Where Likupang is
Likupang is a district on the northeast tip of the Minahasa peninsula, north of Manado and Bitung. The coast here faces small islands such as Lihaga, Gangga and Bangka, and behind some of the beaches rise low, grassy hills.
In 2019 the Indonesian government listed Likupang among five "super-priority" destinations, together with Lake Toba, Borobudur, Labuan Bajo and Mandalika. Plans include a tourism special economic zone at Tanjung Pulisan with resorts and a marina, to be developed over many years. For now most of the coast is still quiet, with simple local facilities.
Paal Beach
Paal (also written Pal) is in Marinsow village, East Likupang. It has wide white sand and very clear water, framed by low hills. The beach sits back from the main road and is reached by a short side road of about 2 km.
Paal became widely known by word of mouth only around 2014 and 2015. Weekends and public holidays can be busy. On weekdays it is much calmer. Waves can roll in from the open sea, so check conditions before swimming and keep an eye on children.
Pulisan Beach and the hill
Pulisan is a bay further along the coast, with white sand, rocky cliffs and green hills behind. A short climb to the hill above the bay gives a wide view over the coast; allow from half an hour to an hour depending on your pace. Pulisan is also known for its evenings, with boats and small islands in silhouette against the sunset.
Tanjung Pulisan is the site of the planned economic zone, so expect some construction and change in the coming years.
The islands: Lihaga, Gangga and Bangka
- Lihaga: a small uninhabited island of about 8 hectares with white sand and clear, calm water, good for swimming and snorkeling. Boats leave from Serei in Likupang, and the crossing takes roughly 15 minutes. There are basic toilets and few other facilities.
- Gangga: a neighbouring island with small white-sand beaches and a couple of resorts popular with divers.
- Bangka: a larger island with several dive resorts and many dive sites around it, for certified divers with a local operator.
Entrance fees and boat prices change, so we confirm them on the day. Sea conditions decide whether a crossing goes ahead.
What to do in Likupang
- Swim and relax at Paal or Pulisan.
- Snorkel off Lihaga or around the islands with a local boat.
- Dive around Bangka and Gangga if you are certified.
- Walk up the hill at Pulisan for the view.
- Visit Bahoi, a community ecotourism village with mangroves and homestays.
Bring reef-friendly sunscreen, water and cash. Shade can be limited on the islands, and card payment is rare.
How to get there
Likupang is reached by road from Manado. Sources give travel times from about one to two hours, and in our experience it depends on traffic leaving the city and on which beach you are heading for. Sam Ratulangi Airport (MDC) is on the north side of Manado, so from the airport you do not need to cross the city.
Public transport to the beaches is limited, so most visitors go with a private car and driver. Likupang works as a long day trip from Manado, or as one or two nights on the coast. Our Manado airport guide and the getting there page explain transfers in the region.
When to go
Likupang follows the North Sulawesi pattern: rain is possible all year, with the driest weather usually from July to September and calmer seas for island trips in the drier months. Indonesia's official tourism site suggests the dry season, roughly April to October. Avoid weekends if you want empty beaches. Our best time to visit Sulawesi guide covers the months in more detail.
Visiting with us
We add Likupang to private itineraries as a beach day, an island day or a few nights at the end of a trip. See the Custom North Sulawesi Tour and our Likupang destination page.
FAQ
How far is Likupang from Manado?
About one to two hours by car, depending on traffic and on which beach you visit.
Is Likupang a super-priority destination?
Yes. In 2019 the Indonesian government named Likupang one of five super-priority tourism destinations, with Lake Toba, Borobudur, Labuan Bajo and Mandalika.
How do I get to Lihaga Island?
By boat from Serei in Likupang, roughly 15 minutes, when sea conditions allow.
Is Paal Beach safe for swimming?
Usually, but waves can come in from the open sea. Check conditions on the day and watch children closely.
We organise private trips across Sulawesi from our base in Tomohon, near Manado: Bunaken, Tangkoko and the Minahasa highlands every week, Toraja and Banggai on request. These guides come from the questions our travellers ask us most.
