North Sulawesi - Pulau Bunaken
- All Year
- Courses
- Nitrox
- Snorkeling
- DIN & Yoke
- Diving
- 15+ Days
World-class wall diving is at your doorstep! 2-10 minutes short boat rides will take you to dive sites full of turtles, exciting drifts, white tip reef sharks, napoleon wrasses and excellent visibility. The Bunaken National Marine Park offers some of the best wall dive sites in the world. This submerged mountain range creates dramatic drop-offs that have a huge variety of soft and hard corals that offer an abundance of reef fish such as fusiliers, butterflyfish, sweetlips, cardinal fish and damsel fish. (Many) Turtles, barracudas and reef sharks call the reefs their home. Note that Bunaken is only 1-2 hours drive from two very distinct dive destinations – namely The Lembeh Strait – “Critter Capital of the World” and Pulau Bangka, a true Robinson Crusoe island with soft corals, white sand and pinnacles.
North Sulawesi - Pulau Bunaken
All Year
15 Days From € 1900 / Person
16 Dives From € 800
(Based on double occupancy)
(All Flights Included)
Pulau Bunaken
The Bunaken National Marine Park was established in 1991 and is among the first of Indonesia’s growing system of marine parks.
The park covers a total surface area of 89,065 hectares, 97% of which is overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water. The remaining 3% of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen.
Bunaken is a small, banana shaped island, situated only 30 minutes by boat from mainland Sulawesi. There is a small village on Bunaken, complete with a church, small shops and warungs – local, small restaurants.
The coastline around the Bunaken is mostly mangrove forest – rich with various kinds of crab, shrimp, mollusks and various types of sea birds such as seagulls, storks, sea dove and Heron. You can even spot seasnakes or lionfish in the shallow waters.
If you walk past the mangroves, only a few meters, the water gets deeper and you reach the most beautiful reefs, excellent for snorkeling and diving! You can easily access the homereef on your own for an afternoon snorkel and spent hours looking at the colorful reef. Especially the reef Bunaken Timur, meaning East Bunaken, is in an exceptionally healthy state.
Manado
The city of Manado is a bustling big coastal city of around 500.000 people. Here are big cinemas, huge shopping malls – Mantos is the favourite!
Locals are very welcoming and Manado is actually famous for being one of Indonesia’s most tolerant places. Here the majority of people are Christian living peacefully alongside the muslim minority.
North Sulawesi
Located about a 2 hours drive from Manado, across mainland Sulawesi: The Tangkoko National Nature Reserve is a protected forested area where you can witness wildlife.
Tarsiers (one of the smallest known primates), black tailless monkeys, maleo birds, wild pigs, kuskus and many more. Definitely worth a visit at the end of your holiday.
Another attraction is the village of Tomohon in the Sulawesi highlands that surround Manado. Also reached in a few hours by car, It is known as the Flower City, and there are many Flower Markets in the surrounding area.
Two active volcanoes surround Tomohon: Gunung Mahawu and Gunung Lokon. They offer some good walks, suitable for most people, of only one or two hours.
Lake Tondano in the highlands has floating restaurants that serve freshwater fish.
For two distinct dive destinations only 1-2 hours from Bunaken, check out the “Add Experience” tab, for: The Lembeh Strait – the muck diving capital of the World! Or Pulau Bangka for pristine white sandy beaches, coral gardens and pinnacles.
Overview
Experience the magnificent vertical walls of Bunaken with crystal clear blue water through schools of fish and pelagic life. One of the world’s top dive destinations.
The park was formally established in 1991 and is among the first of Indonesia’s growing system of marine parks. The park covers a total surface area of 89,065 hectares, 97% of which is overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water. The remaining 3% of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen.
Currents & Biodiversity
Oceanic currents may explain, in part, why Bunaken National Marine Park is such a treasure trove of biodiversity. Northeasternly currents generally sweep through the park but abundant counter currents and gyros related to lunar cycles are believed to be a trap for free swimming larvae.
