Indonesia Culinary Experience

Visit Indonesia is not only for the beautiful sceneries and cultural richness. It is also about enjoying the delicious culinary experience. You will always captivated by the various kinds of Indonesian foods in every province you visit. Indonesians eat rice as their daily meal, three times a day. Yes, three times. You might be surprise with this and wondering how Indonesian people could eat that such high carbohydrate in the morning. But that’s how we are. Most of us indeed eat a complete big meal with rice in the morning, but there are also people who choose to eat lighter meal on breakfast. The common breakfast menu in Indonesia are Nasi Goreng (Fried rice), Mie Goreng (fried noodle), Bubur Ayam (chicken porridge), Nasi Uduk (coconut milk rice), or Mie Ayam (chicken noodle). But in some provinces in Indonesia, they also have their own authentic breakfast menu. While eating bread or cereal in the morning is less common for Indonesians, unless the big cities residents.

Nasi Goreng Curry

Talking about lunch, we must agree with the common diet concept of big meal for lunch. And Indonesians know it so well. Even for dinner, we still able to eat rice complete with its ornaments. Lunch and dinner menu could be anything, like rice (of course), sautéed veggies, chicken/beef/fish/eggs, soup, and etc. You must have heard about Beef Rendang. It is one of Indonesian famous foods. It made of beef meat cooked in a thick coconut milk with herbs and chili. It took several hours to cook Rendang to make it soft, tender and juicy. Chicken is another favorite menu as well for Indonesians. In Bali, you can find the famous Ayam Betutu, chicken with fresh chili sambal and several kinds of ornaments to enjoy together. In Jogjakarta, you will find Nasi Gudeg – a mix rice with beef, chicken, egg, sautéed jackfruit, tempe, and sambal – display on a piece of banana leaf as your plate. Nasi Gudeg is slightly sweet. So, if you are afraid of Indonesian sambal (famous with its HOTness), you can try Nasi Gudeg.

Nasi Ayam Betutu Bali

Beef Rendang

Nasi Gudeg

Typically Indonesian Lunch

Indonesians have a motto for daily meal as “4 healthy, 5 perfect”. The 4 Healthy consist of carbohydrates main meal (rice, noodle, potato or bread), Animalic proteins (beef, chicken, fish, or egg), Veggies Vitamins, and Fruits vitamins. And number 5 is for milk. So it means if we could fulfill 4 kinds of those specified foods in our daily life, it’s good for our health and even perfect if we could drink milk as well.

So, got an idea of what food you will try once you are in Indonesia? Don’t think too much, just come and experience it yourself! ☺

Written by Fransisca Widi

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Best things to do in Chiang Rai

Chang Rai has become a famous destination among international tourism. The city is located in the jungle area in the north of Thailand. Chang Rai is well known of the beautiful Buddhism Temples, the golden triangle, flora and fauna and many more. There are also enough of hotels with different hotels which are friendly to many budgets.

Connect with your spiritual self
During your stay in Chang Rai, you have to go to the Wat Rong Khun, also known as the white temple. This temple is famous, because it’s totally covered in White. The temple was meant to be a private temple and now, it has become a must see attraction in Chang Rai. The temple is made from a concept which is different from the regular belief of Buddhism. The concepts of this temple are karma, heaven and hell.

African art in Thailand
If you want to see something what is totally different than you’ve seen before in the country, you have to go to the black house museum in Thailand. The museum exists out of 40 houses which are filled with extraordinary art. It is also good to know that some buildings are off limits for tourists .The artist makes use of animals and his pieces have an African twist.

Go to the golden triangle
The golden triangle is the border of Thailand. If you want to go to the to the border between Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, you’ll have a view over Laos and Myanmar. This view is among many tourists an extraordinary sight to see and a must visit during your stay in Chang Rai. The border is formed by 2 rivers which are the Nam Ruak river and the Mekong river.

Spent your day with your family
Singha Park is a family friendly park with many activities like zip lining, climbing, cycling doing an adventure rope course, and many more. There are also several events organised by the authorities of the park such as hot air balloon events, mountain events, farming events and many more. There is always music during the events and they are categorized in festival, sport and exhibition events.

Art in the open air
The Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park has the biggest collection of art of the whole north of Thailand. The park is also a very good place to buy some souvenirs due to all the Thai residence which sell their handmade art crafts. By buying the art crafts, the Thai Hill Crafts Foundation helps to preserve the traditional skills and they support the ethnic minorities living in the north of Thailand.

