3 Days 2 Nights in Manado: The Ultimate Guide & Itinerary

Looking for the ultimate getaway? Enjoying 3 days 2 nights in Manado offers the ideal mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. Nestled in North Sulawesi, Manado is a hidden gem known for its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in this tropical paradise. Let’s dive into the highlights of your unforgettable Manado experience!

Also Read: 9 Rekomendasi Tempat Beli Oleh-Oleh di Manado, Awas Kalap!

3 Days 2 Nights in Manado: Day One

RM Es Miangas

Kick off your adventure in Manado with a stop at RM Es Miangas, just a quick 10-minute ride (around 2 km) from the city center. This iconic small dining, standing tall since the 1970s, is more than just a spot to quench your thirst—it’s a must-visit culinary gem. Conveniently located near Miangas Bridge, a landmark connecting Jalan Sudirman and Jalan R.E Martadinata, this spot is easy to find and worth the detour.

Here, you can indulge in their famous Es Brenebon (red bean ice), loved by locals and visitors alike. Feeling adventurous? Add some durian for an extra kick! You’ll also find other treats like mixed ice desserts, fresh rujak, and traditional Manado cakes such as Balapis, Lalampa, and Apang Coe—all at wallet-friendly prices starting from just Rp10,000. No wonder this place is always buzzing with locals and travelers alike.

So, why wait? Dive into the legendary refreshment of RM Es Miangas and sweeten the start of your Manado journey!

Soto Rusuk Ko Petrus

After cooling off with a refreshing treat at RM Es Miangas, just a quick 3 km ride (around 10 minutes) away, you can stop by Soto Rusuk Ko Petrus—one of Manado’s favorite foodie spots. Nestled in the Megamas area, this place serves up irresistible bowls of pork rib soto with an authentic, mouthwatering flavor. Just a heads-up: the menu here is non-halal!

Get ready to be treated to a rich, flavorful pork broth infused with aromatic spices that warm your soul with every spoonful. The pork ribs are so tender, they practically fall off the bone! Besides their signature soto, you can also dig into other crowd-pleasers like grilled pork ribs with perfectly marinated seasoning, pork rib noodles, or crispy pork tore.

To top it all off, the beach views in this area make your lunch break extra special. And the best part? Prices start from just Rp10,000, giving you a delicious feast without breaking the bank. Open from morning till midnight, this spot is perfect for refueling after a long journey to Manado. Ready to savor this legendary delight?

Malalayang Beach

A quick 10-minute drive (3 km) from Soto Rusuk Ko Petrus will take you to Malalayang Beach, the perfect spot to unwind! With its serene vibe, rows of swaying coconut trees, and stunning views of the blue Sulawesi Sea, this beach offers a relaxing escape where you can soak up the sea breeze.

Here, you can enjoy chill activities like playing in the sand, swimming, or simply sitting back and taking in the peaceful surroundings. Don’t miss the chance to try some delicious, budget-friendly Manado dishes at the beachside food stalls. And guess what? This beach is famous for its breathtaking sunsets!

The entry fee is super affordable—just Rp5,000 per person. So, if you’re looking for a scenic getaway close to the city to recharge, make sure Malalayang Beach is on your itinerary!

Bunaken National Park

Continue your journey with a quick 20-minute boat ride from Malalayang Beach to Bunaken National Park as your next adventure spot! This stunning marine park encompasses five main islands: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Naen, Mantehage, and Siladen, each boasting unique attractions and diving spots with their charm. With over 20 dive sites, it’s no wonder Bunaken is a favorite destination for snorkelers and divers from around the globe!

On Bunaken Island, you’ll find 12 popular dive sites like Lekukan 1 and 2, Mandolin, and Bunaken Timur, perfect for everyone from beginners to seasoned divers. Over on Manado Tua Island, you can dive at sites like Tanjung Kopi while soaking in breathtaking views of the majestic Manado Tua Volcano.

If you’re after a one-of-a-kind experience, Naen Island offers picturesque sandbars and relaxed diving at the Batu Kapal spot.

