In-Water
Protection
Not too much thermal
protection is required, however we suggest
a 3mm or 5mm one-piece (or dive-skin for
those who don't get easily chilled) - make
sure it's full arms and legs, to protect
against any stinging hydroids.
Land Clothing
It's normally
shorts and T-shirt by day (even if it rains,
because it's warm tropical rains) and at
night in town the dress code is casual, nothing
more than light trousers or jeans and a golf
shirt is required. There is no need whatsoever
for a sweatshirt.
What is your advice on
malaria?
Manado is tropical
and so malaria cannot be discounted. We suggest
you follow your doctor's advice regarding
malaria tablets. Officially, North Sulawesi
is non-malarial, but if the tablets don't
bother you too much it's always best to err
on the side of caution. We also recommend
that you spray anti-mosquito spray onto your
arms and legs before going out at night.
All rooms at Tasik Ria Resort are sprayed
each evening and are air-conditioned.
The odd case of dengue
fever has been reported in North Sulawesi,
though these tend to be in the villages where
rubbish is sometimes not properly cleared.
There are plenty of chemists
and dentists in Manado and the general hospital
has a good recompression chamber (around 20
minutes drive from Tasik Ria Resort). Manado
is the regional capital of North Sulawesi and
around 400,000 people live here, so facilities
are generally available and are decent, if
not fancy.
How
do I pay for things in Manado?
Payments can be made in US Dollars cash or by Visa / Mastercard (billed in
local currency). We also accept American Express US Dollar travellers cheques.
British Pounds are not accepted in Manado, only US Dollars, Euros and Indonesian
Rupiah.
You can draw cash in
Rupiah from the ATMs at the local banks, provided
you have your p.i.n. (personal identity number)
with you. Also, if you make it to town before
2pm, you can draw up to Rp 3,000,000 on a Visa
card or Mastercard inside the banks (you must
present your passport with your credit card).
Banks and ATMs give a fair exchange rate
Visa
requirements |