This is particularly true on the south side of the crescent-shaped Bunaken Island, lying in the heart of the park. A snorkler or diver in the vicinity of the dive sites Lekuan or Fukui may spot over 33 different species of butterfly fish and numerous types of groupers, damsels, wrasses and gobies.
The waters of Bunaken National Marine Park are extremely deep (1566 m in Manado Bay), clear (up to 35-40 m visibility), refreshing in temperature (27-29 C) and harbor some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world.
Pick any of group of interest – corals, fish, echinoderms or sponges – and the number of families, genera or species is bound to be astonishingly high.
For example, 7 of the 8 species of giant clams that occur in the world, occur in Bunaken. The park has around 70 genera of corals; compare this to a mere 10 in Hawaii.
Dive Site Map
Favourite Dive Sites
Muka Gereja: “Muka” means ” in front of” and “Gereja” means “church”. Once you arrive at this site, it’s as clear as the water below why it got such a name. Muka Gereja is a beautiful wall dive with very little current and calm water. Therefore it is often your first dive in the park. What can you expect at Muka Gereja? A steep wall with lots of caverns and overhanging cliffs. There are huge barrel sponges, mysterious shallow caverns and rich coral growth. One of the best observations was an immense school of striped catfish, so big and so dense that most of the divers thought it was a huge whale! Visibility is good to excellent and as said earlier, current is most of the time mild. The magnificent view of Manado Tua’s 800 meters high volcano gives this site an extra dimension.
Negeri: Follows Muka Gereja eastwards. Currents can be stronger than on Muka Gereja, but it depends strongly on the wind direction. Whether we go to Muka Gereja or Negeri, it is simply a matter of where the leeward side is. Again, this is a real quality site, with fantastic coral growth. For some unknown reason we hardly ever see a shark here, but other fish are as abundant as everywhere. At one particular point there is a carpet of anemones, found at a very shallow depth. Visibility average is 20-25 meters and is good for snorkeling too.
Tanjung Kopi: “Tanjung” means “cape” and “Kopi” is “coffee”. So we’re talking cape coffee here – and it can be strong coffee! As easy going as Muka Gereja and Negeri are with current, so challenging can be Tanjung Kopi. We normally do not take beginners here and especially not on your first day. In spite the current, it is a great dive site. Due to the current, the chance on spectacular marine encounters are BIG. There is never a guarantee, but big schools of jacks, barracuda and tuna are more usually seen than not. Sharks, turtles and rays will all show you how you really should behave in serious current. Sometimes there is no current and then it is just like the average cover photo of a dive magazine. Very tempting….
Mike’s Point: “There you go” Mike, “a real dive spot with your name”. Named after the world famous underwater photographer, Mike Severns. Mike has spent so much time at this excellent wall, that the dive guides eventually named it after him. Big pelagics, soft coral, large gorgonians, bump head parrot fish and Napoleon wrasse are likely to be seen. Current can be pretty strong, depending on tides but usually it is a mild flow that leads you effortlessly alongside the steep wall.
Raymond’s Point: This is where you probably will end up if strong current brings you south from Mike’s Point. No need to be disappointed though, as Raymond is a beautiful wall with good hard and soft coral. Lots of current-loving whip tail corals and the fish life is rich, including big pelagic species. At one point there is a large and sloping sand patch where several stingray like to rest. Great spot and the winds’ direction often makes us decide to dive here.
Tengah: Tengah means “in the middle”, which refers to the middle of the west side of Bunaken island. In between tides, it is a relaxed dive and “you decide where you go”, but if the tides take over, don’t fight it, just fly with it. Don’t be surprised if you end up one kilometer further and prepare yourself for encounters with rays, turtles, Napoleons and an occasional shark.