Choose your dive site based on your skill level and schedule. Short on time? Bunaken and Siladen are perfect for a day trip. But if you want a deeper exploration, don’t miss the chance to visit all the islands. The waters here are famous for their vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life—an underwater paradise waiting to be explored!

Also Read: 9 Rumah Makan Seafood di Manado, Rasanya Menggoyang Lidah!

3 Days 2 Nights in Manado: Day Two

Megamas District

Start your second day in Manado with a trip to one of its modern gems, the Megamas District! Just a quick 10-minute drive from downtown Manado, this must-visit destination offers a vibrant mix of city vibes and stunning coastal views.

The district is packed with exciting activities—take a stroll along the waterfront, indulge in delicious food, or shop to your heart’s content at Mega Mall or Mega Trade Center. Spanning 37 hectares of reclaimed land, Megamas isn’t just a hub for entertainment and business; it also boasts a prime location with breathtaking views of Bunaken Island and Manado Tua in the distance.

For foodies, Megamas serves up a tantalizing variety of dining options, from local street food to international cuisine. If you’re Muslim, take note that some menus might not be halal, so choose accordingly. While you dine, enjoy the picturesque sea views—the perfect backdrop for unwinding or spending quality time with family and friends!

Also Read: Menengok Patung Yesus Manado: Salah Satu Monumen Rohani Ikonis Tertinggi di Indonesia!

Bersehati Traditional Market

Pasar Bersehati is your next stop if you’re craving the vibe of a traditional Manado market. Located just a 10-minute drive from Megamas District, you can shop for souvenirs, from fresh ingredients to unique handmade crafts. Don’t miss out on trying local delicacies like tinutuan, mie cakalang, and crispy fried bananas while taking in the beautiful view of Manado Bay and the iconic Soekarno Bridge.

This market has also transformed with a spacious garden area and ample parking for your convenience. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it a delightful experience for locals and tourists. It’s the perfect place to stop by before heading off to your next adventure!

Tuhan Yesus Memberkati Monument

Continue your adventure on day two with a 15-minute drive from Pasar Bersehati to the iconic Patung Yesus Memberkati. Standing tall atop the Citraland hills, this majestic statue isn’t just a religious symbol but a true pride for the people of Manado. At 50 meters high, it’s one of the tallest Jesus statues in Southeast Asia! With its arms wide open, facing the city of Manado, the statue represents love and blessings for all who visit.

From above, you can enjoy stunning views of the city, Bunaken Island, and the magnificent Mount Klabat. Beyond being a spiritual destination, this spot is perfect for relaxing and snapping photos with the iconic statue in the background. And the best part? It’s free to enter, so there’s no excuse to miss out on this amazing spot during your visit to Manado!

Paragliding at Tumpa Mount

Just about a 30-minute drive from the Patung Yesus Memberkati, you’ll find Mount Tumpa, an unforgettable spot for adrenaline junkies! Standing at 750 meters above sea level, this place is one of the best paragliding spots in Indonesia. Soar through the air and take in the breathtaking views of Manado City, Manado Bay, and the stunning Bunaken and Manado Tua Islands.

No need to worry about safety, as the paragliding area meets international standards from the Indonesian Aero Sport Federation (FASI) and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).

Not quite ready for paragliding? No problem! Mount Tumpa still offers plenty of other thrilling experiences. The paved road to the top makes it easy to reach, even by motorcycle or car. Once you’re up there, you’ll be greeted by a stunning view of Manado Bay and the cool mountain air.

Plus, this area is home to unique Sulawesi flora and fauna, like tarsiers and coconut trees, adding even more charm to the place. So, make sure Mount Tumpa is on your must-visit list when you’re in Manado!

Rica Bakar Komo

After an exciting adventure at Tumpa Mount, just a 20-minute drive away, why not stop by Rica Bakar Komo, a local favorite in Manado? Located in the heart of Komo Luar, Tikala, this place is known for its mouthwatering fresh grilled fish, seasoned with Manado’s signature rica spices.

You can pick from a variety of fresh catches like tude, tuna, snapper, or even squid, all grilled to perfection and served with rice, sautéed water spinach, and the iconic dabu-dabu sauce for an unforgettable meal!

