Manado, Provincial capital in North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Manado sits on the bay that shares its name, at the base of Klabat, where coastal strips and hillside neighborhoods spread across the landscape. The city extends along the waterfront and reaches into the forested slopes that rise behind it.
The Dutch East India Company built Fort Amsterdam here in 1658 and turned the site into a trading hub for coffee, nutmeg, and ebony. The fort shaped the development of the settlement and linked it to regional trade routes.
The language spoken here takes its name from the city and mixes Malay roots with influences from Minahasa dialects. Visitors hear this blend in markets and streets, where vendors and passersby exchange quick, lively phrases.
Sam Ratulangi airport sits outside the city and connects it to other Indonesian destinations, while small minibuses travel through the streets and bring passengers to different neighborhoods. Visitors find lodging along the coast and in central areas, where shops and restaurants gather.
The water offshore in Bunaken National Park holds nearly 400 coral species and draws divers from many countries. The reefs lie just a short boat ride from shore and show a range of colors and shapes.
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