Mandolin: The reason why it’s named after a music instrument, is because of the harmony you will find at this dive site. Some say it is better at the top, some say it is better in the middle, and others say it is best at 30-35 meters. All these different opinions have one thing in common; no matter where you dive at Mandolin, it’s spectacular! Turtles, sharks, eagle ray, large schools of fusilier, Napoleon wrasse, anemones, moray eel and huge Acropora “table” coral You name it – all have been seen here! Current is usually mild and visibility varies from 15 to 35 meters. Although mainly a steep wall, there are a few more sloping parts. Very good for snorkeling as well.
Ron’s Point: For most people it’s Ron’s point, but no one has any idea where this name originates from. The dive site lies exactly on a spot where two currents comes together. It is not for beginners and there are no guarantees, but there are moments at this site when everything comes together at the same time. Normally it is one guest with one guide that goes down and simply waits. Just wait and see what is going to pass you by in the current. Huge jacks, tuna, plenty of sharks and rays have all been seen. It’s not for everybody, but it can be a nice change…
Fukui: Named after a Japanese diver who dived this site 20 years ago and wrote an article about it. Fukui is very different than the rest of Bunaken’s dive sites, as it is actually the only dive site with a gentle slope. It is not just sloping, there are a few short steep drops, but all together, Fukui is a good start for a first dive. It is also a so called “cleaning station”, which means that all kinds of big fish have themselves cleaned while they take a rest. It is a perfect place to observe Napoleon wrasse, barracuda, Jacks and big snapper. A more sandy part of Fukui is home to a colony of garden eels. Spectacular but rare sightings have been thresher shark and a huge ocean sunfish. At a depth of about 17 meters, there are 5 big “Tridacna” giant clams lying in a row. Fukui normally has a very mild current that can occasionally be a bit stronger. Average visibility is 20-25 meters.
Alung Banua: Is the name of the friendly village and opposite the village is a wall, which has a lot of value for macro photographers. Although turtles are quite common and eagle rays are no rare sighting, you really should try to concentrate on the ” masters of camouflage”. Crocodile flat head, leaf fish, ghost pipe fish and frog fish are often observed here. The person who writes this is still bit embarressed that he missed this “robust ghost-pipe fish” (Solenostomus paegnius) and Renee Sutter from Turicum didn’t, but anyway, It was there! If the current (if there is any) brings you east, you will probably see, at a depth of between 18 and 25 meters, a beautiful collection of shallow caves. In this case it is better to have your wide-angle lens with you as well, as the sighting of it is also makes for a beautiful panorama. By the way, sleeping white tip sharks can be there, so keep an eye out for them too. As said, currents are usually mild and visibility range 15-25 meters.
Cela Cela: This site borders a conservation zone. A zone where we are not allowed to dive.That is not very difficult to obey, as at Cela Cela there is hardly ever any current. No fear of drifting into forbidden areas.
It starts with a sandy slope. Resting white tip sharks can be expected while you descend and after the slope, the landscape changes into a capricious wall with lots of interesting corners and mysterious niches. Good site to observe resting barracuda and it is one of the few places where an “ocean sunfish” (mola-mola) has been seen. Cela Cela has a mooring and we often have our lunch there.
Lekuan III, II & I: Lekuan 3 is the first (or the last depends from what side you start counting) of a fascinating stretch of wall. It is so long that is has been divided into three parts, but our opinion is that it could have been easily 7 or 8 parts. This absolute ”world class” dive spot has all the ingredients that also make up the park; Big pelagics as tuna, jacks and sharks at Lekuan 1. Turtles, rays and Napoleon wrasse at Lekuan 2. Huge schools of bat fish and midnight snapper at lekuan 3. Butterfly fishes, fusiliers, sweet lips, angelfishes, basslets, you name it – it is there. Overhanging cliffs, caverns, niches and all covered richly with corals, anemones, sea fans, feather stars and sponges. Great snorkeling also at the reef flat, with lots of macro stuff. Lekuan 3 and 2 are normally mild with currents, but Lekuan 1 can at times be a real challenge.