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Best things to do in Labun Bajo

Labun Bajo is a small village on the island of Flores. This place is famous for its Komodo dragons, wonderful underwater world and friendly citizens. Many people fall in love with Labun Bajo because of its natural charm and friendly citizens. Are you already interested in this beautiful destination? Keep reading and be amazed by Labun Bajo.

Trek your way through Komodo Forest
Are you looking for an adventure? Then stop looking and go to Komodo Forest. During one of these tours, you will be guided by an ranger who will bring you to the Komodo Dragons. The Komodo dragon as the biggest lizard in the world and that’s also the reason why Labun Bajo is so famous. You will trek your way through the forest, where you will see the beauty of nature itself and during your trek, you’ll also see the fearless Komodo Dragon which can get a length of 4 to 5 meter.

Want to see 3 different beaches in 1 day
Go to Padar island where you’ll see 3 different beaches in just 1 day. The beaches are famous as a view point at Komodo Island. That’s because of its 3 different beaches which has al a different colour. One of the beaches is pink, one of them is white and one of them is black. This is a wonderful sight to see and you even get the chance to see the Komodo Dragons, but be aware that the dragons like to be in the shade and that you are not allowed to come near the Komodo Dragons. The best time to climb Padar island is in the early morning due to the temperature.

Dive everywhere you can
Komodo National park is a group of islands which is famous for its biodiversity underwater. Everywhere in Komodo National park is a good place to dive where you can see a lot of the underwater world. There is even the possibility to swim with manta rays at Komodo National park. Have you ever done that? At the same spot, you can also swim with sea turtles which is and extraordinary experience which you have to do during your stay in Labun Bajo.

Go to the fish market for freshly caught fish
Every morning, the fishermen of Labun Bajo fern the see to catch fish to sell at the fish market. The fish they sell is full of flavour and that’s why you have to taste this during your stay in Labun Bajo. The market is also a nice opportunity to meet different people due to the extraordinary mix of visitors of the market. The people who visit the market are expats, backpackers and locals. This is something you don’t see a lot of times happening and that’s why the market is a good place to visit.

Explorer the cave of Batu Cermin
Do you stay in Labun Bajo, but you don’t want to go too far away from the village? Then you should go to Bato Cermin cave. The name of the cave is “Batu Cermin” cave which means Mirror Cave in English. The reason why this cave is called the mirror cave is because, this cave is filled with crystals which shine bright in the morning sun, so you have to be in the cave between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. The cave is located in a natural canyon which for you is a wonderful sight to see.

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Indonesia’s Beautiful Underwater

Indonesia consists of 36% of main land and islands, and 64% of sea. So, besides having a range of beautiful landscapes and volcanoes, Indonesia also has countless water resources and underwater beauties. Not to mention the beautiful beaches stretch along the country, for Indonesia is the biggest archipelago country in the world.

As an Indonesian, I am aware that my country is an epicenter of biodiversity, hosting a greater variety of marine life than anywhere else on earth. Having bunch of dive sites throughout the archipelago, Indonesia provides many kinds of diving style to try. From challenging drift diving, extensive reef diving, amazing night diving, unique muck diving, and stunning steep walls to enjoy. This fact makes me curious of knowing more of the underwater world and decided to take a diving license to explore deeper and longer.

And once I saw how underwater world looks like, I never stop craving for more dives in my life. Since I live in a beautiful Bali island, which surrounded by some popular dives area, I usually go for a dive trip every few months. Tulamben, Amed, Padang Bai, and Menjangan Island are the perfect option for recreational dive as well for beginner divers. For the adventure seekers and big fish lovers, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida Island in Bali or small islands in south west Lombok are the answer. So far, my favorite dive sites are Tulamben with its Ship Wreck and Nusa Penida with its Manta Point. Diving with some Manta Rays surrounds me gives a special sensation and makes me more grateful for a chance to see such a beautiful giant fish yet friendly.

Fransisca dives in Tulamben Coral Garden

When I’m not diving, snorkeling and skin diving are my other water activities. With its pristine water, Bali and Lombok offer the easiest way to enjoy the underwater. You can get in a glass bottom boat, and enjoy the trip to the snorkeling spot by watching the underwater life beneath your feet.

