Imagine soaring gently over the sparkling waters of Manado, with views of Bunaken, Nain, and Siladen islands stretching out beneath you. For around 10 minutes in the air, you’ll get a taste of the skies, complete with the rush of adrenaline and a camera-ready panorama. At $140 per person, this paragliding adventure promises an exhilarating way to see some of Indonesia’s most stunning seascapes. The tour is about an hour from pickup to drop-off—a neat, compact experience designed for those craving a quick dose of high-flying excitement.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is the opportunity to capture your flight on a Go-Pro video, a bonus for both thrill-seekers and memory-keepers. Plus, the inclusion of hotel or airport pickup simplifies logistics, allowing you to focus solely on the thrill. The scenic views of Indonesia’s famed islands and sea are the highlights, offering a visual feast from an uncommon vantage point.
However, beware of the price point—at $140, some travelers feel it’s a bit steep, especially if you prefer to compare prices directly with local operators. Also, since this is a private experience, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a moderate physical effort and eager for a personalized adventure. Overall, if you’re after breathtaking views and an adrenaline hit, this could be just the thing.
Who is this tour best suited for?

If you’re a traveler craving unique perspectives of Manado’s islands, enjoy photography and video, and appreciate private, flexible experiences, this is a solid pick. It’s also ideal if you want a short, memorable thrill rather than a long tour. But if you’re price-sensitive or prefer more established operators, you might want to do some research beforehand.
Key Points

- Stunning aerial views of Bunaken, Nain, and Siladen islands
- Includes a Go-Pro video to relive your flight
- Private tour ensures personalized attention and flexible timing
- Duration of approximately 10 minutes in the air, suitable for a quick thrill
- Pickup is offered, simplifying logistics
- Price at $140 per person might be considered high by some travelers
Planning more time in Manado? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
An In-Depth Look at Manado Tumpa Paralayang
What Is Included and How It Works
This paragliding experience takes you high above the waters and islands surrounding Manado, providing a birds-eye view of Indonesia’s vibrant marine environment. The tour is scheduled to start at 9:00 am, with hotel or airport pickup included, making it hassle-free to get to the launch site. The activity itself lasts about 8 to 10 minutes in the air, but the entire process from pick-up to drop-off typically takes just over an hour.
A big draw is the video recording from a Go-Pro camera, capturing the flight from takeoff to landing. This feature allows you to relive the experience and share it with friends, making the adventure more memorable. The tour is private, meaning only your group will participate, adding an intimate and personalized touch to the flight.
The Route and the Views
Once airborne, you’ll glide over the sea and the islands, with Bunaken’s renowned reef system often in clear sight below. The views are described as beautiful clouds and expansive sea vistas, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the natural beauty. The small group size and private nature mean you can focus on the scenery and enjoy a relaxed experience.
The Experience on the Ground
Transportation is handled smoothly with pickup and drop-off, removing any guesswork about logistics. The activity duration leaves plenty of time for photos and videos, and you’ll have a chance to enjoy the serenity of the sky before returning to land. Keep in mind, the moderate physical fitness level required means you should be comfortable with some light exertion during the takeoff and landing.
What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

With only two reviews, opinions are somewhat limited but insightful. A traveler from December 2023 notes that the service was “best” and that they had a second impressive flight, emphasizing the quality of the service. Conversely, a reviewer from March 2025 expressed dissatisfaction with the pricing—citing that local operators in Manado offer similar experiences at a lower cost.
This pricing concern is common among travelers, who might find the $140 fee a bit high, especially if they compare it with official operators like Manado Paragliding. The key takeaway here is that quality and personal service seem to be the main selling points, but the value for money might vary depending on individual expectations and local options.
The Practical Details You Need to Know
How to Book and Confirm
Bookings are generally made 22 days in advance, which suggests this experience is popular enough to require early planning. The tour is non-refundable, and cancellations won’t be reimbursed, so be sure about the weather forecast before confirming.
Weather and Cancellations
Since paragliding relies heavily on good weather, your flight may be canceled if conditions aren’t safe. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund—a sensible policy that protects your investment.
Group Size and Physical Demand
This is a private tour, catering only to your group, which can be a significant advantage for personalized attention. Travelers should be moderately fit—if you’re comfortable with some physical activity, you’ll find takeoff and landing manageable.
Why Choose This Tour?
If your goal is capturing memorable aerial shots of Indonesia’s famous islands, and you value personalized service, this tour fits well. The scenic views of Bunaken and surrounding islands are genuinely spectacular, making it a worthwhile splurge for those seeking adventure and stunning visuals.
However, if cost is a major factor or you prefer more established, budget-friendly operators, you might want to explore other options or contact the local paragliding providers directly in Manado.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
This paragliding tour combines adventure, stunning scenery, and a personal touch that makes for a memorable experience. The visual payoff of flying over Manado’s islands is undeniable, and the video adds significant value, especially for those keen to share their exploits.
That said, the price point can be a sticking point. If you’re comfortable with the cost and looking for an intimate, private experience with beautiful views, this could be a highlight of your trip. It’s especially suitable for adventure lovers who want a quick but intense dose of flight with plenty of opportunities for photos.
To sum it up, while it may not be a budget option, the combination of stunning vistas and personalized service makes Manado Tumpa Paralayang a captivating choice for those willing to invest a little more for a memorable aerial adventure.
FAQ
Is pickup included in the price?
Yes, pickup from your hotel or the airport is included, making logistics straightforward.
How long is the actual paragliding flight?
You will be airborne for about 8 to 10 minutes, enough to enjoy the views and get some photos.
What should I bring?
Bring your camera or smartphone for photos and videos. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for light physical activity, and consider sunglasses or a hat.
Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, poor weather can lead to cancellations, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness, so children should be comfortable with the activity and height.
How do I know if the price is worth it?
Price comparisons with local operators show some travelers find it expensive; however, the private service and video recording add to the value, especially if you prioritize personalized experiences.
This aerial adventure offers a unique view of Manado’s natural beauty, blending thrill, scenery, and personal service. If you’re after a short, scenic flight with the chance to capture memories from above, it’s a choice worth considering—just weigh the cost against your expectations for value.
More Tour Reviews in Manado
- Lihaga Island (white sand island) swimming twice, including lunch and tickets
- Private Sulawesi Trekking Mount Mahawu & Lokon from Manado
- Paragliding and Tangkoko Natural Tourist Park include lunch
- Paragliding and Rafting including lunch and pickup
- Private Manado Tour to Woloan Village, Tondano Lake & Minahasa Highland
- Private tour of Manado and Tomohon including lunch and driver
More Manado experiences we've covered
- Lihaga Island (white sand island) swimming twice, including lunch and tickets
- Private Sulawesi Trekking Mount Mahawu & Lokon from Manado
- Paragliding and Tangkoko Natural Tourist Park include lunch
- Manado Tumpa Paralayang Includes video from Go-Pro
- Paragliding and Rafting including lunch and pickup
- Private Manado Tour to Woloan Village, Tondano Lake & Minahasa Highland
- Manado Timbukar white water rafting includes pick up and drop off and lunch
- Sulawesi Tangkoko National Park Private Tour
