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Logistics · Destination Guide

Bunaken and Manado (North Sulawesi)

Bunaken walls by day, volcano lakes and wildlife treks by dawn

Updated Dec 13, 2025 • 13 sources

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Logistics

Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.

Quick Facts

  • Primary airport: Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC)
  • Typical transfer: 15 km drive
  • Entry requirement: Indonesia entry rules can change, so confirm requirements based on your passport before booking flights.
  • Getting around: Manado: For divers, the easiest option is a prearranged car and driver through your resort or dive operator.

Getting There

Most visitors fly into Manado and then transfer by boat to Bunaken or nearby islands.

Typical routing patterns:

  • International: connect via major hubs (often Jakarta or Singapore) and continue to Manado (MDC).
  • Domestic: frequent links from major Indonesian cities.

From Manado to Bunaken:

  • Many resorts and dive operators run scheduled speedboats.
  • Public boats exist, but schedules can vary and are less convenient with dive gear.

Airports

1

Sam Ratulangi International Airport

MDC • WAMM

15 km • 15 km drive

Manado's main airport and the practical gateway for Bunaken and North Sulawesi. Airlines and direct routes can change seasonally, but the airport supports domestic connections plus select international links.

Transport: Pre-booked resort pickup, Taxi from the airport queue, Ride-hailing when available

Getting Around

Manado:

  • For divers, the easiest option is a pre-arranged car and driver through your resort or dive operator.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing can work for short city trips.

Bunaken and small islands:

  • Local movement is mostly on foot, with occasional scooter rentals or local boat shuttles depending on where you stay.

Day trips:

  • Tangkoko and Minahasa highlands are easiest with a private driver, especially for pre-dawn starts.

Entry Requirements

Indonesia entry rules can change, so confirm requirements based on your passport before booking flights.

Common planning checklist:

  • Passport with at least 6 months validity.
  • Return or onward ticket.
  • Visa policy (visa-free, VOA, or e-VOA depending on nationality).
  • Complete any required customs or health declarations if in force at the time of travel.

Use official Indonesian immigration resources and your airline for the latest guidance.

Gear Logistics Checklist

Dive gear logistics:

  • Pack regulators, computers, and cameras in carry-on where possible.
  • Bring a dry bag for boat transfers and a light rain cover in wetter months.
  • Most Manado and island dive resorts offer rental gear, tanks, and weights, but confirm sizing and availability if you need specific items.
  • If you are carrying camera or freedive fins, confirm airline baggage policies in advance.

Practicalities

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Cash is still important on Bunaken and for small warungs and local boat services, while cards are more common in Manado hotels and many dive resorts.

ATMs are common in Manado. On smaller islands, availability can be limited, so withdraw what you need before transferring out.

Electricity

230V • 50Hz • C, F

Most accommodations use European-style two-pin sockets. Bring an adapter if you come from regions that use flat-pin plugs, and use a surge-protected power strip for camera charging.

Communications

Connectivity:

  • Manado has reliable mobile coverage and data service in most city areas.
  • On Bunaken and smaller islands, signal quality can vary by resort location and weather.
  • If you rely on remote work, confirm Wi-Fi speed with your accommodation and consider a local SIM as backup.

Language

Language:

  • Bahasa Indonesia is the national language.
  • Manado Malay and local Minahasa languages are common in daily life.
  • English is widely used in dive operations and many resorts, but basic Indonesian phrases help with markets and local transport.

Insurance

Insurance:

  • Carry dive accident insurance (DAN or equivalent) if you plan to dive or freedive.
  • Also carry standard travel medical coverage that includes evacuation, as inter-island logistics can be complex.
  • Keep your policy number and the emergency hotline saved offline on your phone.

Packing list

Packing notes for Bunaken and Manado:

  • Exposure: 3mm suit is common; bring a rashguard for sun and extra warmth on repetitive dives.
  • Safety: SMB, whistle, and a small torch for shade and crevice checks.
  • Sun: hat, polarized sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Boats: dry bag, sandals with grip, and a light rain layer in wetter months.
  • Cameras: rinse kit, spare O-rings, and a power strip for charging stations.