Statue of Christ’s Blessing Manado

The Statue of Christ’s Blessing, known as "Yesus Memberkati," is an imposing and spiritually significant monument situated in Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Rising at the peak of the Citraland residential estate, this statue offers a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding landscapes, including the vast expanse of the sea and the lush green hills that characterise the region. 

The statue stands at an impressive height of 50 metres, making it one of the tallest Christ statues in the world, and serves as both a beacon of faith and a symbol of peace to the local community and visitors alike.

With outstretched arms, it embodies a welcoming and protective gesture that resonates with the essence of Christianity, encapsulating the message of love, acceptance, and hope.

Surrounding the statue is a beautifully landscaped area that enhances the overall experience for visitors.

The location of the statue on the hill, known as "Hill of the Blessing," adds to its allure, providing a tranquil retreat from the bustle of city life and serving as a reminder of the spiritual roots that underpin the local culture.

As one gazes upon this magnificent figure, it is not just the artistry that captivates but the profound message of peace and goodwill that resonates throughout the region, making it a cherished landmark that will endure for generations to come.

An Enchanting Revisit to North Sulawesi Awaits

Enthralled by the avifauna of Sulawesi, the prospect of returning is already in the works since my last visit twelve years ago. The idea gained momentum when I shared it with a friend of mine, Euphtw. After years of discussion, we finally booked our tickets and embarked on our journey.

Significant changes have transpired since my last visit to Tangkoko Nature Reserve in North Sulawesi. The only constant remains the rainfall. It was torrential on the day of our departure to Tangkoko.

Scoot is the sole carrier that offers direct flights to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, from Singapore. I opted for a simple tortilla wrap for breakfast during our flight to Manado.

Our arrival took approximately three hours and forty-five minutes. The immigration process was efficient, and I was pleasantly surprised to encounter advertisements in Chinese language. This usage of Chinese in the country has been largely absent for an extended period.

We were warmly welcomed by Mr. Freedy, the consistently friendly staff of ManadoSafaris, who has been my preferred guide since my initial visit two decades ago.

The journey from the airport to Tangkoko was significantly reduced by the completion of a new highway that traverses the region from east to west.

Mount Tangkoko, depicted on the right of the photograph, is the lowest among the Dua Saudara Volvanoes. It is believed to be a parasitic ash cone formed as a result of an eruption in 1893.

A notable distinction compared to my previous visit is the enhanced availability of superior accommodation options.

I was thoroughly impressed with the service and facilities provided during this trip.

In Sulawesi, each bird species is remarkably unique and likely endemic. To ensure we captured every sight, we diligently captured photographs, which unfortunately revealed a Red Jungle-fowl, not included in the list of endemic birds. Can't wait to explore this Endemic Bird Area (EBA) again.

 

Intraspecific Competition of Little Heron

Competition is unavoidable when the population growth at high densities. At higher densities, resources will become limited as such the effect of intraspecific competition will happen. Intraspecific Competition refer to competition for resources within the same species.

I am fortunate enough to witness the intraspecific competition between 2 Little Heron (Butorides striatus) while I was on a birding trip at North Sulawesi.

This Little Heron happily landed near a coastal area thinking to feed while the tide is low.

Almost immediately, the other Little Heron that already started feeding earlier at the same location move in to protest to the 'intruder'.


A fierce fighting is looks set to happen...
After few rounds of chasing, eviction, display of muscle,...
The 'intruder' decided to back off.

The incumbent Little Heron managed to defense her territory and the 'intruder' just flew off to other location.

Shore of Manado Island

I was away last week to Manado for my long awaited dive trip. However, this posting is not on my dive experience but rather on the things I saw while not diving. All the photos below are taken out of water without getting wet.

I walk to the jetty after dinner to see any interesting critters after sun set. When I shine my tourch at the water, all kinds of plankton attracted by light and soon gather around the area under my torch.

First is the very tiny insects like plankton and follow by larger tranlucent shrimp like critters.

Soon, the ribbon worm were also attracted not sure by the plankton or my light.

There are lots of climber crabs on the side of the wall.

Cowry and cone snails also can be seen every where.

Hermit crabs and some even carry two large anemones on their back for protection.

I'm shock to see this juvenile mooray eel here.

Juvenile cat fish gather in big school to confuse their predators to increase the chances of surviving.

Not to mention sea urchin and juvenile scorpion fish. I also found lots of juvenile sole fish, lion fish and even stone fish. What interest me the most is able to see the banded boxer shrimp (cleaner shrimps) in actions.

I dip my satay stick (from my dinner earlier) in the water and almost immediately the shrimp came forward to offer me his service.

The shrimp start to clean my satay stick that I offered.

It only took less than a minute to clean up my satay stick.

Well, after the cleanng service, I was offer a free show perform by this pair of boxer shrimps. The larger shrimp (with blue colour, female) take the lead start to stroke the male...

They than move closer to their home... and here's the clip showing their courtship...

After the courtship, they move to their home sweet home to continue the unfinished business...

So the next time when you go to any holiday resort that near the beach, check it out at night. You might something interesting!