Kelapa Pendek: It’s meaning: “short coconut trees” and refers to a row of, indeed, short coconut trees. Steep drop off and current often lesser than at Lekuan 1 and Muka Kampung. Very richly grown with fans and corals. Very sweet encounters are the small groups of the eagle rays that seem to like it here.
Muka Kampung: Located opposite the village of Bunaken. A steep drop off with a sandy sloping path on the tip of the reef corner, where we often observe eagle ray, stingray and thousands of butterfly fish. Even from the surface, currents are visible and Muka Kampung normally ends up as a good old fashioned drift dive. Traditionally, Muka Kampung is the entrance to the village of Bunaken. Until now, strait over the reef flat. There are advanced plans for the construction of a permanent landing jetty, (thanks to the park entrance fee!) so further damage in the future will be prevented. Visibility varies from 15 to 30 meters.
Pangalisan: Pangalisan has often some of the current leftovers from Muka Kampung.Visibility, however, is more stable. The shallow reef flat and the steep wall offer excellent macro life, but also bigger things can be expected. Dugongs or sea cows, the only vegetarian sea mammal, and dangerously close to extinction, are sometimes spotted here. It is not clear where these individuals come from. It is a fact that Arakan, at the southern part of the park, is home for a more or less, a steady group of 75 dugongs. They do swim long stretches and it is possible that the ones we sometimes see, come from there.
Bunaken Timur: Simply means “East Bunaken”. This site is the whole reef section between “Pangalisan” and “Sachiko’s Point”. It could have had at least 4 different names, as it is a very long reef and it is impossible for you to see it all in only one dive. During strong west winds, or when storms suddenly turn up, “Bunaken Timur” can be the only place to dive, as it is on the safe lee ward side of the island. Current is mostly mild, and it is good for snorkeling. What sometimes happens is that we get caught up in between two currents. No problem, just let yourself drift with it while slowly ascending until the current is finished. Very rich on coral growth. Deeper you have good chances on sharks and rays. Great to dive out on the edge of the reef flat and the wall. In between, a never ending movie of Bunakens’ fish charm.
Siladen Point: Siladen is one of the smaller islands of the park. It offers good snorkeling at the south side and good diving all around. Siladen point starts on the south side and begins with a steep wall. Because the reef flat is not so wide here, we can come real close to the beach, which gives this site an extra dimension. Currents are usually mild, but incidentally can be quite strong. Rich on corals and good macro life at shallower depths.
Sachico’s Point: Named after a Japanese tour operator who decided that this site was her favorite. You’ll know why once you’ve dived at this spectacular wall. There is usually some current, but it is likely to bring in the bigger ones. When you go around the “corner” there can be a bit of a chilly up welling, but at 25 degrees we think its still bearable. Common sightings are black and white tip shark, large tuna, jacks, turtles and rays. Hard coral growth is rich and soft coral growth is excellent. Exciting encounters with sea snakes are not rare, especially at shallower depths. It is the only site (so far) where on several occasions we have spotted hammer head sharks. Visibility varies from 20 to 35 meters, depending on the tides. Also good snorkeling.
Spaghetti Crossing: Is an interesting site and Siladen on the north side. Where most other sites have their shallow reef flat that falls dry with low tide, Spaghetti Crossing has a “flat” at 20 meters. In the middle there is a channel that shows you that there must be regular strong currents. After the flat, there is a regular wall. We call it Spaghetti Crossing as it’s not always clear were to go; stay on the flat, or go to the wall…..Sometimes we have no choice, and let the current decide. We have had a number of excellent dives at Spaghetti Crossing, but it can be a bit choppy on the surface. If the swell allows it, it is definitely worth to check it out. Marine life to be expected varies from turtles, mantas and Sharks, to frog fish, stone fish and blue ringed octopus (yes!). Good hard and soft coral, but because of the depth, not suitable for snorkeling.
