Balanced pace

3D2N Manado Highland & Island Escape

3 daysSample route
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About this tour

Discover the cool Minahasa Highlands and historic landmarks before venturing out on a boat excursion across Bunaken Marine Park and Nain Island. Wrap up your journey with local culinary experiences and a quick city shopping tour of Manado

What's included14

  • Full AC land transport
  • Driver, fuel (BBM), and all parking fees
  • Experienced tour guide
  • Hotel accommodation with twin/triple sharing room (for packages including hotel)
  • Entrance tickets for all listed attraction sites
  • Daily mineral water throughout the trip
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  • Meals as stated in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Round-trip private boat transport
  • Megamas Pier entrance fee
  • Small boat transfer at Nain Island
  • Snorkeling guide
  • Life jackets
  • Marine travel insurance (Jasa Raharja)
  • Underwater GoPro documentation during Bunaken activities

Not included4

  • Flight tickets
  • Private snorkeling guide fee (€7 / guide)
  • Extra food, beverages, or fresh juices outside the menu
  • Driver and Tour Guide tips

Where you go

3 stops · 3 days

  1. Minahasa Highland

    1 day

    Day 1

  2. Bunaken & Nain Islands

    1 day

    Day 2
    Discover Bunaken

  3. Manado

    1 day

    Day 3
    Discover Manado

Tour highlights

  1. Transfer In – Minahasa Highland Tour
    01Transfer In – Minahasa Highland Tour
  2. Bunaken – Nain – New Bunaken
    02Bunaken – Nain – New Bunaken
  3. Manado City Tour – Shopping – Transfer Out
    03Manado City Tour – Shopping – Transfer Out

Experience the perfect mix of high-altitude volcanic landscapes and vibrant underwater ocean life in North Sulawesi.

Itinerary in detail

The route, day by day. Every day can change with who is travelling, so treat this as the shape of the trip rather than a fixed schedule.

Day 1

Transfer In – Minahasa Highland Tour

  • Morning arrival pickup at Sam Ratulangi Airport by tour guide.
  • Option 1: Visit Puncak Tetetana to see flower gardens and scenic views of Manado city and Bunaken islands.
  • Option 2: Visit Tuur Maasering to learn about Minahasa culture and traditional beverages (captikus and saguer).
  • Visit Benteng Moraya in Tondano to explore local historical monuments.
  • Lunch served at a floating restaurant on Lake Tondano.
  • Visit Lake Linow to view the multi-colored lake while enjoying afternoon coffee/tea and acoustic live music.
  • Stop at Makatete Hills to watch the sunset over Manado.
  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, then transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Transfer In – Minahasa Highland Tour

Day 2

Bunaken – Nain – New Bunaken

  • Breakfast at the hotel and morning pickup by tour guide.
  • Transfer to Megamas Pier for a brief tour orientation.
  • Boat transfer to Nain Island to relax, swim, and take photos at Pasir Timbul Nain.
  • Visit Bunaken Baru for photo stops.
  • Boat to Bunaken Island and enjoy lunch at a local island restaurant.
  • Prepare gear and enjoy guided underwater snorkeling or diving with underwater photo documentation.
  • Non-swimmers receive swim coaching; non-snorkelers can relax on land with local snacks (optional).
  • Return to the mainland for showering, souvenir shopping, dinner at a local restaurant, and hotel rest.
Bunaken – Nain – New Bunaken

Day 3

Manado City Tour – Shopping – Transfer Out

  • Breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out.
  • City drive past Soekarno Bridge, Manado City Park, Ban Hin Kiong Temple, Sentrum Church, and Jl. 17 Agustus office complex.
  • Souvenir shopping stop at Grand Mercifull Building.
  • Transfer to Sam Ratulangi Airport for flight departure.
Manado City Tour – Shopping – Transfer Out

Questions about this trip

Answered by the team who runs it.

Sulawesi time

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What time should my flight arrive on Day 1?

You should book a flight that arrives in the morning so you don't miss the Minahasa Highland tour program.

Can non-swimmers participate in the snorkeling activity?

Yes, life jackets are provided and the guide will teach non-swimmers how to swim and snorkel safely before going into the water.

Is snorkeling or diving equipment included in the package?

No, gear rental is optional and paid separately (€7 for snorkeling gear; €40 for diving gear).

Are underwater photo documentations included?

Yes, underwater GoPro photography is included in the package during your Bunaken activities.

Is the Day 2 itinerary fixed?

The Day 2 schedule is flexible and depends on ocean tides (specifically to visit the Pasir Timbul sandbar on Nain Island).

Is there an extra fee for international travelers?

Yes, foreign passport holders (WNA) incur an additional surcharge of €7 per person.

Need more inspiration?

Local businesses where this trip goes

Dive centres, tour operators and guides in the places on this trip. Each one has its own page and contacts.

So, ready to start?

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