Manado

Manado Manado Tua Island Tara-tara Waruga Dumoga Bone National Park Saronde Island Ranopaso Japanese Monument Bunaken Tasik Ria Watu Pinabetengan Tangkoko Batuangus Lake Tondano - Remboken Tourist Site Lake Moat Wale Papataupan

In total contrast to Torajaland, the area around the capital Manado in North Sulawesi has come under strong European influence since the 17th century.

Here, a lush, tropical landscape with miles of coconut trees; the air filled with the spicy tang of cloves, the area's main crop which eventually finds its way into Indonesia's famous clove cigarettes, kretek.

Apart from the friendliness of the locals, Manado is famous with divers and snorkellers the world over for the incredible clarity and underwater attractions of the Bunaken Sea Gardens, an hour's boat ride away. There are plenty of other attractions including the quaint mountain town of Tomohon with its colourful market, Lake Tondano and the scenic Kali waterfall.