Of course Bali and Lombok are not the only underwater paradise in Indonesia. There are a lot more destinations that have different beauty to offer. East Indonesia is famous with its underwater heaven. From Karimun islands in East Java, Wakatobi islands in Celebes, Mollucas islands, Nusa Tenggara islands, until the famous Raja Ampat in West Papua islands. Not to mention, underwater of Weh island in the very west of Indonesia also surprisingly beautiful. All of them offer you the stunning underwater experience that you will never forget.

Spare your time to enjoy the sea and underwater when you visit Indonesia. If you want to peep a bit of underwater beauty, take a snorkeling tour. By floating with mask and snorkel, you already can see the corals and colorful fish decorating the underwater world. If you are curious what lies down there and want to explore deeper, take a diving lesson to get a license. Or if you only have limited time, join in a Discover Scuba Diving trip. It allows you to dive up to 12 meters without holding the license. And trust me, once you get down there and see the underwater beauty, you will never see the world in the same way you see it before!

 

So, ready to see the other world under the water? Grab your google, snorkel, and fins! And let’s enjoy the underwater heaven of Indonesia.

 

 

Written by Fransisca Widi

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Best things to do in Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a perfect destination for couples and families to go on holiday. The city is located at the shore and there are many tourists attractions in the city and surrounding area. Furthermore, Hua Hin Has many accommodations, because the city was hundreds of years ago a holiday destination for the Thai Royals. Hua Hin is also not too far away from Bangkok, so when you want to escape the crowded city, you can go easily to Hua Hin.

Relax at the beach
Hua Hin has a wide beach which is visited by many tourists. This beach is clean and pleasant for families with young children, has many restaurants at the shoreline and during the weekdays, this beach is not too crowded. There are also many sun beds to get a nice tan during your day the beach. Furthermore, there many activities you can do during your day at the beach like jet-skiing, water-skiing, kiteboarding and horse riding.

Fun an Vana Nava Waterpark
If you get enough of the beach, don’t worry. There’s also an enormous waterpark which has many different pools and waterslides. A fun fact to know is that this waterpark is an ecologic waterpark. There is also a big variety of flora and fauna, because there are 2000 different plants and trees which grow over the whole of Thailand planted at the waterpark. Due to this wide variety of flora and fauna, this park is also named “Vana Nava Jungle”. The park is friendly for all ages. If you want to have a relaxing day or a day full of aqua fun, the park is a decent place to go.

Travel back in time to Plearn Wan Shopping Village
Travel back in time to the 50s. When you go to Plearn Wan Shopping Village. Parents enjoy their visit to the village and teenagers can learn a few things from the past. The village exists from a wooden complex with 2 levels. In this complex, you’ll find many vintage shops from the 50s. all those shops are covered movie-star and fashion magazine posters from the past. You’ll also hear music from the 50s-60s throughout the whole complex. The complex also offers many vintage accommodations which are an experience to stay for the night.

Hole in one in Hua Hin
Hua Hi has 3 big greens which are in use for golfing, these greens have all one of the if not the lowest fees to play in the whole world. The 3 courses are The Royal Hua Hin, Black Mountain and the Banyan Golf Course. All the courses have 18 or more holes, so you aren’t done with the courses that quickly. All the courses have a restaurant where you can go for lunch of dinner.

Khao Takiab “the spiritual monastery”
Visit Khao Takiab and experience the spiritual side of Hua Hin. The mountain is a spiritual monastery for many monks within the Buddhism religion. Monks goes to this place to pay their respect for the gods by praying. While traveling to the monastery on the mountain, you’ll see monkeys. These monkeys are also called “the carb-eating macaques” and they are an attraction to see by themselves. Be aware that these monkeys are wild monkeys and you have to make sure that you hide your shimmering personal belongings.

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Best things to do in Tana Toraja

This place has been opened for the rest of the world at the beginning of the last century. That’s because, Tana Toraja is protected by big mountains and rugged granite cliffs. Tana Toraja is located in the north of the province South Celebs. This is also the middle of the island of Sulawesi. Because this place is discovered early in this century, Tana Toraja has still a lot authentic traditions which makes it a special experience to visit this place. But Tana Toraja has also modernised in a short time. They even have embraced Christianity.

Visit the village above the clouds
Visit Lolai Village which is located on a cluster of mountains. The village exists on a height of 1400 meter above sea level and this is a wonderful sight to see. The houses of the village aslo look extraordinary, cause the roofs which have the shape of a boat. The village is surrounded by clouds which gives you the feeling that you’re in heaven. The citizens of the village are friendly and welcoming. They like to see tourist. The village is also easy to reach, due to the infrastructure which makes it possible for cars to reach. Do we see you in Lolai Village?

