Up the hill east of town is the colourful, chaotic, anything-goes traditional market you've probably heard stories about – and those stories are true. Things are most lively in the morning. Vegetarians and those not keen to learn animal anatomy should avoid.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
18.3 MILES
About 9km southwest of Bitung, Tasikoki is an entirely volunteer-run organisation that rescues and cares for animals confiscated from smugglers. The aim…
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10.48 MILES
Not just another roadside attraction, this complex is home to Minahasa houses, a history museum, a celebration of owls (the Minahasa Regency mascot), a…
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20.73 MILES
Suffering from erosion and rising sea levels, the beach at Liang has become a svelte, though pleasant, strip of white sand. At low tide, there's still…
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19.74 MILES
Forming much of the east coast of Pulau Bunaken, Pantai Pangalisang is a long stretch of walkable soft white sand tucked between a thick wall of mangroves…
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21.16 MILES
Located 3km east of Pulau Bunaken and the smallest island of the archipelago, Siladen boasts wonderful white-sand beaches and a wall of gorgeous corals…
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1.46 MILES
Minahasans traditionally interred their dead in a squatting position in waruga stone sarcophagi shaped like houses sitting above ground right near their…
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11.53 MILES
The 19th-century Kienteng Ban Hian Kong is the oldest Buddhist temple in eastern Indonesia and it has been beautifully restored. The temple hosts a…
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4.13 MILES
Danau Linau is a small, highly sulphurous lake that changes colours with the light, and is home to extensive birdlife. Take a mikrolet to Sonder, get off…
Nearby North Sulawesi attractions
1. Woloan Wooden House Builders
1.44 MILES
Here master craftsman build stunning Minahasa-style wooden homes to be disassembled and shipped to their new owners.
1.46 MILES
Minahasans traditionally interred their dead in a squatting position in waruga stone sarcophagi shaped like houses sitting above ground right near their…
4.13 MILES
Danau Linau is a small, highly sulphurous lake that changes colours with the light, and is home to extensive birdlife. Take a mikrolet to Sonder, get off…
10.48 MILES
Not just another roadside attraction, this complex is home to Minahasa houses, a history museum, a celebration of owls (the Minahasa Regency mascot), a…
5. Public Museum of North Sulawesi
11.12 MILES
This museum features a large display of traditional costumes, and an exhibit illustrating traditional pottery-making. There are captions in English.
11.53 MILES
The 19th-century Kienteng Ban Hian Kong is the oldest Buddhist temple in eastern Indonesia and it has been beautifully restored. The temple hosts a…
18.3 MILES
About 9km southwest of Bitung, Tasikoki is an entirely volunteer-run organisation that rescues and cares for animals confiscated from smugglers. The aim…
19.74 MILES
Forming much of the east coast of Pulau Bunaken, Pantai Pangalisang is a long stretch of walkable soft white sand tucked between a thick wall of mangroves…