Kota Kinabalu to Manado

Kota Kinabalu to Manado

AirAsia will launch a new service between Kota Kinabalu, in the Malaysian state of Sabah, and Manado in Sulawesi on September 1st

Indonesia’s Sulawesi is a curious island, to the east of Borneo, that is made up of little more than four peninsulas that meet in the middle. The most northerly part lies west to east with Manado right at its far eastern end. There are a number of beach resorts, especially on Bangka Island off the far northern tip, but the area is best known for diving and snorkeling in its pristine waters. Treks to Gunung Klabat and Gunung Mahawu can also be arranged

The area is also the home of the popular Manado tinutuan, a congee or rice porridge made with sweet potatoes, pumpkin and cassava, with a range of vegetables such as sweet corn and topped with sambal, crispy fried salted fish which is often eaten for breakfast.

Kota Kinabalu is, of course, the jumping-off port for a hike up Mt Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest mountain, and a Unesco World Heritage site. But there are numerous other attractions nearby. One of the best is the North Borneo Railway, a steam train excursion operated by Sutera Harbour Resort, which runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays between Tanjung Aru and Papar.

Steaming Back in Time

If you’re bored with the beaches in Manado try the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Five islands; Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug for people who just can’t get enough diving, snorkeling and chilling out on the beach.

The airline will operate three weekly flights on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays using an Airbus A320. Flight AK1797 will leave Kota Kinabalu at 08.50 and arrive in Manado at 11.00. The return flight AK1798 departs Manado at 11.30 landing back in Kota Kinabalu at 13.35.

Sounds like a fun weekend, or week, whichever way you are travelling.

Photo: North Borneo Railway locomotive on the turntable at Papar

AirAsia Website
Sutera Harbour Resort Website