Getting There & Away: Manado

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) is the main gateway to Manado and North Sulawesi. This airport handles most commercial flights to and from the region. It is approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) northeast of Manado city center.

Flight Options

Domestic Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Citilink, Batik Air. Connecting Manado to Jakarta (CGK), Denpasar (DPS) in Bali, Makassar (UPG).
International Airlines: Direct international flights to Manado are currently limited. Check current schedules.
Seasonal availability: Prices often increase during Indonesian public holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, New Year) and peak dry season (July-August).

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Sam Ratulangi International Airport has basic facilities and services. You find ATMs, currency exchange, shops, and food stalls. Wi-Fi is available.

Transfer Options

Taxi: Official airport taxis are available. Agree on fare or use meter. Cost to city: IDR 70,000-100,000.
Ride-sharing: Gojek and Grab are available. Meet drivers at designated pick-up points.
Hotel Shuttle: Many hotels and dive resorts offer transfers (fee or included in package).

Affiliate Flight Resources

Dollar Flight Club for flight deals. Skyscanner for flight comparisons.

Car Rental Resources

Find car rentals at DiscoverCars.com.

Bunaken Transfer Tip

Coordinate airport transfer with your chosen dive resort for Bunaken Island. They often arrange a pick-up and boat transfer.

Land Transportation

Bus Options

Buses connect Manado to other North Sulawesi cities (Tomohon, Bitung, Kotamobagu).
Long-distance buses travel further south, for example, to Gorontalo. Journeys can be long and slow.
Terminals are usually on the outskirts of Manado, requiring local transport to reach.
Bus services are generally basic, a cheaper option for inter-city travel.

Self-Driving & Road Safety

International Driving Permit (IDP) with valid national driver's license is legally required.
Driving in Manado can be challenging: aggressive drivers, weaving motorcycles, unpredictable pedestrians/animals.
Roads outside major cities can be winding and mountainous. Poor lighting makes night driving risky.
Use reputable rental companies and ensure the vehicle is in good condition.

Renting a Car with a Driver

Stress-Free Travel

Hiring a car with a driver eliminates the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads and traffic conditions.

Relax and Enjoy

This option allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery during day trips outside Manado city.

Local Insight

Drivers often function as informal guides, offering local insights.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Manado's Port of Manado (Pelabuhan Manado) has a hub for inter-island ferries. These ferries connect Manado to other islands within North Sulawesi, like the Sangihe and Talaud islands to the north.

Inter-Island Connections

Services sometimes extend to other parts of Eastern Indonesia, for instance, to Ternate in North Maluku.
Ferry schedules can be infrequent and are often subject to change based on weather conditions.
Always check local listings upon arrival or ask your accommodation for current information.

Cruise Ports and Procedures

Manado occasionally receives cruise ships. These ships typically dock at the main port or anchor offshore in Manado Bay, with passengers tendered to shore. Cruise ship arrivals bring temporary surges in tourism to the city.

Arrivals and Transfers

If you arrive by an international cruise ship, standard immigration procedures will apply. Cruise ship staff usually guide passengers.
Upon arrival at Pelabuhan Manado, taxis and ride-sharing services (Gojek, Grab) are available to your accommodation.
River transportation is not relevant for Manado.

Ferry Packing Tip

If considering inter-island ferry travel, pack light and be prepared for potentially basic conditions and flexible schedules.

Departure Time Check

Confirm ferry departure times at the port well in advance.

Journey Flexibility

Such preparedness helps for a smoother and more comfortable journey.

Departure Information

Exit Fees and Timing

International departure tax is typically included in your airline ticket price when flying out of Indonesia. Verify this with your airline or travel agent when booking to confirm all taxes are covered. This avoids unexpected fees at the airport.

Departure Timing

Domestic flights: Arrive at Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) 1.5 to 2 hours before scheduled departure.
International flights: Arrive 2 to 3 hours before scheduled flight. This allows extra time for potential queues.
Online check-in: Check in online with your airline when possible to save time.

Airport Facilities

Sam Ratulangi International Airport has several facilities for departing passengers. You find duty-free shops for souvenirs or international goods. A few eateries offer snacks and meals before your flight. Lounges are also available.

Security and Comfort

Security checks: Standard security checks are in place. Be ready to remove electronics and liquids from bags.
Duty-free shops: Purchase local souvenirs or international goods.
Eateries: Snacks and meals before your flight.

Departure Checklist

Flight Status

Reconfirm your flight status (departure time, gate) with your airline 24 hours before departure.

Stay Informed

This action keeps you informed of any last-minute changes.

Smooth Departure

The overall process becomes smoother for your trip.

Final Departure Check

Such preparation makes your departure experience more pleasant.

Getting There & Away