Manado
The Christ Blessing statue soars above North Sulawesi's amicable capital, blessed with panoramic volcanoes, rainforests, and a prime diving destination in Bunaken National Park. Like the Malay creole spoken here, the city blends ethnic and colonial influences into its cuisine, doused in spicy sauces of woku and dabu-dabu. From smoked fish and yellow rice in street restaurants to banana fritters along Malalayang Beach, Manado sets your soul and tastebuds alight.