When Alfred Russel Wallace, that paragon of English endeavour and observation, toured through this region in the 1850s, he noted that, “To the west and south of Manado the country is mountainous, with groups of fine volcanic peaks 6,000 or 7,000 feet high, forming grand and picturesque backgrounds to the landscape.”
Those fine volcanic peaks that he talked of are part of the Minahasa Highlands, a truly magificent mountainous area inland from Manado. Apart from its volcanoes a trip through Minahasa will also take you to intriguing prehistoric above-ground burial sites, hot springs, the scenic Tondano Lake, the coloured Linow Lake and breathtaking panoramas of lush mountains, coffee and coconut plantations, orchid gardens and terraced hillsides. Add to it the fun-loving and extroverted Minahasa people who live in neat wood frame houses, with fences and flower gardens, giving Manado a European feel, and you are up for a unique adventure.
Also be sure to visit Tangkoko National Park, home to birds and other wildlife unique to Sulawesi, such as the Tarsier, one of the smallest known primates, Cuscus, a marsupial, the amazing Hornbill and many more.
