You will tender into a small town on a serene harbor surrounded by verdant hills. Colorful reefs and wildlife-filled jungles await on cruises to Bitung, North Sulawesi. Take your picture by Bitung’s landmarks: a mini-Eiffel Tower and the Cakalang Statue. Snorkelers and divers should explore the Lembeh Strait, an underwater wonderland teeming with sea creatures of all sizes and shapes, from miniature seahorses to massive barracudas.
Nature lovers can also take guided wildlife treks through vast jungles. In Tangkoko National Reserve, swoon over the big-eyed cuteness of tarsiers, the world’s smallest primate; marvel at crested black macaques, and spot bright toucans in the tree canopies.
If you want to experience local culture, Manado, the provincial capital, is about 40 minutes away from Bitung. Pop into oceanfront dining spots and trendy watering holes. Indonesian cuisine is a symphony of rice, fresh seafood, spicy curries, and sweet coconut desserts. View the Tunan Waterfall, a picturesque chute that flows into a natural canyon.
