Top 5 Bars & Entertainment Spots in Bunaken National Park and Manado area

Written by Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Budi Santoso
17/08/2025
Bunaken National Marine Park, Manado, Indonesia
Sakurai Midori, Wikimedia Commons

While Bunaken National Park primarily offers a relaxed, resort-based drinking experience for guests, the nearby city of Manado provides a more diverse nightlife, featuring various local bars and lounges.

Entertainment and Music:

The entertainment landscape in Bunaken National Park is characterized by a relaxed, nature-focused atmosphere, while Manado offers a more dynamic urban nightlife.

On Bunaken Island, evening entertainment is typically low-key, centering on dive resort bars where guests socialize. Some local establishments might offer informal live music . For a more varied experience, Manado city provides a vibrant music scene. Visitors can find live music performances in various bars, restaurants, and hotels . The city also features dedicated music venues, karaoke lounges, and nightclubs, particularly in areas like Boulevard Dr. Sam Ratulangi and around the Mega Mall complex .

1. Resort Bars (Bunaken Island)

Type: Hotel/Resort Bar

On Bunaken Island, drinking venues are typically found within dive resorts and guesthouses, providing a relaxed atmosphere for guests to socialize after a day of exploring the marine park. These bars usually offer a selection of local and international beverages in a comfortable setting, often with ocean views. An example of such a venue is The Village Bunaken, which features an on-site bar.

Getting There: These venues are located within the various resorts on Bunaken Island and are typically within walking distance for guests staying at the respective accommodations. Access to Bunaken Island is usually by public or private boat from Manado.

2. Deco Stop Cafe N Bar

Type: Cafe and Bar

Located in Manado, Deco Stop Cafe N Bar offers a relaxed setting with live music, making it a suitable place to unwind and meet other travelers. It presents a casual atmosphere where visitors can enjoy drinks and conversation.

Getting There: This venue is accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services like Grab from most areas in Manado city. Costs vary depending on distance, but short rides are generally affordable.

3. Cabal

Type: Cafe and Bar

Cabal in Manado is known for its distinct atmosphere, often described as a Cuban or jazz-inspired cafe. It provides draft beer and features live music, offering a more vibrant and engaging experience for those seeking local entertainment.

Getting There: Situated in Manado, Cabal can be reached by taxi or Grab. It is located in an area with other nightlife options, suggesting it's within a relatively central and accessible part of the city.

4. Blu Bar Rooftop Luwansa Hotel

Type: Rooftop Bar

Perched atop the Luwansa Hotel in Manado, this rooftop bar offers an elevated experience with potential city views. It provides a more sophisticated setting for enjoying drinks.

Getting There: Located within the Luwansa Hotel in Manado, this bar is easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services such as Grab from various points in the city. The cost will depend on the starting location.

5. Malalayang Beach (Pantai Malalayang)

Type: Beachside Warungs/Stalls

While not a single bar, Malalayang Beach, located west of Manado, features numerous local warungs (stalls) along the waterfront. These provide a local experience to enjoy sunset views with cold beverages, including beer, and local food.

Getting There: Malalayang Beach is accessible from Manado city center by taxi or Grab. It is a popular local destination, and transport services are readily available.

Check out our other pages on Bunaken National Park and Manado area

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