Chinese tourists made Indonesia’s Manado a big winner – and now the Maluku Islands are looking to follow its economic template
- More than 2 million Chinese tourists visited Indonesia in 2018, and the Southeast Asian nation’s government predicts that figure will increase to 2.6 million this year
- The Maluku Islands, once ravaged by conflict, are now renowned for their breathtaking views of untouched scenery and undiscovered spots for snorkelling and diving
Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, has emerged one of the biggest winners from a boom in Chinese tourism to Indonesia. The number of Chinese visitors to the archipelago has soared in recent years, from 858,000 in 2013 to more than 2 million in 2018, and the Indonesian government has forecast the figure will increase further to 2.6 million this year.
Likewise, Manado’s overall visitor numbers have more than doubled in the past five years. In 2018 about 180,000 were Chinese, many passing through the city, the main gateway to white-sand beaches and coral reefs.
THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Direct flights from Chinese cities to Manado have helped propel this increase, but price is also part of the appeal. Hotels and guest houses are cheaper than in other popular tourist destinations such as Bali. A five-day, four-night Manado package can sell for about 10 million rupiah (US$702) compared with the 14 million rupiah for a similar itinerary in Bali.
Holidaymakers can explore ancient religious sites such as the Ban Hin Kiong temple, Awwal Fathul Mubien mosque and GMIM Sentrum church. The Rurukan mountains and Lake Linow are nearby, as well as the hot springs in North Minahasa, about an hour’s drive from the capital.
Manado is also home to Cap Tikus – which translates as “rat brand” – a popular wine distilled from fermented sugar palm with an alcohol content of more than 40 per cent.
