Discover various amazing tourist attractions in North Sulawesi that offer natural beauty, culture, and unforgettable experiences for travelers.
North Sulawesi, located in the northern part of the island of Sulawesi, is a tourist destination rich in natural beauty, history, and culture.
From beautiful national parks to enchanting lakes, North Sulawesi offers a variety of tourist attractions that can satisfy all types of travelers.
Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or looking for a romantic place to vacation, North Sulawesi has something for everyone. In this article, we will review the 10 best tourist attractions in North Sulawesi that you must visit.
1. Bunaken National Park
Bunaken National Park is one of the most famous tourist attractions in North Sulawesi and even in the world. Located in Manado, this national park is recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
With an area of about 89,065 hectares, this park offers stunning underwater beauty, including colorful coral reefs and extraordinary biodiversity. Tourists can enjoy activities such as diving and snorkeling in the clear waters full of marine life.
Among the top Things to do in Manado, visiting Bunaken National Park is a must for those who love underwater adventures.
The park also has small islands that can be explored, as well as complete facilities for tourists, from accommodation to diving equipment rental.
2. Siladen Island
Siladen Island is located within the Bunaken National Park area and is a place that captivates visitors. This small island offers beautiful natural scenery and extraordinary underwater beauty.
Colorful coral reefs and beautiful fish make it an ideal place for snorkeling and diving. In addition to enjoying the beauty of the sea, visitors can also relax on the quiet white sandy beach, sunbathe, or enjoy fresh seafood.
Siladen Island offers a peaceful atmosphere and is far from the crowds, making it suitable for a more relaxing and quiet vacation.
3. North Sulawesi State Museum
The North Sulawesi State Museum located in Manado City is the perfect place for those of you who want to know more about the history and culture of North Sulawesi.
Opened in 1991, the museum houses a variety of collections covering geology, biology, archaeology, ethnography, fine arts, and technology.
With more than 2,800 collections covering historical objects and local culture, the museum provides deep insight into the human life, flora and fauna, and natural history of North Sulawesi. The museum also offers interesting and educational exhibitions for visitors of all ages.
4. Likupang
Likupang is located in North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, and is known for its stunning underwater natural beauty.
This place is also known for its folklore that tells the story of nine heavenly nymphs who came down to bathe in Likupang Lake. This story adds to the attraction for tourists who want to visit this area to experience the peace and beauty of nature.
Likupang offers beautiful beaches, stunning coral reefs, and a variety of outdoor activities, such as snorkeling, diving, as well as unforgettable cultural and natural tours.
5. Old Manado Island
Manado Tua Island is one of the interesting tourist destinations in North Sulawesi. This island is famous for its beautiful beaches, such as Apeng Datu Beach, Apeng Gugu, Apeng Salah, and Batu Layar.
When the sea water is at its lowest ebb (nyare), tourists can enjoy the beautiful coral reefs on the surface of the beach without having to dive.
Manado Tua Island offers enchanting views, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world in a more relaxed way.
6. Lake Tondano
Lake Tondano is the largest lake in North Sulawesi, located about 35 kilometers from Manado City. With an area of approximately 4,278 hectares, this lake is surrounded by mountains which add to its natural beauty.
Lake Tondano is famous for the freshwater fish that can be found here, including tilapia and black lobster. Around the lake, you can enjoy the stunning scenery, as well as go around the lake by boat or enjoy various activities such as fishing and camping.
The lake is also a refreshing place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
7. Mount Mahawu
For hiking and climbing enthusiasts looking for stunning natural views without having to climb too far, Mount Mahawu is the perfect choice. Located near Tomohon City, Mount Mahawu has a crater that can be reached in just 10 minutes by climbing stairs.
From the top, you can enjoy spectacular views, including the crater of Mount Lokon, Mount Manado Tua, Bunaken Island, and Tomohon City. Mount Mahawu is an ideal place to enjoy the natural beauty of North Sulawesi without the need for too tiring a trip.
8. Lembeh Island
Lembeh Island, located in Bitung City, is known as one of the best diving destinations in the world. The island has more than 88 dive sites offering rich and diverse marine life.
Here, you can dive or snorkel to enjoy the beauty of coral reefs, tropical fish, and rare sea creatures. Apart from diving, Lembeh Island is also suitable for underwater photography tourism, because of its clear water and abundant biodiversity.
Tourists can rent a boat to go around the island and enjoy the calm and peaceful atmosphere that this small island offers.
9. Lake Linow
Lake Linow located in Tomohon offers a unique natural experience. This lake is famous for its water color changes which can change from green, brown, to blue naturally and randomly.
This phenomenon makes Lake Linow an interesting place to visit, because the color of the lake water can provide a different view at any time.
In addition, the lake is also surrounded by tropical forests rich in flora and fauna, and is a habitat for grouse that often gather on the shores of the lake.
10. Valentine Hills
Valentine Hills is one of the romantic destinations located in Tomohon. Among the many Tourist Attractions in Tomohon, this place is perfect for couples looking for a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere.
With views of mountain ranges, such as Mount Tatawiran, Mount Empung, and Mount Lokon, Valentine Hills offers an amazing view, especially at night when red and pink lights illuminate the hills.
This place is known for its romantic beauty, making it a perfect place to spend time with your loved one. North Sulawesi is an extraordinary tourist destination with a variety of places that offer unforgettable natural beauty, history and culture.
From the stunning Bunaken National Park to romantic spots like Valentine Hills, North Sulawesi has a variety of options to suit every traveler’s taste.
If you are looking for a natural adventure, a place steeped in history, or a quiet place to relax, North Sulawesi is the perfect destination. Make sure to explore these 10 tourist attractions when visiting North Sulawesi for an unforgettable experience.
