Destination: Sulawesi --> North Sulawesi

• Sightseeing, Eco-tourism:

1. Tomohon

Tomohon

Known as the city of flower, this city is located near Mount Lokon, one of many active volcanoes in Sulawesi. Due to its fertile soils made by volcanic activities and its cool weather, this city is suitable for cultivating flowers and other vegetations. Taking advantage of this, the locals here have dedicated themselves to planting flowers in their gardens, making the view here colorful.

If you feel like hiking, you can go to Mount Lokon which is west of the city. With 1,580 meters in height, the mountain top offers you a beautiful view. On your way down, follow the trails of cooled magmas to a crater lake. But be careful, it sometimes blows volcanic ash, assistance from local guides is advised. 

On the opposite side of this mountain lies Mount Mahawu, a 1,311 meter-tall volcano capped with a yellowish green crater lake. Like Mount Lokon, this mountain offers a scenic view of its surroundings. 

Another spot you might want to check out is Lake Linow, a small water-filled volcanic crater located south of Tomohon. Here you can see the color of the water changes from time to time due to mixtures of chemicals inside. It sometimes turns to green, blue and even red. There is a small coffee shop by the lake, so whenever you feel tired, you can rest here while enjoying a sip of coffee. Watch when you are walking around the lake though, for the soils here are actually quite soft and you might get you feet wet due to the running waters below.

Lake Linow

• Sightseeing:

1. Manado

Being the capital city of North Sulawesi and rich of culture and history, this city has become one of many cities in Indonesia that is attracting many tourists, both Indonesian and foreigners. Located   on the northern side of the province by the side of the ocean, this city once prospered through trades with the Philippines and and other nations such as China. This city is also the home of the Minahasa people. 

There are a few things to see here, like the Ban Hin Kiong Temple in Chinatown. It was built in around 300 years ago by the Chinese community who came here along with traders. Come here and you will find how the local and Chinese cultures co-existed. The dragons sculptures and the aroma of the incense will make you feel like you are in China.

Ban Hin Kiong Temple

Bukit Kasih

Located about 55 kilometers from Manado is another tourist spot filled with spiritual power named Bukit Kasih, or Hill of Love in English. It got its name from the fact that it is a place where people from different beliefs can come and pray here side by side. In the vicinity there are a Buddhist and a Hindu temple, a Catholic and a Christian church and a mosque. Come here to see how different beliefs can co-exist with each other.

Tarsius spectrum

While you are in Manado, why not visit the Tangkoko National Park. This park is located at the foot of Mount Dua Saudara, around 4 hours from Manado and offers a variety of landscape and wildlife. Trek the jungle and hike the hills and you will see many maleo birds, a species of the ape family named the kuskus and the world's smallest primate, the Tarsius spectrum. 

Make sure you hire a guide before yo go since the way to the park is quite difficult.