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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?
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
Best things to do in Lampung
Lampung is a smaller city in South Sumatra. Getting around in Lampung is ideal by scooter or scooter taxi. Speaking about scooter taxi, this is something which you certainly have to do during your stay in Lampung. This city is easy to explorer in a short time which means that you also have enough time to discover the area surrounding Lampung and that’s a good thing, due to all the activities you can do like visiting elephants or explorer other small islands. Interested? Than you have to read more about our recommendations of Lampung
Go to a small paradise
The island of Pahawang is a small secret tropical paradise for people who like snorkelling and relaxing. Sounds great, isn’t it? During you snorkelling trips, you even get the chance to encounter with several clownfish. Have you ever seen the movie finding Nemo? Than you will feel like you are playing in the movie. There are also several corals which have several colours, so you won’t get bored looking to them. Don’t you want to snorkel? No problem, just take your towel and go to the beach to relax.
Encounter with elephants
During your stay in Lampung, you have to go to Way Kambas. This is the elephant park of Sumatra which exists during the time that Sumatra was ruled by kings and sultans. Back in the days, the elephant where raised to be fighting in war. Nowadays, the elephants are trained to help humans. This is beneficial for both humans and elephants, because elephants help humans and humans protect elephants from harm.
Shop your new clothes and other goods in Boemi Kedaton Mall
Boemi Kedaton Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in Lampung. This mall is also new so it will give you a modern – like feeling when you are shopping due to all the renovations which took place. There are a lot of stores which vary from souvenir stores to clothing stores, to beauty stores. Because of this, the possibility is high than you can stay here for a long time during your time shopping in the mall.
Spending you day at the beach
During your stay in Lampung, you have to go to Mutun beach. Why? This beach offers a lot of activities which you can do and the beach is easy accessible from Lampung city. When you arrive you see a lot of people who are canoe-boating, banana-boating, swimming, etc. These are all activities which you can do during your stay here. Not interested to do activities? Don’t worry, you can always take you towel with you and look for a quiet place ate the beach.
Taste the cuisine of Lampung
During your stay in Lampung you cannot miss out the cuisine which the area has to offer. One of the most famous dishes of Lampung is Seruit. This is a fish with a kind of mango or shrimp. Tourists love this food, just like locals. The fish is made out of a harpoon which is with a filling which is delicious. Are you hungry now? Than go to Lampung and join us for dinner.
Travel Tips to South East Asia
Planning a holiday all the way to South East Asia might be an exciting thing to do in your vacation agenda. But what if you have never been to Asia before? What things you should be preparing for an excellent journey to Asia?
Here we share some tips for everyone who will travel to South East Asia:
1. Essential Documents
Prepare your passport and its digital copy. Some countries are free visa entry, some will apply Visa on Arrival. Don’t forget to check the immigration information in advance, for every country you will be visiting. If it needs visa in advance, you can arrange it in your home country.
2. Travel Duration
If it’s your first time to South East Asia, my tips is: don’t rush! Many traveler choose to travel fast in order to fulfill their bucket list in such a limited time. 1 night here, 1 night there, and then cross the border to the next country. It’s exhausting, besides you could not get enough experience of the places you are visiting. Spend at least 3 nights in each city to know more about the area, the culture, the local life, and the culinary. Because traveling is not about how many places, but it’s about how much experience you get during the journey.
3. Eat like locals
Want to experience an absolute travel? Try the local street foods! South East Asia is so famous with its street foods. Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, you name it. All of them have their own authentic street foods to offer. Almost in every city, there’s a street foods market, both day and night. Make sure you do at least once, roaming around the packed night market and eat the local foods in one of the stall. I’m sure you will not end up with 1x visit only!
4. Drink from the bottle
To avoid any bacteria or germs infecting your liver, try to drink only from a sealed bottled drink.
We don’t say that South East Asia is dirty and has a high risk of diarrhea, but the different climate between Northern hemisphere and the South East Asia could also be the main factor your body immune needs to deal with. And if you are not in your peak performance, the risk of getting sick from any germs is still possible to happen. So protect yourself.
5. Light packing
Traveling to the tropical South East Asia doesn’t require any of bulky outfits. As the weather is relatively warm all year long, light clothes would much work for entire occasion. T-shirt, casual shirt, short, light dress, and sandals are the essential, plus a sun glasses. Only in the rainy season you might need a hat or umbrella. But if you are a kind of who love to dance in the rain, you probably don’t mind to get a bit wet. In some areas of SEA there’s winter season (like in Hanoi), but the winter in SEA is still relatively warm for the people from Northern hemisphere. It’s around 14-20’c.
6. Join in at least one cultural exchange activity.
By joining in an activity that has some culture activities to offer, you will get a new unforgettable experience during your travel. For example visit a farmer’s house, traditional market, join in an art workshop, lunch with the royal family in the formerly palace (in Bali), join in one hour teaching at the local school, farming with local farmers, and etc.
Best things to do in Kupang
Kupang is a less known tourist destination in Indonesia, but the best thing about Kupang is that this destination is totally different from the rest of Indonesia. This city is located on the island of Pulau Timor. The landscapes are similar to the landscapes of Africa and because of this, you have the feeling that you are in a totally different continent. The people in Kupang are dying to meet you, especially when you are a foreigner from a western country. Already interested? Keep reading our recommendations for Kupang.
