Local Customs & Etiquette in Manado, Sulawesi Utara, Indonesia

1. Batu Dinding Market

A bustling market selling food, clothes, and souvenirs. It's a great place to experience local life in Manado.

Unique Hours: Open from early morning until late afternoon.
Local Delicacies: Try local dishes like Pecok and Bakso. Remember to bargain for prices.
Market Etiquette: Respect the vendors and their goods. Be prepared to haggle.

Attend a performance of the Minahasan traditional dance, featuring energetic music and intricate movements.

Respectful Audience: Audience members should remain quiet and still during the performance.
Photography: Feel free to take photos, but avoid using flash during performances.
Tipping Dancers: It's customary to tip the dancers after a performance. Amount varies but is usually small.

A luxurious resort offering beachfront villas and stunning views of the ocean.

Respectful Attire: Guests should dress appropriately, with no swimwear in public areas.
Tip Staff: It's customary to tip the staff for good service.
Private Beach Access: The resort offers private beach access for guests, ensuring a peaceful experience.

A protected area home to several endangered species like the Sulawesi crested macaque and the Dulit gibbon.

Guided Tours: Visitors must go on guided tours for safety reasons and to protect the wildlife.
Respect Wildlife: Observe but do not touch or feed the animals.
Conservation Fees: Entrance fees help fund conservation efforts for the park's wildlife.

A scenic hill offering panoramic views of Manado city and the ocean.

Peak Hike: Visitors can hike to the peak for a beautiful sunset view.
Respect Local Area: Leave no trace and respect the local environment during your visit.
Local Snacks: Try traditional Manadonese snacks sold at street vendors near the hill.

A music festival celebrating Mandarin music, held annually in Manado.

Local Music: Enjoy live performances of Mandarin music, a unique genre to Sulawesi.
Food Vendors: Sample local food and drinks from various vendors.
Crowded Event: Expect large crowds during the festival, so plan accordingly.

Experience the unique flavors of Manadonese cuisine, known for its spiciness and richness.

Spicy Food: Many dishes contain chili peppers, so be prepared for a spicy meal.
Seafood Focus: Seafood is a staple ingredient in many local dishes.
Culinary Tours: Join a culinary tour to learn about the local cuisine and its preparation methods.

A beautiful Christian church with stunning architecture and stained glass.

Respectful Dress Code: Visitors should dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available to learn about the church's history and architecture.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Enjoy a peaceful atmosphere inside the church.

A vibrant area filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers.

A lively market selling fresh produce, clothing, and handicrafts.

Early Morning Hours: Visit early in the morning for the freshest produce.
Bargaining Prices: Prepare to bargain for prices on most items.
Local Produce: Sample local fruits and vegetables not commonly found elsewhere.

A world-renowned dive site for its rich marine life and unique species.

Guided Dives: Visitors must go on guided dives to ensure safety and to respect the marine environment.
Dive Equipment Rental: Rent dive equipment if you don't have your own.
Marine Conservation Fees: Entrance fees help fund conservation efforts for the marine life in the strait.

A peaceful and scenic beach with clear waters and white sand.

A protected area where you can see the unique Tarsier and Babi Rusa (Crested Black Macaque).

Guided Tours: Visitors must go on guided tours to ensure safety and to respect the wildlife.
Respect Wildlife: Observe but do not touch or feed the animals.
Conservation Fees: Entrance fees help fund conservation efforts for the reserve's wildlife.

A bustling market selling traditional Minahasan textiles and handicrafts.

Unique Handicrafts: Find unique handicrafts like woven baskets, ceramics, and fabrics.
Bargaining Prices: Prepare to bargain for prices on most items.
Local Artisans: Meet local artisans and learn about their traditional crafting techniques.

A cave system with a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the city and ocean.

Cave Exploration: Explore the cave system and its unique stalactites and bats.
Respect Local Area: Leave no trace and respect the local environment during your visit.
Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of the city and ocean from the viewpoint.