And if you’re not in the mood for fish, don’t worry – they’ve got delicious grilled chicken and other tasty dishes too. With prices starting at just Rp25,000 per set, Rica Bakar Komo offers something for everyone.

Open daily from morning until 2 AM, it’s perfect for a casual lunch or a late-night bite. The crispy fish, fresh dabu-dabu, and lively atmosphere will make your Manado food experience one to remember!

3 Days 2 Nights in Manado: Day Three

Bukit Kasih Kanonang

After enjoying a delicious meal at Rica Bakar Komo, you can continue your journey to Bukit Kasih Kanonang, just a 40-minute drive away. Located in Kanonang Village, Kawangkoan District, Bukit Kasih offers a unique experience with places of worship from five different religions standing proudly at the top of the hill.

To reach the summit, you’ll need to climb thousands of stairs, but the effort is worth it with breathtaking views and a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere! Entrance is quite affordable, at only around Rp10,000, and you can admire the stunning 20-meter tall monument featuring a globe and dove statues as symbols of peace.

Bukit Kasih is also a perfect spot for some aesthetic photo ops, with its tranquil vibe and picturesque ponds scattered around the area. Open every day, it’s the ideal place to visit for those craving some peace and serenity!

Tondano Lake

Just a 30-minute drive from Bukit Kasih Kanonang, you’ll find the stunning Bukit Tondano, offering a direct view of Lake Tondano, the largest lake in North Sulawesi. This hill provides expansive green views with the cool, refreshing air of the highlands.

From above, you can enjoy the sight of the majestic Mount Kaweng, fishermen’s boats on the lake, and even a small island in the middle. Don’t forget to try the fresh grilled fish at the lakeside restaurants – it’s a real treat!

To enjoy the beauty of Bukit Tondano, you only need to pay an entry fee of around Rp10,000. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed picnic or simply unwinding while soaking in the tranquil natural scenery. Bukit Tondano is open daily, so you can visit anytime and recharge in this serene and lush environment. It’s the ideal spot for a weekend getaway!

Pemandangan Baru Restaurant

While you’re exploring the Tondano Lake area, make sure to stop by Pemandangan Baru Restaurant! Located in the Maesa Unima area, this spot is loved among tourists for its cozy and relaxing vibe. The menu is packed with fresh seafood, including grilled baronang fish, woku snapper, sweet and sour squid, and crispy fried shrimp.

For just around Rp100,000 per person, you can indulge in these delicious dishes while soaking in the breathtaking view of Tondano Lake.

The restaurant is open every day except Sunday mornings, with operating hours from 10 AM to 8 PM Monday to Saturday, and 12 PM to 8 PM on Sundays. It’s the perfect place to recharge with a tasty meal and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings!

Also Read: 5 Rekomendasi Wisata Danau di Manado, Cocok untuk Healing!

Here’s your complete 3-day, 2-night guide to exploring the beauty of Manado! This itinerary is crafted just for you to make the most of a short getaway. From stunning nature spots and delicious local dishes to rich cultural experiences, everything’s covered to ensure an unforgettable trip.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to explore Manado with a fresh sense of adventure!

Discover Manado and Enjoy a Cozy Stay at Bobocabin Bunaken Hills!

Complete your adventure in Manado with a stay at Bobocabin Bunaken Hills, where modern comfort meets stunning natural beauty!

Bobocabin offers a smart cabin concept, equipped with features like a smart window for enjoying the view right from your bed, a mood lamp to match your vibe, and customizable sound ambiance via the B-Pad. When else can you experience such a personalized and futuristic stay surrounded by nature?

Looking for something extra special? Opt for a cabin with an outdoor hot tub, where you can unwind while soaking in breathtaking sea views. Plus, Bobocabin Bunaken Hills has communal spaces, a fire pit, and even BBQ packages, perfect for fun moments with friends or family!

Perched on a hilltop with a direct view of the sea, Bobocabin Bunaken Hills is the perfect escape to recharge. Come, and enjoy a unique and indulgent stay at Bobocabin Bunaken Hills. Book your cabin here and make your Manado vacation unforgettable!

 

Writer: Ratna Asih

Featured photo: Bobobox Internal Asset