Destination Guide   Manado, capital of the province of North Sulawesi, sits on the shores of the natural curve of Manado Bay and is a popular destination for divers. Formerly known as "Celebes" by the Dutch, Manado is famed as a member of the "Spice Islands" of colonial times, it still exports large quantities of cloves, vanilla and other spices. Nestled amongst lush surroundings, the township is filled with restaurants, bustling markets and places of worship. The topside view is complemented with the almost perfect volcanic cone (the now extinct Manado Tua) rising dramatically from the sea. Just an hour by motor boat and within view of Manado sits the island of Bunaken, offering splendid underwater views with unbelievable clarity! The crystal clear waters around Bunaken are protected by a deep-sea trench which prevents mainland pollution from reaching the reef-surrounded islands. There is a wide choice of dive locations with hard and soft coral and a dazzling show of fishlife. The coral reef off Bunaken island is an excellent paradise for snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts. Non-divers can still enjoy the beauty of these undersea gardens, by snorkeling or just viewing the underwater marine life from glass-bottom boats. General Information Currency Rupiah Acceptable Credit Cards All major credit cards Climate Tropical Recommended Attire Casual and lightweight Language Bahasa Indonesia, English is commonly used