BITUNG
  The city of Bitung is located on the northern coast of Sulawesi, approximately 47 km from Manado. Its land mass covers a total area of 30,400 Ha with a population of 118,633 people (1996). Bitung is a signifigant commercial port in Eastern Indonesia and as well a tourist gateway. The port is well equipped with a pier capable of accomodating modern cruise ships. A major asset for Bitung is the Lembeh Strait and Lembeh Island which acts as a natural shield protecting Bitung from wind and rough seas. It is believed that the name "Bitung", was taken from the name of a shady tree that grows in the coastal areas, offering people shelter from sun, rain, and wind.

TANGKOKO BATUANGUS NATURAL RESERVE
  Located at the foot of  Dua Saudara Mountain, the area is comprised of rolling hills and valleys with a variety of hardwood trees and unusual plant life. The animal life is also quite varied, and one can often view Tarsius Spectrum (world's smallest primate), black tailless monkeys, Maleo Birds, wild pigs and kuskus (marsupial family). Tangkoko Batuangus Reserve offers a suitable protective environment to help prevent these animals from becoming extinct. Tangkoko is located in the northern sector of Bitung, and comprises an area of 3,196 Ha, and takes about 1.5 -2.5 hours to reach from Bitung or Manado, respectively. Please note that the road to Tangkoko is somewhat difficult and visitors are recommended to visit with a local tour operators to ensure a safe journey and to take advantage of an experienced guide who can assist in spotting the wildlife. Losmen (simple guesthouses) are available for overnight stays.

LEMBEH STRAIT
  Lembeh Strait is a 12 km. long stretch of water separating Lembeh Island and the mainland. Bitung is actually the half way point along the shores of Lembeh Strait. This pristine section of water in North Sulawesi is home to many unique sea animals which include the pygmy seahorse, mimic octopus, ghost pipefish, as well as other larger species. It is a fantastic dive area for underwater photographers and the diversity of smaller creatures ensures many memorable photo opportunities. There are several undeveloped beaches on the shoreline of Lembeh Strait which are excellent for swimming and snorkelling. Presently, Lembeh Island is undeveloped and has no tourist facilities.

JAPANESE MONUMENT
  As Bitung played an important role in WW II as a home base for the Japanese Forces, it became the last resting place of their soldiers who died during the War. To commemorate this time in history and the men who died, the Japanese and North Sulawesi Government constructed this monument located at Manembo-nembo 7 km from Bitung center.

TRIKORA MONUMENT
  Is situated on a bluff at Lembeh Island Beach, the DC3 monument and park offers a nice opportunity to observe ships going by as well as being a gathering place on Sundays and holidays. Reachable by motorized outrigger.

MINAHASA
  The Minahasan region covers an area of approximately 418,862 Ha with a population of 733,029 people (1996).  The capital of this district is Tondano, a town close to Lake Tondano. It is situated on a plateau 700 m above sea level, surrounded by magnificent countryside with cool mountainous air.Minahasan people believe the legend that they are descendants of Toar and Lumimuut. The reminders of this time long ago are the Waruga, stonegraves in Sawangan Airmadidi, and Watu Pinabetengan in Tompaso.  The word Minahasa which means unification of the traditional tribes was derived from the word esa or one, hence the land was named Minahasa.

MOUNT KLABAT
  The highest mountain in North Sulawesi (1995 m) is a 5-6 hours climb beginning near the Police Station in Airmadidi. Try walking up at night during a full moon and staying overnight to watch the sunrise. On Sundays and holidays Mt. Klabat bustles with the activity of students and hikers.

TAMAN PURBAKALA SAWANGAN - WARUGA
  The ancient Waruga, stone graves (sarcophagi), of the Minahasan people, dating from the Megalithic age are extremely interesting. 144 stone graves were built to house the remains in the sitting position. The pre-Christian belief was that the babies were born in the sitting position in the mother's womb, and it is in this position that humans must pass on to eternity. The engravings on the headstones depict the cause of death, the deceased's hobby, character or occupation, etc. There is a small shop in front of the gate and a small donation is suggested. It is located at Sawangan village near Airmadidi, 24 km from Manado.


IBU WALANDA MARAMIS MAUSOLEUM
  This site pays homage to the national heroine of Women's Rights in North Sulawesi. She was born on December 1, 1872 and died on April 22, 1924. An organization called "PIKAT" was established by Ibu Walanda Maramis to involve women in social and educational development.

DR SAM RATULANGI MONUMENT AND GRAVE SITE
  This monument, and grave site, located in Tondano, memorialize this national hero from North Sulawesi, born in Tondano 1890 and died in 1949. Situated on a hill with an unspoiled view of Lake Tondano and surrounding rice fields, it reminds us of the spirit of national heroism during the revolutionary period.

REMBOKEN
  This sleepy town, 13 km. from Tondano, situated on Lake Tondano, is an ideal place for various water sports. Bungalows, hot springs and local fish restaurants are available on a limited basis.

SARAPUNG & KORENGKENG MONUMENT
  This monument, 1km from the center of the town, honors the Tondano War, 1808-1809 led by Sarapung, the chieftain of Tondano Touliang and Korengkeng, chieftain of Tondano-Toulimambot tribes.

TAMASKA HIJAU
  This area in Tataaran features hot springs and impressive views of rice fields. It has limited facilities for overnight stays.

TOMOHON
  This picturesque town, 25 km. from Manado, is the center for many of the Christian Missionary groups. It is located on a plateau between two active volcanoes, Lokon and Mahawu. The cool fresh air enables a multitude of flowers and all kinds of the more exotic plants to proliferate. Bukit Inspirasi, (auditorium) facing Mt. Lokon is the home to national conventions, festivals and other events.

