For many travellers, North Sulawesi starts underwater. Bunaken’s coral walls, colourful fish and clear waters have long made the province a favourite among divers, but the story continues once the boat heads back to shore. Minahasan food, traditional dances, local markets, forested highlands and long stretches of coastline offer a closer look at the region.
Likupang is an intriguing place to have on the radar. The coastal area in North Sulawesi’s Paputungan is one of Indonesia’s Super Priority Tourism Destinations, and it will soon be home to Manado Marriott Resort & Spa, scheduled to open in Q4 2026. The property will introduce Marriott Hotels to North Sulawesi as the province’s first internationally branded beachfront resort. Located about an hour from Sam Ratulangi International Airport and 50 kilometres from Manado, the resort also makes a coastal stay easy to combine with time in the city and trips around the province.
What to do once there? For starters, head out onto the water. North Sulawesi sits within the Coral Triangle, and Bunaken National Marine Park remains one of the region’s big draws. Diving and snorkelling reveal coral gardens, dramatic walls that descend as far as 50 metres and marine life ranging from green sea turtles to hundreds of tropical fish species. Sunrise boat trips and visits to the quieter beaches around Likupang can fill out the days without requiring a packed schedule.
Back on land, Minahasan culture gives the trip another dimension. The Kabasaran warrior dance, generations-old craftsmanship, bustling markets and local dishes shaped by centuries of spice-trade history offer another side of North Sulawesi to explore. Those influences will also appear at the resort through locally inspired dining and curated cultural experiences.
“North Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s most remarkable yet underexplored destinations, where extraordinary marine experiences are complemented by a rich cultural heritage and genuine local hospitality,” said Oriol Marquez, General Manager of Manado Marriott Resort & Spa. “As we prepare to welcome our guests, we look forward to introducing travelers to the destination through experiences that celebrate the beauty of Likupang, the traditions of the Minahasan people, and the exceptional service that Marriott Hotels’ brand is known for.”
The resort itself will have 344 guestrooms, suites and private villas, with several dining venues, wellness experiences, extensive meeting and event facilities and direct access to Likupang’s coastline. Its modern coastal interiors will use natural textures alongside expansive ocean views, keeping the surrounding landscape close even when guests are back at the property.
Still, the most interesting part may be what lies outside the resort gates. Likupang brings beaches, reefs, local culture and North Sulawesi’s wider landscapes into the itinerary, giving travellers good reason to spend a day exploring before returning to the coast.
When Manado Marriott Resort & Spa opens later this year, Likupang will have a new base for exploring North Sulawesi. For travellers yet to make the trip, the coast is a good place to begin.
For the latest updates and a first glimpse of what’s to come, follow @manadomarriott on Instagram
Manado Marriott Resort & Spa
Paputungan, West Likupang,
Manado
manadomarriott.com
