Manado

Manado is the capital of the North Sulawesi province which is known for its rich marine biodiversity. Just East of Borneo and South of Philippines, North Sulawasi is one of the 32 provinces of Indonesia, of which the capital is Manado City. Diving areas for Manado Island includes Bunaken National Park and Bangka Island to name a few. The rich tropical marine life found in Manado make it one of the world's renowned dive sites.

Unlike Malaysia diving areas, Manado is not affected by the annual Northeast monsoon and so is accessible for diving all year round.

Getting There

• 3 hours 30 min from Singapore to Manado, by air
• 1 hour airport resort transfer, by van

Resorts and Beaches

Although the beaches of Manado are not meant for tourists, there are still a few quiet spots to relax by. The beaches by the dive resorts on the other hand are built on black volcanic sand where you will be able to lay back and take in the sun and scenery. The resorts that Gill Divers visits are

• Minahasa Prima Resort

  This resort is located at the Mokupa area east of Manado city. With a great view of the Sulawesi Sea, its just a half hour away by the dive boats to the Bunaken-Manado Tua Marine Park. Facilities available at the resort includes a large swimming pool, air conditioned rooms, a restaurant with both western and indonesian cuisine, and even a lounge with karaoke!

• Tasik Ria Resort

  Tasik Ria Resort is located on Tanawangko Bay, on the north west coast of North Sulawesi, just 20 kilometers from Bunaken National Park. Hotel guests can choose to relax in their pool view or sea view rooms, or even get the adventure on with trekking tours, highland tours, nature reserve tours or even golf or other watersports all organised by the hotel management. Other facilities of the resort include the Mantana Spa offering authentic traditional Indonesia spa treatment.

• Gangga Island Resort & Spa

  Located on the tip of Gangga Island, this beautiful resort is built under overhanging palms and surrounded by tropical gardens, all leading onto a scenic beachfront of fine white sand. With 30 air conditioned rooms available, Gangga Island Resort & Spa has other facilities including hot water showers, mini bars, satellite television and even a boutique. Just to relax, you can even try out their spa services at the Pasung Spa.

Diving

How much does it cost?

• SGD620 5D4N Tasik Ria Resort Package (additional day - SGD140)
  Excludes equipment rental, air ticket, taxes, Bunaken permit
• SGD1296 5D4N Gangga Island Off Peak Package (additional day - SGD270)
  Excludes equipment rental, air ticket, taxes, Bunaken permit

Gill Divers - T. +65 6734 9373 - E. gillmen@gilldivers.com - A. 87b Tanjong Pagar Road, Level 3, S(088508)
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