Manado

Manado – The city surrounded by green and blue lines

A look at a map shows North Sulawesi provincial capital of Manado located at the northern tip of Sulawesi Island. This strategic location has bestowed the 458,582 dwellers living within the city's 157.20 square kilometers of territory some 18 kilometers worth of gorgeous shorelines to enjoy to the north, while the south contains green hills and mountains. This natural beauty has made Manado a popular MICE destination venue for international conventions and exhibitions.

The city's religious makeup is another noteworthy aspect of its identity, being a predominantly Christian population, with over 60 percent of all residents being Christians, and Muslims making up a 30 percent minority. Christianity is so widespread that it has even earned a nickname of being "The City of a Thousand Churches". In addition to its Christians and Muslims, Manado also has Buddhists, Hindus, Confucians and even Jews, all living together in harmony, making it a nationwide symbol of pluralism and tolerance. As its very own city slogan proudly says, "Torang Samua Basudara" ("We Are All Family").

Throughout Manado, you can find plenty of echoes of its diverse history, as is evidenced by Ban Hin Kong, an old Chinese temple built during the Qing Dynasty era, or by its 50-meter-tall Jesus Blesses You Statue. Natural destinations (aside from its many beaches) include Bukit Kasih, a 2,435 stair hill climb that provides panoramic views of nature once you reach the top. The Tangkoko Nature Reserve is where you can find tarsier and macaque primates.

Manado has managed to perform well economically in recent years after the pandemic, staying in the five percent range (5.15 percent in 2021, 5.64 percent in 2022 and 5.52 percent in 2023). Its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) at current prices in 2023 was Rp 48,555 billion, with the biggest contributors being the transportation and storage industry (at Rp 10,301 billion or 21.22 percent), the wholesale and retail industry (at Rp 9,577 billion or 19.68 percent), and the construction industry (at Rp 4,519 billion or 9.31 percent).