MT. LOKON & MT. MAHAWU
  The volcanic mountains Lokon (1.580 m) and Mahawu (1.311 m), both have crater lakes of considerable beauty. Lokon is sometimes considered to be the most beautiful of the two. The trek to the top should be made by climbers in reasonable condition. The steaming crater lies 600 m below the peak of the mountain and the lake is about 60 m deep. The best time to start walking from Kakaskasen is 7 AM and it is possible to arrive at the crater while the morning is still cool. It is important to contact Pos Pengamanan Gunung Lokon and Gunung Mahawu in Kakaskasen III, Tomohon.

MT. SOPUTAN
  This active volcano is situated in Tombatu, about 60 km from Manado or 10 km walk from Toure village. Soputan, 1825 meters in height, is still active, often times steaming and spewing volcanic ash. Trekers will pass through plantations, as well as areas overun with "Edelweys" flowers, usually called "Bunga Abadi" or "Eternal Flower". Often times people choose to camp overnight in the Casuarina Forest before making the final accent which begins at 4:00 AM.

WATU PINAWETENGAN
  Pinabetengan village, about 50 km from Manado, is the home to an ancient stone, shaped like a table. It measures 4 m long and 2 m high and is one of remnants left by the Minahasan Tribes where they negotiated the territorial division, unification, peace, and war against their enemies. Pictography carvings on the stone cannot be deciphered.

JAPANESE CAVES
  These caves are located alongside the road between Kiawa and Kawangkoan, countryside villages about 45 km from Manado. The caves were built by the Japanese during the World War II primarily for storage.

LAPIAN - TAULU MONUMENT
  This monument, located in Kawangkoan, 45 km from Manado, commemorates Bernhard Wilhelm Lapian and Charles Chus Taulu, the leaders in Peristiwa Merah Putih, February 14th, 1946, which represented the heroic fight to defend the Republic of Indonesia. B.W. Lapian was also a religious hero who established KGPM (Kerapatan Gereja Protestan Minahasa).

IMAM BONDJOL MAUSOLEUM
  This mausoleum, located 7 km from Manado, represents traditional Minangkabau architecture and honors Imam Bondjol, a national hero from Minangkabau in West Sumatera. He was a hero of the Perang Paderi (Paderi War) against the Dutch and was later exiled to North Sulawesi. He was born in 1791 and died in Lota Village, Pineleng in 1864.

KALI WATERFALL
  Located in Kali Village, Pineleng, about 10 km from Manado, this natural 60 m waterfall is an ideal place to enjoy nature and fresh water pools at the base of the falls. It is easily reachable from Manado by public transportation followed by a short 30 -45 minute hike past the village.

BOLAANG MONGONDOW
  Bolaang Mongondow is the name of a district, which covers the highlands & lowlands between Minahassa and  Gorontalo. The population is 411,086 (1996). Beside the legend of their origin, Bolaang Mongondow is renowned for their traditional ceremonies, which are unique and impressive and portray the process of human life from birth to adulthood. These celebrations are great tourist attractions that should not be missed. Another cultural attraction is the traditional dances, which have been preserved over time.

LAKE MOAT
  This tranquil lake, about 23 km from Kotamobagu, is situated in the highlands, 1000 m above sea level, is surrounded by dense forest with abundant bird and animal life.

MOLOSING INDAH BEACH
  This beach is 50 km from Kotamobagu, offshore from Motabang village on the tiny island of Molosing. This tranquil tropical island is pleasant for swimming, fishing, boating, as well as snorkeling. There is basic accommodation and restaurants. This impressive mountain is reached by passing through the coffee plantations between Modayag and Lake Mooat and is 27 km from Kotamobagu. This nature reserve offers a crater lake, unexplored forest and hot mud pools.

BOGANI NANI WARTABONE (DUMOGA BONE) NATIONAL PARK
  The National Park, 260 km from Manado, has a land mass of 193,600 ha, altitudes of 200 - 1,968 m and stretches from Dumoga in Bolaang Mongondow to Bone in Gorontalo. Its mountainous terrain and dense vegetation make it an ideal home for maleo birds, anoas, horn-bills, wild pigs, tarsius spectrum and giant fruit bats. Giant fruit bats were a new species discovered in 1992. The major reason for establishing this area as a National Park was to protect the watershed and stop deforestation. The World Bank has lent its support to this program. Much of the forest is at comparatively low attitudes and correspondingly rich in fruit bearing plants and trees, such as wild durians and wild nutmeg.

SANGIHE TALAUD
  This district consists of 77 islands, of which 56 islands are inhabited. The population is 260,370 people (1996). Most of the people are involved in agriculture, which include coconut, vanilla, nutmeg, and clove. The islands are located north of the Sulawesi Peninsula, and south of the Philippines The islands are divided into two main groups; Sangihe, consisting of the islands Sangir Besar, Siau, Tagulandang and Biaro; and Talaud consists of the islands of Karakelang, Salibabu, Kaburuan, Nanusa, Miangaas, plus many other small islands. The capital of Sangihe Talaud is Tahuna, which is located on Sanger Besar.

MOUNT AMBANG The airport located about 21 km from Tahuna is serviced by domestic airlines on a irregular basis. Please check with a travel agent. There are seaports in Tahuna, Siau, Tagulandang and Beo which are serviced by various ferries and local boats. Traditional music of Sangihe Talaud consists of Oli-Oli and Musik Bambu.
 
THE OLD CHURCH
  This church is located in Manganitu, Sanger Besar Island. It was built by Steyler, a German missionary in the last century. There is nothing left inside, however the building is still intact. There is a family gravesite on the property. Take a look, as it is one of the few historical sights in the islands.