Manado City Guide

Manado's food scene is rich with local flavors like Tinutuan and Cakalang Fufu. Limited but growing international variety is available, mainly in malls.

Manado has a modest nightlife scene, primarily consisting of local bars, karaoke lounges, and some hotel-based entertainment. It is not known for a vibrant clubbing scene.

Manado has a growing coffee scene with local cafes serving Indonesian coffee. Strong preference for local beans, often served with condensed milk.

Tipping is appreciated but not expected. For local eateries, rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is common.

SIM cards can be purchased at kiosks at Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) and official provider stores in the city. Passport registration is mandatory for all SIM card purchases by foreigners.

Main tourist and commercial areas are generally clean, but some local streets and markets can be less so.

Many minimarts operate 24/7, but few late-night food options.

Limited international products, but some imported goods available in larger supermarkets. Main supermarkets include Hypermart, Transmart Carrefour, and local traditional markets like Pasar Bersehati.

Card acceptance is common in larger hotels, supermarkets, and some restaurants, but cash is essential for smaller vendors, local markets, and public transport.

ATMs are widely available in commercial areas and at banks, accepting major international cards like Visa and Mastercard. Common fees may apply for international withdrawals, so it's advisable to check with your bank.

Manado Independent School (MIS) is a prominent international school offering Cambridge curriculum, with local schools following the Indonesian national curriculum.

Not a well-established digital nomad hub, so formal meetups and co-living spaces are rare.

Limited large public parks within the city center.

Popular routes include the Boulevard for waterfront views. Generally safe during daylight, but beware of traffic.

There are several gyms available in Manado, including those in major hotels and standalone fitness centers.

Tennis courts are available at some sports complexes, hotels, and private clubs.

No known facilities for padel in Manado.

A few local yoga studios exist, but offerings are limited compared to major tourist hubs.

Some local martial arts schools exist, primarily for traditional Indonesian martial arts. Limited availability for international disciplines.

No availability for skiing in Manado.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and more are available, primarily around Bunaken and other resort areas.

Limited directly in Manado. More prominent surf spots are found further south in North Sulawesi.

Excellent dive sites, especially in Bunaken National Marine Park, known for its wall dives and biodiversity.

Private hospitals generally offer higher quality facilities and services than public ones. Siloam Hospitals Manado and RSUP Prof. Dr. R.D. Kandou are major hospitals, with some English-speaking staff, especially among doctors.

Tap water in Manado is generally not safe for direct consumption. Bottled water is widely available and recommended for drinking.

Public playgrounds are limited, but some malls have play areas. Baby supplies are available in major supermarkets and pharmacies.

Indonesia generally has conservative social norms. Manado may be more tolerant, but public LGBTQ+ lifestyles are not widely accepted.

Generally less pet-friendly than Western countries. Veterinary services are available, but dedicated pet parks and pet-friendly accommodations are limited.