We bracket Bitung and Manado together because Manado is the provincial capital, where the main town and airport are located, whereas Bitung on the opposite (eastern) coast is the main port and anchorage. Public transport is available between the two centres and takes one hour and 15 minutes.
Manado is a well-serviced and friendly place with more than its share of good hotels and restaurants. Directly adjacent is Budikan Island, famous for its historic milestone efforts at ecosystem preservation and regeneration on its coral reefs. As such, the area remains a very popular diving destination.
Manado has a predominantly Christian population and boasts the only active Jewish synagogue in Indonesia.
