To Manado by Air:
Travelers can fly directly to Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) from Singapore. Domestic flights are frequently available from major Indonesian cities, including Jakarta and Bali (Denpasar).
Getting There and Away
Manado's primary transport hub is Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC), which serves as the main gateway to the region. Boat transfers to Bunaken National Park primarily depart from Pelabuhan Manado, the city's main harbor.
From Manado Airport to City:
Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals terminal, with metered options like Blue Bird. A taxi ride to the city center typically takes around 17 minutes and costs approximately IDR 100,000–130,000 (around USD 6-8). Private transfer services can also be pre-booked for convenience.
From Manado to Bunaken National Park (by Public Ferry):
Public ferries depart daily, except Sundays, from Pelabuhan Manado (behind the Celebes Hotel). Departures from Manado are generally between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, while return trips from Bunaken are between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. The journey typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, with a one-way ticket costing IDR 50,000 (approximately USD 3).
From Manado to Bunaken National Park (by Private Boat/Hotel Transfer):
Many accommodations in Bunaken offer private boat transfers, some even including airport pick-up, which can be free for longer stays. Private boats can also be chartered from Manado Harbor, with prices starting from around IDR 500,000 per boat, offering flexible departure times and a travel duration of about 45 minutes. No night services operate to or from Bunaken, so late arrivals in Manado require an overnight stay in the city.
