pantai Batu Putih.

Tangkoko Nature Reserve
The nature reserve protects 8800 hectares of the most beautiful forested land remaining in Sulawesi. The reserve contains a full range of flora communities, including mangrove forest, beach forest, lowland forest, submontane forest and elfin cloud forest. Inhabitants are macaques, tarsiers, hornbills, Maleo birds. Various kinds of trip can be made in this park, such as 5km loop trail, 6km mountain trail, snorkeling and bird-watching in Batuangus cove and of course tarsier viewing.
Near the entrance of the park you can find three basic but clean comfortable homestay.

Zoo
If you want to have a closer look at the animals living in North Sulawesi and other part of Indonesia, it is worthwhile to pay a visit to the small zoo Naemundung in Tanduk Rusa or Tasikoki, the rehabilitation center for endangered species in Tanjung Merah. Both centers are nicely located at the seashore.

Monument of Interest
In Bitung and on Lembeh Island you can see many Churches, Mosques, and a beautiful Chinese Temple. Historical events are honored by several monuments such as the monument Trikora Mandala Sakti and the Japanese monument.

Transportation

Distance from Bitung

• Manado International Airport 32 Km
• Manado City 40 Km
• Bunaken Island 50 Km
• Minahasa highland 40 Km
• Tomohon 50 Km
• Waruga the ancient Sarcophagi 25 Km

Bangka, Gangga, Pulisan and Benteng

This group of islands and the adjoining coast is known for the strong currents (like a washing machine) and the pelagic fishes and large schools of fish you find here. What impresses me again and again are the beautiful colors of the reef here - orange, yellow and red soft corals everywhere and rare nudibrachs that want to vie for attention.
Bangka Island is located just north of the tip of Sulawesi. There are 4 villages around the island located along the shore. It can be reached from Manado Bunaken Lembeh but there are also two dive resorts on Bangka and the neighbor island of Gangga. You can also go overland by car to Pulisan or Benteng. The interesting dive sites lie all to the east of Bangka and along the northeast coast of the mainland.

THE DIVING:

Bangka and Gangga island group

Gangga island house reef : this is a volcanic slope covered with soft corals, table corals and sponges. If you stay at the resort you can make a night dive. They told us you can see shrimps and lobsters, sometimes cuttlefish and octopus and several species of scorpion fish.

Lehaga or Lihaga :

Come here around five thirty in the evening and you will see Mandrine fishes doing a courtship dance. The male (larger) displays his dorsal fins to attract the female. Soon they rise together from their lair, side by side, and head for open water to release spawn and eggs.

Aer Banua I :

This dive site lies on the west of Talisei Island. You dive on drop-off with a very nice top with good coral cover, lots of gorgonians, colorful soft corals and large sponges. With luck you can even find a green Halimeda Ghost pipefish hiding in the sea grass in about 20 meters. Also a good dive site for night dives.

Batu Gosoh:

This is an underwater pinnacle, the reef is very steep and there are some small caves. We saw schools of fish (batfish, butterfly fish, banner fish, snappers) and two turtles. Our dive guide said, there are sometimes mackerels and dogtooth tunas.

Sahaung (Sahaong)

The dive site consists of a series of large underwater pinnacles that brake the surface. There is an area where the pinnacles seem to form giant steps. The landscape is very beautiful with orange soft corals, sponges and sea fans. Everywhere are snappers, surgeon fish, fusiliers and trigger fish. I was hanging about on the edge and observing this huge fish soup - beautiful! We also saw pygmy seahorses, moray eels and a school of glasfishes on the top and on another dive an eagleray! And most times there are small sharks under the table corals. If you are diving with the local guide who knows the place, you might also be able to find the elusive Hippocampus pontohi, a tiny brownish seahorse. There can be strong currents and surges at shallower depths. The southeast tip of Sahaung is also very good for diving.

Northern coast: Pulisan, Benteng and Ponteng

Pulisan, Benteng and Ponteng are small fishing villages on the north and northeast coast of Sulawesi. They can also be reached by car from Manado.

Tanjung Tarabitan (Torowitan) :

A steep wall with lots of cuts and overhangs and swim through. Nicely covered with hard and soft corals. You finish the dive on a reef flat with sand and rubble. We was some large Napoleon wrasses and quite a lot of fish.

Batu Mandi

Located just opposite of Bangka Island close to Pulisan (Sulawesi main land). This dive is on a wall with a sandy bottom. This is a shallower dive ranging from 5 to 25m. Find the mackerels, a ribbon eel, several fire dartfish, jawfish and even a stonefish in the shallow part.

Tanjung Slop (Pulisan house reef) :

The diving here is amazing with humpback scorpionfish, then a blue ribbon eel. But the most favorite was a small yellow frogfish. Also found a nice pink leaf fish in a whitish gorgonian fan and several nudibranchs.

Pulau Ponteng :

This is a very nice dive site on the east coast towards Lembeh. Several pinnacles rise from about 31m up, all covered with orange and yellow soft corals. There are fish everywhere, but also take a look at the reef, because there are nudibranchs, flatworm and shrimps to be found.

Batu Putih :

The best diving is on the two large rocks lying on about 26m. Just on the rocks we found four different species of nudibranchs, one of them (Hypselodoris iacula) . There is a lot more to see on the slope: ribbon eels, juvenile sweet lips and more nudibranchs.

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