Climb mount Sesean
The climb of mount Sesean is a tough one with a lot of muddy paths, but you will be rewarded with beautiful views after you climbed the mountain. Put on your sturdy shoes and begin early morning with the climb and don’t forget to bring warm clothes with you. After you reached the top, you will have a beautiful panorama view over the whole area of Tana Toraja.

Raft on the Sa’dan River
The Sa’dan river is a fun challenge for everyone who likes rafting. The river is 184km long with a lot of different rapids which makes this river a good rafting spot for everyone who likes rafting, even if they are a beginner. Along the way, you will be amazed by all the flora and fauna of the surrounding area. The river flows through a rainforest which is the reason for the beautiful flora and fauna of the area. The river itself can be really wild which gives you a lot of adrenaline during your rafting adventure.

Visit the extraordinary Londa cemetery
Go to Londa and see a cemetery like you have never seen before. This cemetery is made out of cliffs with tombs for the dead people of Tana Toraja. The dolls you see in the cliffs represents the dead who are buried in their tombs. This is something very important within the culture of Tana Toraja. The dolls are beautifully made to show their respect for the people who lost their live. Nowadays Londa is a tourist sight you have to see during your stay in Tana Toraja, cause if you haven’t seen this, you haven’t been in the “real” Tana Toraja.

Try the local cuisine
When you are in Tana Toraja, you have to try out some local dishes. One of them is Pa’Piong. This is dish which can be made from a various amount of fish or meat which will be mixed with spices and other ingredients like lemon grass ,grated coconut, scallions, pepper, garlic and leaves of Miana. All the ingredients will mixed and put in a shell of bamboo. The ingredients will be cooked barbeque style which gives the dish an amazing taste.

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A typical drink in Hanoi – “Cà phê Trứng”

As a coffee lover, I have tried to many different kind of coffee all over the world however the best one in my mind and I did not choice any second throughts in my favorist drink list, it is Egg Coffee.

An Egg Coffee ( cà phê trứng) is a Vietnamsese drink which is traditionally prepared with egg yolks, surgar, condensed milk and Robusta coffee. The dink is made by beating egg yolks with sugar and coffee, then extracting the coffee into the half of the cup, followed by a similar amount of egg cream, which is prepared by heating and beating the yolks. The cup is served inside a bowl of hot water to retain its temprature. You can find a noumerouse of coffee when visit Hanoi especially in Oldquater but the most famouse coffee I prefer and would like to recommend is Ca Phe Giang.

It is not a huge café, mordern and fancy like the ones that are popping out the street of Hanoi. You can fell the atmosphere of home and cozy when you are here. It is quite difficulty locating it since the place is hidden small lane on Nguyen Huu Huan Street in the city Old quarter. It is a narrow path getting inside the café. The lights were a bit dim, it was really a family owned café and not really the classy type.

You should really try this Egg coffee at least once in your life. It was a really good experience. Depend on your wish, you can chose either hot coffee or coffee with ice. Ice coffee is very frothy and smooth while hot egg coffeee is tick, creamy and sweet. Why don’t you try at both ?

Although there is a list of another drinks, egg coffee can be calles as the best one and become the best choice for Hanoi street food list. In fact, I can drink few more cups of egg coffee but I don’t want to keep myself a wake during that night!You should really try this egg coffe at least once in there life, it was a really good expereince.

 

Giảng Cà Phê

Ad: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Việtnam

Opening hours: 7.00AM – 10.30AM

Tel: +84 9889892298

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Best things to do in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is the third largest province in Thailand. The province has a lot of various landscapes. There are many mountains and there are flowing 2 main rivers through the province. Those rivers are the river Kwai Yai and the river Kway Noi. The province has also a dark history during WW2. Due to the war, there are many museums which commemorate the events that took place. There are also many rainforests and waterfalls to discover which will amaze you.

Pay your respect to the fallen ones
The Kanchanaburi war cemetery is a memorial for WW2. The people who have fought during the war are buried on this cemetery. Here you’ll find the graves of 5085 Thai fallen soldiers and 1896 Dutch fallen soldiers who gave their life for others to have a live a life of freedom. There is also a smaller cemetery where war soldiers are buried. This war cemetery is the Chungkai war cemetery and here, you’ll find the graves 1426 Thai fallen soldiers and 313 Dutch fallen soldiers. Both cemeteries are memorial sights.

