Bitung, officially the City of Bitung (Indonesian: Kota Bitung), is a coastal city at the north-eastern edge of the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Bitung is located in the province of North Sulawesi (Sulawesi Utara), and faces Lembeh Island (which forms two districts of the city), and the Lembeh Strait, which is known for its colourful marine life, in particular sea slugs. Bitung has a population of 187,932 at the 2010 Census, making it the second most populated city in the province after the capital Manado, rising to 225,134 at the 2020 Census; the official estimate as at mid 2022 was 229,795.A number of development projects have been completed, or are currently undergoing centring around the city; these include the Bitung Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Manado–Bitung Toll Road, Bitung International Ocean Going Ship Port, and the Makassar-Bitung rail track; which will automatically make the city a gateway to the Pacific region.
*If travel to Tangkoko Nature Reserve is impossible due to time, there's a mini zoo in Bitung, only 10 minutes from Bitung's centre. This mini zoo has collection of tarsiers, birds, anoa, wild boar, crocodile, etc. They will ask for a donation to feed the animals. Usually it is around Rp 20,000 to Rp 50,000, depending on the numbers of the visitors in your group. *Lembeh Strait: 30 minutes from Bitung. It is a diving heaven for divers, but it's quite expensive, because the resort is managed by westerners.
*Pork is common in the Christian-majority city of Bitung. You can find many many small restaurants. If you are a Muslim, you need to ask if the restaurant is halal or not. *Bats, dogs, rodents, and reptiles are common meat sold in this city for human consumption. Go to some traditional markets in this city, and you can find them easily. If you are not amenable to this kind of food, you should ask first.
A highly recommended Chinese seafood restaurant is in a small side street, directly across the road from Texas Chicken and next to Bitung's main fuel depot. It is a small family-run place, with ordinary decor, but don't be deterred, the food is terrific (and cheap, by western standards).
*Beer is easy to find in all restaurants and even small shops. *Saguer is the traditional alcoholic beverage made of palm.
*Nalendra Hotel: Address: S. Languyu Street 5A, Bitung. Phone: +62 438 31992 *Other small hotels are easy to find but you must be very selective due to the activities of prostitutes.
The nearest airport is Sam Ratulangi International Airport (), about to the west, north-east of Manado. Take a taxi or rent a car from the airport to get in here.
Public buses to Manado operate very often, at a cheap price, but they are far from convenient. Buses are not air conditioned, with many and long stops to wait for passengers. Furthermore, many local passengers smoke onboard buses, despite being illegal throughout Indonesia.
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