The skies between Taipei and Manado are busy again, and for North Sulawesi the timing could hardly be better. A new series of charter services operated by TransNusa and coordinated by Indonesian tour operator Cocos Tour Indonesia is restoring a direct air bridge between Taiwan’s capital and the North Sulawesi gateway of Manado, after years in which most international visitors had to connect through Jakarta, Singapore or Kota Kinabalu. For travelers, the reopening offers a faster route into one of Indonesia’s most biodiverse and underrated regions, while for local tourism stakeholders it signals renewed confidence in North Sulawesi as an emerging hub for marine, nature and cultural tourism.
Charter Flights Mark a New Phase in Taipei–Manado Connectivity
The latest phase of connectivity between Taipei and Manado is driven by charter operations rather than a scheduled commercial route. Cocos Tour Indonesia, a specialist inbound operator focused on East Asian markets, has confirmed a program of charter flights connecting Taipei and Manado, operated by TransNusa using Airbus A320 aircraft. The inaugural flights in mid-February 2026 brought in hundreds of Taiwanese travelers and business delegates, with further rotations planned in partnership with North Sulawesi tourism authorities and private-sector partners.
Airport officials at Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado say the new charters are designed to plug a gap that has existed since before the pandemic, when North Sulawesi’s international traffic was heavily oriented toward mainland China. By targeting Taiwan, which offers a relatively high-spending, experience-driven outbound market, the new link aims to diversify source countries and reduce reliance on any single market. The flights also align with Indonesia’s broader strategy of spreading international arrivals beyond Bali and Jakarta to secondary gateways such as Manado, Makassar and Balikpapan.
Although the current services are technically charters, travel-industry observers in both Taiwan and Indonesia note that successful series often act as a precursor to scheduled routes. TransNusa has already been expanding its presence out of Manado into China, including services to Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen, and has signaled that North Sulawesi will play a long-term role in its international network. The Taipei charters will provide valuable data on demand, seasonality and spending behavior that could ultimately support a scheduled Taipei–Manado route.
Why North Sulawesi Is Positioning Itself as an Emerging Gateway
Manado has long been known in specialist diving circles for Bunaken National Marine Park and the macro-diving sites around Lembeh Strait, but in recent years regional and national planners have been working to reposition North Sulawesi as a broader tourism gateway for Eastern Indonesia. The Indonesian government has designated nearby Likupang as one of its “Super Priority” tourism destinations, channeling investment into infrastructure, accommodation and destination branding to complement Bali, Mandalika, Borobudur and other flagship areas.
New and reinstated routes into Manado reflect that ambition. In addition to the Taipei charters, AirAsia has opened a direct service between Kota Kinabalu and Manado, linking North Sulawesi to Malaysian Borneo. Indonesian carriers such as Lion Air and Wings Air have expanded domestic routes from Manado to other Indonesian cities, including Bali and North Halmahera, allowing travelers to use Manado as a jumping-off point for exploring more remote islands in North Maluku and Papua. The addition of Chinese routes by TransNusa, including flights to Guangzhou and Shanghai with a technical stop in Clark, further consolidates Manado’s growing profile as an entry point for North and East Asian markets.
Tourism officials in North Sulawesi emphasize that the region is not positioning itself as a mass-market alternative to Bali, but rather as a complementary option for visitors seeking marine biodiversity, volcanic landscapes and cultural experiences with fewer crowds. For Taiwanese travelers accustomed to established Indonesian destinations such as Bali and Jakarta, the new flights make it easier to explore a different side of the archipelago, while still benefiting from improved air links onward to other islands.
What the Reopened Link Means for Travelers from Taipei
For travelers based in Taipei and the broader Taiwan region, the direct Taipei–Manado charter service significantly reduces travel time and complexity compared with previous options that required connections through Singapore, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur. Charter flights generally operate on specific series and dates, often tied to package tours that bundle flights, accommodation and diving or sightseeing programs. Cocos Tour Indonesia is working with Taiwanese partners to sell these packages, many of which target diving clubs, incentive groups and family travelers looking for a mix of sea and nature-based activities.
Seat-only options may be available on some departures, especially as the program matures and local demand patterns become clearer. However, travelers who prefer independent arrangements should be prepared for more structured conditions than on a fully scheduled airline route. Charter operations may have limited baggage flexibility and fixed travel dates, and changes or cancellations can be more restrictive. On the other hand, the bundled nature of the product often translates into competitive pricing, with airport transfers, local guides and some excursions already included in the cost.
Taiwanese travelers benefit from Indonesia’s improving visa and arrival procedures, which have been progressively adjusted to support tourism growth. While requirements can change, Indonesian authorities have promoted visa-on-arrival and e-visa mechanisms for a wide range of markets, making entry via Manado relatively straightforward. Travelers are strongly advised to consult the latest regulations and confirm whether their nationality is eligible for visa-on-arrival at Sam Ratulangi International Airport before departure, and to factor in sufficient time for border formalities upon landing.
Manado as a Launchpad: Diving, Nature and Culture in North Sulawesi
Once on the ground, Manado offers a surprisingly diverse portfolio of experiences within just a few hours’ travel of the city. The most famous draw is Bunaken National Marine Park, a protected area renowned for its steep coral walls, rich fish life and frequent encounters with turtles. Dive tourism infrastructure is well established, with a mix of dedicated dive resorts on nearby islands and shore-based operations in Manado that offer daily boat trips. For many Taiwanese visitors arriving on the charters, Bunaken remains the primary attraction and is typically included in package itineraries.
