Making the most of Bitung Sulawesi
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Bitung’s fine natural harbour is protected by neighbouring Lembeh Island. The port town supports shipbuilding, vessel maintenance and commercial fishing. Since Manado’s harbour became silted, large craft—including impressive passenger cruise ships—have used Bitung instead.
Downtown lies approximately 2 to 3 kilometres from the Port of Bitung.
The band and local residents provide an exceptionally enthusiastic farewell.
Bitung has an appealing provincial character, marked by a 12m Eiffel Tower replica at a roundabout leading into town. The unusual landmark was reportedly commissioned by a former mayor who studied in Paris and intended it as a tribute to his affection for the City of Lights.
Getting around
TRIKORA MONUMENT stands on a bluff beside Lembeh Island Beach. Its DC3 memorial and park provide a good vantage point for passing ships and serve as a Sunday and holiday gathering place. Reach the site aboard a motorised outrigger.
Nearby places
LEMBEH STRAIT is a 12 km channel separating Lembeh Island from the mainland, with Bitung positioned halfway along its shore. This pristine North Sulawesi water supports unusual marine life, including pygmy seahorses, mimic octopuses and ghost pipefish alongside larger species. Diverse small creatures make it an outstanding diving location for underwater photographers. Several undeveloped beaches around the strait are well suited to swimming and snorkelling.
Food and shopping
The wider Bitung region is renowned for spices, and sellers across the city carry cloves, vanilla, cinnamon and ginger. Souvenir shops scattered around town also stock figures made from cloves.
Hand-carved wooden work is another popular keepsake available from most local shops.
Money
ATMs are common throughout Indonesia’s larger cities.