Capital
of North Sulawesi, Manado is chiefly of interest as the departure
point for spectacular diving and snorkelling at nearby Bunaken
Marine.
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.