Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 04/2016 | Page 44

EAT, SLEEP, DIVE, REPEAT MUST-DO'S HIGHLAND TOUR FULL DAY A full-day tour that takes you up into the highlands where the weather is comfortably cooler. First stop is the village of Woloan, where Minahasan houses are built. These unique wooden houses, which you can wander round, are made from local hardwood using traditional methods that allows them to be easily disassembled, shipped and then reassembled – literally offthe-shelf houses. From here head north to the Tomohon traditional food and flower market overflowing with local spices, fruits, vegetables and meats. A brief word of warning: Some of the meat is traditionally eaten in this area but may be upsetting to some visitors. It is easy to avoid the meat section; just ask your guide. Next stop is the largest freshwater lake in North Sulawesi: Tondano Lake. This picturesque lake is 600 metres above sea level and surrounded by mountains. Eat lunch in one of the floating restaurants that serve local style grilled freshwater fish from the lake. Then visit Pulutan Village for traditional pottery works produced from clay. Last stop is Lake Linow, a small and beautiful bubbling sulphur lake which changes colour from green to blue and sometimes red. There is a nice coffee shop by the lakeside which is perfect for a drink and snack before heading back down to Bitung. 05 A zebra crab with eggs in a fire urchin SDOP 42 TOP DIVE RESORTS Lembeh Resort is nestled away in a private cove with a wealth of exotic flora and fauna in a central part of Lembeh Island. The secluded location ensures a quiet and tranquil experience, while the warm-hearted team offer service with a smile to make certain that your experience of Lembeh is memorable. The cottages are charming, spacious and comfortable with a wealth of modern amenities. www.lembehresort.com YOS Dive Lembeh Eco Resort is unique in that it offers a completely personalised experience and excellent hospitality. Its a 10-room, beachfront resort. All the rooms are close to the main dining area, with a stunning view of the Lembeh Strait. The beautifully designed rooms are spacious, but still have room for three working tables. They are designed to accommodate photographers, with a long table complete with several power sockets. www.yosdivelembeh.com 04 An iconic hairy frogfish on the black Lembeh sand Dive into Lembeh is a lovely new resort at the northern end of the Strait, offering unspoiled views of Lembeh Island. Each of the sea-view private bungalows has its own Japanese tub on the veranda. There’s a spacious camera room, fire pit, lovely pool looking over the black sand beach, and a spa. It sits on the famous dive site “Hairball” as its house reef. All the rooms are equipped with TV, air conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar, safe and a five gallon water dispenser for hot and cold water. www.diveintolembeh.com 05 LAND TOURS OPERATOR SAFARI TOURS & TRAVEL www.manadosafaris.com