The forest in the sea
With forest in the sea, we mean mangroves. Mangrove is not touristic and you can see that on the way how it’s built. During your visit, you will think that you are walking on a tree-house-like architecture and this gives you an exciting feeling. The structure is really stable, but it doesn’t feel and look like it. The locals are making pictures of the mangroves and when they see you, you have to go on a picture with them.
Drive around the island of Pulau Timor
Driving around the island is for itself a very nice activity to do during your stay in Kupang. When you are exploring the island, you will see a landscape of a dry rainforest which is extraordinary sight to see for you as a tourist. There are also several markets you will pass. It’s a good idea to stop at one of those markets, cause you will have to opportunity to buy traditional handcrafts which are unique to the island. You will probably be the only foreigner at a market like that and the local people will admire you during your visit.
Eat at the boulevard of Kupang
At the boulevard of Kupang, you’ll find some nice terraces to have a meal or something to drink. Mostly of the time, the terraces have 2 levels which provides you for more places. The music which is played is modern music which gives you a real holiday feeling. On the beach are many seats which are waiting for you to take place, so you can enjoy the sunset while you are dining or just drinking something. This is a must do during your stay in Kupang.
Crossing the border to Timor Leste
When you go to the north of the island, you’ll be going to the border of Timor Leste. This is a different country, but you will get the opportunity to set a few footsteps in the county. The landmark of Timor Leste is waiting for you at the border of Indonesia. It is a massive pole with the name of the country on it and this is a good stop to make a picture which will make your trip memorable. After you have been there, you can go back to Indonesia which has also a landmark with the letters of Indonesia which you have to see.
Seek refreshment at Oenesu Waterfall
This waterfall is easy accessible and not touristic, but it is still big and it’s a wonderful sight to see. The waterfall even has its own parking place. Reaching the waterfall itself is a little bit tricky after you have parked your car. That’s because there is not a real walking path, but that makes the waterfall look more natural than it already is and you will have a little bit of a challenge during your visit. After you reach the end, you will be rewarded with an amazing view and you can even jump off the waterfall if you brought you swimming clothes with you.
Best things to do in Bali
Bali is a paradise for tourists, because of its natural charms which are amazing for the eye. One of the favorite destinations of Indonesians and all over the world offers enchanting natural beauty and makes anyone fall in love with the island. The amount of excursions will certainly fill your holiday with a lot of activities. Here are our recommendations of activities you can do during your Holiday in Bali that you don’t want to miss.
Relax on Kuta beach
The beauty of Bali’s beaches has been recognized all over the world, and Kuta is one of the beaches that is famous for its beauty. Tourists who are celebrate their holiday in Bali will surely spend a lot of time at the beautiful beaches of Kuta. The beach of Kuta is well known for its wide beaches with white sand. You can bask under the gentle warm sun while enjoying a glass of fresh drinks, or learn to surf on the waves of Kuta beach which are not too big. That’s why Kuta beach suitable for newbie surfers. Kuta beach is also the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful sunset at the beginning of your evening.
Relaxation at the spa in Ubud
Ubud is famous as a traditional tourist attraction in Bali, due to its location between rice fields, forests and surrounding mountain cliffs that makes the landscape an amazing sight to see. You can enjoy the natural beauty of Ubud while pampering yourself in a spa that refreshes the mind, body and soul. The surrounding area where the spas are located are filled with exotic forest which will prevents you of fresh air. The spa’s in Ubud are also supported by expert therapists who will refresh your body with aromatic massage including distinctive essential oils.
Enjoy water sports in Benoa
Many people think about water sports when they are thinking about Benoa. This place is a paradise for water sports, because there are a lot of water sports activities which you can do, like gliding in a banana boat, parasailing, jet skiing, fly fishing, and excursions to the turtle island. Feel the excitement of sitting on a rubber boat that sways crashing waves or flying using a parachute pulled by a boat that runs above sea level. In addition, you can also see the beautiful underwater scenery and interact with several species of fish encountered.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at Jimbaran
Visiting the beach is incomplete if you don’t taste seafood, and the best choice for enjoying it is in Jimbaran. Have a taste of delicious seafood with a view of big waves which will provide you from an experience which you will never forget. The atmosphere during your dinner will become more romantic due to the sparkling candle light on your table and a sky full of stars. Furthermore, there are also acoustic bands which will play relaxing music. Enjoy the delicious appetizing grilled shrimp, flour fried squid that has a crispy texture, grilled scallops with special spices, and other exotic foods.
Stimulate adrenaline by rafting on the Ayung River
The Ayung river is the longest river in Bali with its length of 62.5 km. The river ends in Sanur. The Ayung river has enough rapids which are suitable for beginners. With a course of 12km, your adrenaline is going up due to the excitement of rafting which will test your guts. Along the road, you will also pass a fresh waterfall. Another attraction of rafting course on the Ayung river is the relief sculpture of the Ramayana story along 1 km of the river wall. After arriving at the end of the course, you can rest for a while and then continue to enjoy a filling lunch.
