TRAVEL REPORT by Tanja Meier

2 years ago i passed through Manado on my way from PNG to the Philippines.I had no idea how many things there are to do and see in North Sulawesi untilI met Monal. In his brand new tourist office down the street he showed me pictures and told me about several destinations and tour options. The next day Monal and I were off to Tangkoko National park. We caught several buses, stopped to see the Sawangan grave yard with its waruga (stone tombs). Very interesting! After an adventurous ride on the back of a 4WD, we arrived in Batu Putih village where we were staying with a local family for the night. Just before sunset we left into the jungle to find and see the tiny little Tarsius monkeys. We waited in front of their huge ‘home’-tree until they came out of the nest to hunt their dinner. Just spectacular!On the way back to our lodge it started to rain, but no problem, a huge palm leaf served us as an umbrella.Very early the next morning we trekked into the jungle again to observe the waking up of a group of Macaca nigra. The park ranger knew exactly where to find them, so we were waiting under their sleeping trees. Suddenly you could hear the noise of cracking branches, you could see the leafs trembling and the first monkeys came climbing down the trees. They were very curious, came very close to sniff and see if we had some bananas. But after finding out that we didn’t give them any food the took of to look forbreakfast. It was absolutely amazing to see wild monkeys so close!!!The day after we travelled by scooter. On the way to Tomohon we stopped at the Tasikoki animal rescue centre funded by the Gibbon Foundation. They keep over 180 primates, covering 21 species; the vast majority of them had been confiscated from the illegal trade in wild animals that is rampant there. They had two very cute baby orang utans.At Tomohon we stayed at Onongs Palace. A beautiful resort with a spectacular view on Mt.Lokon. Spacious, comfortable cottages and very friendly staff make it very easy to spend lots of time there. Next morning Monal and I were off to the local markets where I could see all the delicious fresh fruit, vegetables, bats and dogs. Mmhhhh… (There is no party without eating dog in the Minahasa highland area). Next stop was the Crater lake ‘Linow’. A sulphurous lake with very unusual colors. In the afternoon we made or way to the Mahawu volcano crater. Because of the rainy season the treks were very mudy, our feet got stuck a couple of times, but it was well worth it.Next day we visited lake Tondano where a delicious lunch was served at a local restaurant. Fresh fish and many traditional dishes, very yummy.After lunch we went to admire the view of terraced vegetables garden around Rurukan village then we drove back to Manado. After these wonderful, adventurous days I went to Bunaken island to relax at the ‘living colours’ resort. The Bunaken Marine National Park offers hundreds of amazing divespots, it’s just fantastic!!!