Manado: The Hidden Gem of North Sulawesi

• HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
• YesIya
  [i-ya]
• NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [si-la-kan]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [a-pa ka-bar?]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Bagaimana denganmu?
  [ba-ik. ba-gai-ma-na den-gan-mu?]
• Do you speak English?Bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris?
  [bi-sa ber-bi-ca-ra ba-ha-sa Ing-gris?]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya ti-dak men-ger-ti]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-nu, to-long]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
• Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [se-la-mat mi-num!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, to-long]

• Help!Tolong!
  [to-long!]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gi!]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pang-gil po-li-si!]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pang-gil dok-ter!]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-be-li...]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sa-ya han-ya me-li-hat-li-hat]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-ga-nya?]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Bisa kurangi harganya?
  [bi-sa ku-ran-gi har-ga-nya?]

• What time is it?Sekarang jam berapa?
  [se-ka-rang jam be-ra-pa?]
• It's one o'clockJam satu
  [jam sa-tu]
• Half past (10)Jam setengah sebelas
  [jam se-ten-gah se-be-las]
• MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
• AfternoonSore
  [so-re]
• EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
• TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
• TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
• 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
• 2Dua
  [du-a]
• 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
• 4Empat
  [em-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Enam
  [e-nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
• 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana ada/ada...
  [di-ma-na a-da/a-da...]
• What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [a-pa a-la-mat-nya?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisa tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [bi-sa tun-juk-kan sa-ya (di pe-ta)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bus)?
  [ka-pan yang be-ru-tu-nya (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [ti-ket (ke ....)]

Manado, located in North Sulawesi, has been a hub of diverse cultures and influences due to its strategic position in maritime trade routes. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with early settlers engaging in agriculture, fishing, and pottery making. The city's cultural fabric began weaving together influences from Austronesian, Chinese, Arab, and European traders who frequented its ports.

In the 16th century, Portuguese and Spanish explorers arrived in the region, attracted by the lucrative spice trade. They established forts and mission posts, leaving a legacy of Christianity that remains prevalent in the region today. The Spanish, in particular, played a significant role in spreading Catholicism and building the first churches in Manado.

Manado fell under Dutch control in the 17th century as part of the broader Dutch East Indies colonization. The Dutch established Fort Amsterdam in the city and developed it as an administrative and trading center. The influence of Dutch architecture can still be seen in some of Manado's historic buildings. During this period, the local economy flourished due to the export of spices, coffee, and other commodities.

During World War II, Manado was occupied by Japanese forces in 1942. The city became a strategic military base, and the local population endured harsh conditions and forced labor. The Japanese occupation lasted until 1945, when Allied forces liberated the region. The impact of the war and occupation left lasting scars on the community, but also led to a strengthened spirit of resilience and nationalism.

Following Indonesia's declaration of independence in 1945, Manado became part of the newly formed Republic of Indonesia. The city has since grown into a vibrant urban center, blending its rich historical heritage with modern development. Manado is now known for its bustling markets, beautiful waterfront, and as a gateway to the stunning Bunaken Marine Park. The city's diverse cultural tapestry is celebrated through festivals, culinary delights, and traditional arts.

Manado is located in the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia. The nearest international airport is Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC), which is approximately 13 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights to Manado are available from major Asian cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a pre-arranged hotel shuttle to your accommodation. The journey to the city center typically takes around 20-30 minutes by road.

Manado has various transportation options including taxis, buses, and motorbike taxis (ojek). Taxis are a convenient option for getting around the city and can be hailed on the street or booked via mobile apps. Public buses and minibuses (mikrolet) operate on fixed routes and are an affordable way to travel, although they can be crowded. Renting a car or a motorbike is also a popular choice for those who prefer to explore the area at their own pace. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan your travel accordingly.

The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and major shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and public transportation. ATMs are readily available throughout Manado, and money changers offer competitive exchange rates. It is recommended to exchange some currency before arriving in Manado to cover initial expenses.

Manado is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Areas such as the city center and popular tourist spots are usually safe, but neighborhoods like Tuminting and Tikala have higher crime rates, particularly targeting tourists. Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available throughout Manado. Hospitals such as RSUP Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou and Siloam Hospitals Manado offer emergency medical services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Manado like a local, visit the local markets such as Pasar Bersehati where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Indonesian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting Bunaken National Marine Park for world-class diving and snorkeling. For a unique experience, try Minahasan cuisine, which includes dishes like 'tinutuan' (Manado porridge) and 'rica-rica' (spicy meat dish).