Question Flights: Canada (Toronto) to Manado (Sulawesi)

[brownie]

I am contemplating a dive trip this November: 9 days diving Lembeh, 9 days diving Bangka. In searching international and domestic flights, I envision flying Toronto-Jakarta, then resting up for a day or two; then flying Jakarta-Manado.

Does this seem reasonable? I am seeing multiple airlines to choose from that fly daily Jakarta-Manado--Batik Air looks promising!

I was considering flying into Singapore, but coordinating the 2nd leg into Manado seems sketchy, in that there are fewer flights on offer.

If anyone on SB has done this routing, I would very much appreciate your input.

I'm in my 70's now, and need to build in rest time due to flight fatigue!

 

[Centrals]

KA is my suggestion from YYZ to SIN via ICN.
Scoot has non daily flight from SIN to MDC.
Singapore is a better option than Jakarta.

 

[dirtfarmer]

If I was going to spend a couple of days before flying to Manado I would choose Singapore with its food and parks over Jakarta.

 

[Merry]

Hi Elaine! Phil and I will be at NAD Lembeh this Nov. 15 for blackwater week, then we begin regular day-diving on Nov. 23 - Dec. 6. We are taking Singapore Air through Narita, Japan, to Singapore where we pick up a Scoot flight to Manado.

It would be incredible if your trip happened to coincide with our trip! Phil and I were just talking about you a few nights ago. Feel free to DM me on Facebook.

Merry

 

[brownie]

Hi Elaine! Phil and I will be at NAD Lembeh this Nov. 15 for blackwater week, then we begin regular day-diving on Nov. 23 - Dec. 6. We are taking Singapore Air through Narita, Japan, to Singapore where we pick up a Scoot flight to Manado.

It would be incredible if your trip happened to coincide with our trip! Phil and I were just talking about you a few nights ago. Feel free to DM me on Facebook.

Merry

Hello Merry! So good to hear from you! I am just scratching the surface for airline info to and from Manado. That's a remarkable coincidence that you and Phil will be in Sulawesi as well. I will keep you updated if I make any progress in my travel plans.

Hugs and blessings to you both.

Elaine

 

[Searcaigh]

SIA / Scoot to Manado via Singapore would be my choice.

 

[Luko]

I envision flying Toronto-Jakarta, then resting up for a day or two; then flying Jakarta-Manado.

Does this seem reasonable? I am seeing multiple airlines to choose from that fly daily Jakarta-Manado--Batik Air looks promising!

I was considering flying into Singapore, but coordinating the 2nd leg into Manado seems sketchy, in that there are fewer flights on offer.

Flying to Singapore :

Pros : Best airport in the world. Layover options are better if you want to rest a few nights or have good food:

Cons : you'll have to get a cab to downtown (it's useless to stay at Changi airport if the purpose is to rest/chill in Spore), connections to Manado are done through Scoot which only flies 4 days a week + the Scoot flight arrives late in Manado (around 5PM) add on top non automated Manado airport will need some queuing for immigration.

Flying to Jakarta :

Pros : Jakarta airport is now automated, you can walk through gates with your passport providing 1-you have bought your eVisa and 2-filled up the new allindonesia portal entry card.
Jakarta airport hotel Anara doesn't need to take any taxi transfer for the overnight.
Very good connexions to Manado with the 9AM GARUDA flight (with domestic flights GARUDA allows up to 43 kgs luggage/person providing you declare a sports bag full of dive equipment), the flight departing from Jakarta is just 5 minutes walk from the hotel, it arrives around 1PM you could either transfer directly to your resort or stay a couple of days in Manado, take a land tour. If you're going to Lembeh and Bangka with Murex, you can also stay a couple of days at their Manado operation, quite nice and comfortable.
(warning DO NOT TAKE any Lion Air/Batik/Wings Air flights : on my last trip, a few weeks ago in august/sept 2 of my fliights were either cancelled or disrupted a few days before departure. It takes hours long to deal with LionAir to change or get refunds. I repeat : avoid LionAir/Batik/Wings Air when possible! ).

Cons : Jakarta is NOT a place to stay, Anara hotel is Ok for an overnight but definitely not more than 1 night.

 

[brownie]

Flying to Singapore :

Pros : Best airport in the world. Layover options are better if you want to rest a few nights or have good food:

Cons : you'll have to get a cab to downtown (otherwise it's useless at stay at Changi airport), connections to Manado are only done through Scoot which only flies 4 days a week + the Scoot flight arrives late in Manado (around 5PM) add on top non automated Manado airport will need some queing for immigration.

Flying to Jakarta :

Pros : Jakarta airport is now automated, you can walk through gates with your passport providing 1-you have bought your eVisa and 2-filled up the new allindonesia portal entry card.
Jakarta airport hotel Anara doesn't need to take any taxi transfer for the overnight.
Very good connexions to Manado with the 9AM GARUDA flight (with domestic flights GARUDA allows up to 43 kgs luggage/person providing you declare a sports bag full of dive equipment), the flight departing from Jakarta is just 5 minutes walk from the hotel, it arrives around 1PM you could either transfer directly to your resort or stay a couple of days in Manado, take a land tour. If you're going to Lembeh and Bangka with Murex, you can also stay a couple of days at their Manado operation, quite nice and comfortable.
(warning DO NOT TAKE any Lion Air/Batik/Wings Air flights : on my last trip, a few weeks ago in august/sept 2 of my fliights were either cancelled or disrupted a few days before departure. It takes hours long to deal with LionAir to change or get refunds. I repeat : avoid LionAir/Batik/Wings Air when possible! ).

Cons : Jakarta is NOT a place to stay, Anara hotel is Ok for an overnight but definitely not more than 1 night.

Very informative, @Luko much appreciated. Thank you.

I am familiar with Jakarta airport, and have stayed at Anara Airport Hotel.

I have looked at domestic flights, Jakarta-Manado, and the usual crop of LionAir, Citi-Link, and Batik Air crop up. My stumbling block is: I am unable to locate Garuda flights (international or domestic) online from Toronto. I forget the name of the "intermediary" that I used last time. May I ask for your help with this?

 

[Darnold9999]

Try NusaTrip - either the App or web site

 

[brownie]

Try NusaTrip - either the App or web site

Yes, I can access Garuda domestic flights on NusaTrip. Thank you.

NusaTrip doesn't seem to work for international flights, YYZ-CGK, will try again.