To the northeast, the Likupang area has been singled out for accelerated tourism development, with new and upgraded resorts, improved road access and promotional campaigns highlighting its beaches and offshore islands. Likupang’s waters offer both snorkeling and diving, and the coastline is increasingly promoted for eco-tourism, including mangrove tours and community-based homestays. As infrastructure improves, it is becoming easier for visitors to split their time between the classic Bunaken experience and the emerging resorts of Likupang and nearby islands.
Beyond the coast, North Sulawesi’s highland and volcanic landscapes provide a counterpoint to its marine attractions. Tangkoko Nature Reserve on the northeastern tip of the peninsula is one of the few places in the world where visitors have a good chance of seeing nocturnal tarsiers, black crested macaques and hornbills in the wild, accompanied by licensed guides. Closer to Manado, the Minahasa highlands feature crater lakes, hot springs and agricultural villages that showcase local coffee, spices and traditional Minahasan cuisine. For travelers from Taipei accustomed to Taiwan’s own mountain scenery, North Sulawesi’s volcanoes offer a familiar yet distinct environment to explore.
Growing Network Connectivity Through Manado
The reopening of the Taipei–Manado link is part of a broader effort to reposition Manado as a secondary hub that connects multiple regional markets. AirAsia’s routes from Kota Kinabalu, Scoot’s services from Singapore, and expanding Chinese connections through TransNusa collectively increase the flow of visitors and create more itinerary options. For travelers arriving from Taipei, this means the possibility of multi-country circuits that combine, for example, a stay in North Sulawesi with time in Malaysian Borneo or Singapore, without the need to route through Indonesia’s congested main gateways.
Within Indonesia, strengthened domestic connectivity from Manado enables travelers to access less-visited provinces. Wings Air’s services to places like North Halmahera and Lion Air’s growing list of domestic links, including non-stop flights to Bali, make it feasible to plan open-jaw journeys that begin in Manado and end in another Indonesian city. For Taiwanese visitors who may already have experienced Bali or Jakarta, this opens the possibility of using Manado as a starting point for deeper exploration of eastern Indonesia’s islands and marine parks.
The increased activity also brings operational benefits for airlines and airport authorities. As more carriers use Sam Ratulangi International Airport for international and domestic routes, economies of scale can support improvements in ground services, security, maintenance and passenger facilities. This, in turn, helps sustain routes like the Taipei charters, making them more resilient to seasonal fluctuations and external shocks.
Practical Tips for Planning a Trip via the Taipei–Manado Corridor
Travelers considering the Taipei–Manado route should begin planning by checking the latest charter schedules and package offerings, which can vary by season and often focus on peak travel periods for the Taiwanese market. Because charter capacity is finite and typically block-booked by tour operators, early booking is advisable, especially for groups and divers who require specific dates to match liveaboard schedules or resort availability. Prospective visitors should pay close attention to baggage allowances, particularly if traveling with dive gear or photography equipment, as charter operations can have stricter rules than full-service airlines.
Accommodation options in and around Manado range from international-branded hotels in the city to boutique dive lodges and mid-range beach resorts in Bunaken, Likupang and other coastal areas. Many travel packages from Taipei bundle specific properties that have existing partnerships with Cocos Tour Indonesia and other local ground handlers. Independent travelers may wish to cross-check these options against their own preferences, especially in terms of dive-center accreditation, language support and environmental practices.
Health and safety considerations remain important in a region where activities often involve water sports, trekking and wildlife encounters. Travelers should consult travel-health advisories and consider vaccinations or prophylaxis recommended for Indonesia, depending on their planned activities and length of stay. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers diving, evacuation and trip disruptions is highly recommended. On arrival, visitors should heed local guidance on marine conservation, including reef-safe behavior, responsible wildlife viewing and respect for village customs in more remote communities.
Economic and Community Impact in North Sulawesi
Local stakeholders expect the renewed link with Taipei to deliver benefits that go beyond headline arrival numbers. Each charter flight brings not only tourists but also potential investors, trade partners and event organizers who may consider North Sulawesi for conferences, incentive trips or joint ventures in tourism and related sectors. The region’s hospitality industry, from hotels and restaurants to dive operators and transport providers, stands to gain from more consistent high-yield traffic, particularly if Taiwanese visitors return for repeat trips or recommend the destination within their networks.
Community-based tourism initiatives around Manado, Bunaken, Likupang and the highlands are also watching the Taipei flights closely. Increased demand can translate into greater opportunities for homestays, guiding services, handicraft sales and cultural performances, provided that development is managed in a way that respects local traditions and environmental limits. Several destinations in North Sulawesi have been working with government and non-government partners to strengthen capacity in areas such as waste management, visitor safety and heritage preservation, recognizing that sustainable growth is critical if the region is to avoid the pressures that have affected more mature destinations.
For policy makers in Jakarta and Manado, the Taipei–Manado corridor offers a test case for how targeted international links can support balanced regional development. If successful, the model of combining charter-based market development with incremental infrastructure upgrades and product diversification could be replicated in other emerging gateways across the Indonesian archipelago. For now, the return of direct flights from Taipei to Manado signals a new chapter for North Sulawesi, one in which a once-remote corner of Indonesia is taking its place on the regional travel map.