Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) serves Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province and one of Indonesia’s premier diving and marine tourism destinations. Named after a prominent Indonesian independence figure, the airport is the gateway to Bunaken National Marine Park, one of the world’s top dive sites, as well as the Lembeh Strait and the Tangkoko Nature Reserve. Despite its relatively compact size, the airport handles both domestic connections to Jakarta, Makassar, and Surabaya, and international flights to Singapore and the Philippines.
Smoking Rooms at Sam Ratulangi Airport
Indonesian airports provide designated indoor smoking rooms called ruang merokok. At Sam Ratulangi Airport, smoking rooms are located inside the terminal in the departure area near the boarding gates. These enclosed rooms are equipped with ventilation systems and are free to use. Some cafes within the terminal also accommodate smokers in designated sections.
The airport is a single-terminal facility that handles both domestic and international flights. After clearing security, look for ruang merokok signs to find the smoking room in the airside area. This means you can have a smoke before your flight without needing to exit and re-clear security.
Outside the terminal, a designated smoking area is available near the parking lot at ground level. Manado has a warm tropical climate with temperatures around thirty degrees year-round, so stepping outside is always warm, though it can be rainy, especially from November through March.
Tips for Smokers at Sam Ratulangi Airport
- Follow “ruang merokok” signs in the departure area to find the indoor smoking room
- The post-security smoking room saves you from having to exit the terminal
- Some terminal cafes have smoking sections if you want to combine a coffee with your smoke
- Outdoor smoking is available near the parking area at ground level
- Clove cigarettes (kretek) are available at airport shops and are part of Indonesian smoking culture
- E-cigarettes and vapes must be used in the designated rooms only
- Do not smoke outside designated areas, as Indonesian airports enforce fines for violations
- Manado is a compact city, so the airport is close to town and easy to navigate
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departure area smoking room | Yes | Indoor | After security, near gates, ventilated |
| Terminal cafes | Yes | Indoor | Some cafes have smoking sections |
| Outdoor area (parking lot) | Yes | Outdoor | Ground level near parking |
| Terminal interior | No | Indoor | No smoking outside designated rooms |