Watch the rescued elephants
Elephant World Sanctuary is a non-profit organization where you’ll see elephants who have been cared for due to a handicap, sickness, abuse and many other horrible things. Here, you can gather food for the elephants, so you can help them. Furthermore, it’s also possible to stay for the night at the sanctuary.

Travel over the river Kwai
The steel bridge over the river Kwai is one of the most important landmarks of Thailand. The bridge is well-known for the battle during WW2 and several movies which show the events during the war. The damaged bridge was renovated after WW2 in 1946 and nowadays, it’s possible to walk over the bridge. The bridge is also still used for train rides so by passers who want to walk over the bridge have to be careful for trains

Temple visit in Kanchanaburi
The temples of Wat Tham Sua and Wat Tham Khao Noi are twin temples. Both temples are located on a mountain which have a view over Mae Klong Hill. The temples are actually twin temples, but the temples are very different from one another. The Wat Tham Sua is built in Buddhism style while the Wat Tham Khao Noi is built in Chinese style. Both the temples are not connected to each other, so it will challenge you reach both the temples.

Cool down at the waterfall
Go to the Say Yok Noi waterfall and see the true beauty of nature. When you visit the waterfall, you’ll see an enormous rock formation. This rock formation is 15 metres high and is all covered by flowing water of the waterfall. The area of the waterfall has also an immense biodiversity of birds and mammal. The waterfall is also home to the world’s smallest mammal “the Kittes Hog-nosed Bat”. Furthermore, there are also several caves in the surrounding area which you can explorer.

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Best thing to do in Padang

 

Padang is the port of West Sumatra. Padang is also the largest port of West Sumatra. Because of this, Padang is a real trading city. Mostly of the goods which are traded are cinnamon, rubber, coffee, tea, cement and coal. Padang has also a very popular beach which houses a legend. During you stay in Padang, you cannot skip  the local cuisine, cause it will be a pity to be missed.

Lake Maninjau

You have to visit lake Maninjau during your stay in Padang. The has a is a stunning sight to see and there are a lot of activities which you can do. Just try fishing and catch a big one, go for dinner with a romantically atmosphere due to the beautiful sunset or enjoy the view of the lake by just looking to it. The lake is just like a mirror which don’t make you feel bored due to the ever changing sky which will be reflected by the lake.

Travel to China in just one day

You are reading it right. You can get in one day a full-china-experience! Visit China town in Padang and be surrounded by a totally different atmosphere which you get from the Indonesian culture. During your visit, you must see the Chinese temple of China town. This is the landmark of China town itself, so you haven’t been there if you haven’t visited the temple. The surrounding area of China town doesn’t have many restaurants which means that you have to try the local food if you want to eat something, but that’s not a problem because the local food is delicious and really cheap.

Enjoy your day on Air Manis Beach

Have you ever heard of the legend of Manis Beach? The locals say that once upon a time there was a rebellious boy. Hey was always against his mother, even when the mother tried to be the best for his son. And then god decided to turn the boy into stone as punishment for his behaviour. Can you find the boy of stone on the beach? The beach is also perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sunset. The sunset which you see on the beach is also the second reason why this beach is so famous. Do we see you at Air Manis Beach?

Visit the Pagaruyung Palace

This Palace is one of the most famous historic object in West – Sumatra. The original palace is actual burned, but the palace have enough cultural value to rebuild it. Nowadays the palace has also a different location. The first palace was built on the peak of Pagaruyung’s Batu Patah hill. Nowadays, the palace is located to the south where the first temple stood. You have to visit the palace, cause it brings you back in time.

Try the local cuisine

During your stay in Padang, you cannot miss out the local cuisine. One thing you have to try is Rendang. Rendang is curry and beef. The chef cooks for you the curry and beef up to 8 hours to give its signature black colour. During the time the curry get prepared, the chef is also caramelizing some coconut milk to add to the dish. The dish has also different variations with chicken and vegetables, so everyone can eat it.

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Bali Zero Plastic Movement

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Best things to do in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a famous tourist destination among many tourists across the world. It’s so well-known for its white beaches, waterfalls, viewpoints over the sunset and sunrise, temples, spa’s and many more. The island has enough hotels which will fit anyone’s budget. The best period to travel to Koh Samui is from January till July, due to the dry season.

