Bitung

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 2025 was 217,504 (comprising 110,606 males and 106,898 females). 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.