Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Manado?
Via Singapore

The most direct way to reach Manado is via Singapore. Singapore Airlines is usually the most convenient with connecting flights to Manado using Silk Air, the regional arm of Singapore Airlines, with just a short transit (flights from Singapore to Manado depart at 9.25 in the morning). Although there are daily flights from most major cities into Singapore, the Manado connection is limited to Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Flight time from Singapore to Manado is 3 hours and 20 minutes.

For more up-to-date information regarding baggage allowances etc. please visit the Silkair website.

 

Via Jakarta or Denpasar/Bali

There are daily flights to Jakarta and Bali from most major cities. From there to Manado there are domestic flight options such as Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, Lion Air and several other airlines. Please check with your booking agent about flight details and prices.

Airport transfers
Tasik Ria offers a 24 hour pick-up service with dedicated drivers and greeters with our signboard at USD 20 per person for the round trip Airport – TRR – Airport. This is particularly beneficial when travelling alone or in large groups.

Taxis are readily available at Manado Sam Ratulangi Airport. Bluebird taxis tend to be the best option as they run on meters, but freelance taxis may be negotiable. Expect to pay around IDR 200,000 one-way.

Do I need a Visa to enter Indonesia?
Citizens of most countries can now enter Indonesia on a free 30 day visa which is issued on entry. However if the possibility of extending is required, you must pay 35 USD for an extendable visa, which then requires you to attend the local immigration office (approx. 14 days into your stay). There you will be expected to surrender your passport and travel documents, possibly be interviewed and then charged approx. IDR 500,000 for an extra 30 days (Long trousers and below knee dresses are required when visiting the Immigration office). On all these visas you are NOT permitted to work.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and you must have a valid return ticket. Please make sure that you have one entire blank page for the placement of your visa. If there is no page available you run the risk of being turned away from Indonesia. The immigration officer at the port of entry may ask the passenger to produce any necessary documents (such as hotel reservation and proof of finance).

Overstay visitors incur a penalty on a daily basis.

For any further question on visa requirements please contact the Indonesian Embassy in your country.

Malaria and other health issues
North Sulawesi is deemed a malaria free zone but we recommend you follow the advice of your medical practitioner. Dengue fever is highly unlikely, but found in the more remote outlying jungle regions. Anti-mosquito spray is recommended in the mornings and evenings.

General health care is available and is of a decent standard. We have a doctor who will make house calls for minor ailments (mostly ear infections) at a reasonable fee.

There is also a private hospital in Manado, along with a decompression chamber.

Chemists are plentiful if you need to self-medicate.

Please note if you require opioid medication you must bring a doctors letter stating the treatment: Keep your medication in the prescription bottle, otherwise the possibility of having them confiscated is very high.

RECREATIONAL DRUGS ARE ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN AND CARRY THE DEATH PENALTY IN INDONESIA!

When is the best time to visit Manado?
Manado is an all year round destination, but the most settled season would be between April to October. This is normally be the dry season, with the other months being the rainy season. The temperature rarely changes. We are one degree north of the equator; our climate is therefore tropical.

Due to the sea temperature being fairly even all year round, 3 mm – 5mm wetsuits would be acceptable, but some of our guests also prefer skin suits or even just rash guards and shorts!

Snorkelling is also excellent either off our jetty, or join the boats for Bunaken’s wonderful walls.

Either way we recommend rash vests to protect from the sun and hydroids.

To enter Bunaken National Park each visitor should pay IDR 150.000/visit. That means per stay, so a 1-10 day dive package will incur a fee of IDR 150,000.

Clothing should be light and preferably cotton, the dress code here is informal so tee-shirts and shorts or sarongs etc. are best. Long trousers and formal wear are not necessary, but of course it’s entirely up to the individual. We do request customers wear appropriate clothes for meals in the resort, i.e. NO swimwear, unless in and around the pool.

How to pay for things in North Sulawesi?
USD is the preferred currency in general here, although please be aware they need to be large bills (100/50) new and in mint condition. Any tears, folds or marks and they will be rejected by the banks here. (This seems only to apply in Manado). Pound Sterling and Euro tend to be acceptable at the money changers here.

Once around Manado only IDR is accepted, so if visiting outside the resort you need to have local currency.

Alternatively, payment in the resort can be made by Visa, AMEX or Master credit card, in IDR, converted at the day’s bank exchange rate.

Travelers Cheques are no longer accepted in Manado.

What type of electricity is found in Manado?
At Tasik Ria we have 220V, the sockets are twin round pin. Adaptors are available for a small deposit (refundable upon return). However we DO NOT have converters, so if your appliances are 110v please make arrangements before travelling. Some of our guests travel with many appliances that need charging, i.e. cameras, strobes etc. We suggest packing a small extension lead to allow multi charging.

The electricity supply here in Manado is somewhat unstable, and we are often subject to power failures. Tasik Ria does have in house generators and these will be utilised when needed.

Other things to do in North Sulawesi

We welcome families and non-divers and offer a selection of in house tours, where you can explore the many cultural and natural sights that the region has to offer. Or just do a shopping trip into Manado. Please click here to find out more. Alternatively simply ask at front office here in the resort where the staff will be more than happy to assist.