Relaxation on the beach
Koh Samui has many beaches to offer which attract many tourists from all over the word. One of them is Chaweng Beach and this is also the biggest beach on the island which attracts the most tourists from all over the island. With its white powdery sand, coral reefs and rocky cliffs, many tourists enjoy their time here at the beach. There are also a lot of hotels and restaurants surrounding Chaweng beach which also makes the beach very popular among tourists.

Refresh yourself in one day
When you go to Koh Samui, you have to go to one of the spa’s, because the spa’s in Koh Samui are the best spa’s in Thailand. The spa’s in Koh Samui will make you feel reborn after you’ve got a message, body scrub or any other treatment they offer. One of the best spa’s in Koh Samui is Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa. This spa offers multiple day programs which will make you feel as a totally new person after you’ve done one of their programs.

Koh Samui in a spiritual sight
The Wat Plai Laem is a must see during your stay on Koh Samui. This temple is home to the statue of the goddess of mercy. The statue has 18 arms and this is a wonderful sight to see. Visitors who donate an amount of money will be given a bag of seafood to feed the fish of the temple. The temple itself is relatively new, but the art of the temple shows an old traditional style which is admired by many visitors who go to the temple.

The landmark of Koh Samui
The biggest landmark of Koh Samui is the Big Buddha. This statue is located in the north of Koh Samui 3 kilometre from the Airport. The Big Buddha is 12 metres tall and looks over the sea. If you want to see the Buddha, you have to climb a big staircase, but it will be rewarded with a beautiful sight over the see and the Buddha itself. There are also many shops which are convenient if you have to buy lunch or want to buy a souvenir.

Party on Koh Samui
The nightlife in Koh Samui is famous in Thailand for being one of the most popular party destinations of the country, if not the world. On the island, you have a big variety in clubs, pubs, bars, parties and many more. Koh Samui is well-known for its legendary full moon parties which are celebrated on the white sandy beaches. The full moon parties are organised by open air clubs who hire national and international DJ’s who provide you of the best music. When you want to go out to “regular” clubs on the island, you have to visit Chaweng. Here, you’ll find the biggest nightlife scene on the island with big clubs, bars, restaurants and many more.

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Best things to do in Manado

Manado is the capital city of North Celebes and there are plenty of activities which you can do during your stay in this city. First of all, we have to talk about Bunaken which is a famous divers destination due to its high biodiversity underwater. After you took a dive, you have to trek Gunung Mahawu which will amaze you with fantastic sights. Still haven’t seen enough? Go on safari to see the most interesting and beautiful animals. Do we see you in Manado?

Explorer the underwater world of Bunaken
During your stay in Bunaken, you have to go to Manado. This diving spot welcomes all divers, even if you are a beginner. During your diving adventure, you’ll encounter with a lot of life underwater. The spot has a high biodiversity and has even one of the highest biodiversity’s in the world. It is even possible to swim with sea turtles, which you have to do when you get the opportunity. The water is also pleasurable to jump in, due to its naturally warm temperature.

Trek on the volcanoes in the surrounding area
Volcano trekking is something you have to do during your stay in Manado. You can go to the Gunung Mahawu which will show you beautiful panorama’s at the end of the trek. During you trek, you will also be amazed by the beauty of nature. The trek itself will show you a lot of fresh green landscapes which gives you a surreal feeling and at the end, you will see a crater lake. This crater lake changes colour every day so be amazed by the sight of the active volcano.

Go on a small beautiful safari
Just 60km away from Manado, you will find the Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve. This small reserve shows a lot of biodiversity in little time. This reserve is also the home of the Tarsiers which are called the ghost animals due to their appearance. Encountering with these animals will make your visit even more special. There are also a lot of different birds which have beautiful shapes. Be amazed in this small part of rain forest.

Cultures which are living together in peace
Manado is a city which has a majority of Christians, but there are also Hindu’s, Muslims and Buda’s. All of these religions live peacefully together and they even made a big monument which symbolize that. The monument is called the hill of love and you really have to see that, because it shows what people are capable of when it comes to handcrafts. In the hill, you see two enormous faces carved out of stone. These people are unified and that’s why the people of Manado see this as a symbol for their respect.

Meat which you have never tasted before
Manado‘s cuisine is different than the other parts of Indonesia. Due to the majority of Christians, Manado is a destination with different norms when it comes to food. The area has a lot of different kinds of meat. Do you want to taste something else which you usually don’t eat? Than you have to go to Manado. They serve every kind of meat which has 4 legs and they even sell meat from snakes. Curious about their cuisine now?

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