Tanjung Pisol: A “Pisok” is swallow and refers to the amount of swallows that like to pick up insects at dusk and dawn at this site. Tanjung Pisok is a spawning site for groupers. It is not very likely for you to observe that, as this happens only rarely, but several studies have confirmed that groupers have chosen this area to reproduce. Until 20 meters depth it is a slope with large pipe corals and after that a wall dropping in steps. There are sandy patches with blue ribbon eels and there is a chance of seeing larger groupers, but also parrot fishes, Napoleons and eagle rays. Current can be intensely strong.
The Manado Wreck: Nobody is quite sure and no records exist anymore about this once proud merchandiser. Some say it is German, others say it is Dutch. We like to stick with that last opinion. It is for sure that she sunk in WW II and that there is 60 meters of spectacular dive adventure!. The wreck lies on a slope, with the bow up, starting at 22 meters and the intact twin propellers stop at exactly 40 meters, with high tide. After so many years, her superstructure can not be trusted anymore, so no penetrations. But don’t get discouraged, there is enough to see without entering! Nudi branches, leaf fishes, sometimes a resting white tip shark, bat fish, groupers, sweet lips, black coral, soft corals, it’s all there. The visibility is not always too good. A river flows out close by and can bring sediments in. Less than 10 meters visibility is rare. One time diving the wreck, 8 huge manta rays circled it as if to say, “hey guys, lost something?” Because of the depth, it is not a beginners dive. Also because of the depth, most divers run out of no deco time before they run out of air. We do not allow deco-dives, so after the wreck we slowly swim out to shallower parts on the reefs nearby and finish our dive there.
Season
The seasonality gives way to a dry season (late March to October) and a rainy one (November to February). Even in the rainy season are prolonged periods of good weather and the air temperature never drops below 25/26 °C.
The waters of the park are generally very clear (from 20 to 40m), allowing the underwater photographer to capture subjects very different from each other: from macro of to colorful sea slugs and pygmy seahorses until amazing ambient on the vertical walls decorated by huge sponges and sea fans.
The water temperature varies from 30 ° to 26 ° and a 3mm wet suit is normally used on every occasion.
For the best weather conditions we recommend diving Bunaken between April until the end of October.
Included
Included
- International Flights
- Airport pick-up by private car from Manado International Airport
- Boat transfer between Manado and Bunaken
- 2 nights in a 4* hotel w/ breakfast
- 10 nights in resort w/ full board and free mineral water + hot water for tea and coffee)
- It is recommended to pre-book the dives in order to get a special “diver’s discount” on the total price
- Full package tour – See the benefits of being covered by the Full Package Act and Regulations here
- *Fee to Rejsegarantifonden
*A Danish Travel Guarantee Fund covering all European citizens in case of bankruptcy: link
Not Included
- “Visa On Arrival” ~ €30
- Tips for the staff
- Bunaken Marine Park fee ~ €12
- Airport departure tax ~ €10
- Personal Travel Insurances
- Dive Packages
- Anything not listed in “Included”
A Domestic Flight or Along the Way:
East Nusa Tenggara
Alor Archipelago
Vibrant coral reefs, strong currents, macro subjects, hammerhead sharks and culture. Two domestic flights.
Raja Ampat
Pulau Batanta
Explore frontier diving in Central Raja Ampat! Mantas, macro & waterfalls. Two domestic flights away. One domestic flight.
Kaimana
Triton Bay
Remote and worth it! Whale sharks and soft corals in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Two domestic flights away, but…!
East Nusa Tenggara
Komodo & Flores
Komodo dragons, strong currents, manta rays, sharks, macro, Unesco Heritage sites. Two domestic flights away.
Via Manado / North Sulawesi:
Easy to read, only 2 hours drive from Manado. Located at the foot of Dua Saudara Mountain, the Tangkoko Nature Reserve is comprised of rolling hills and valleys with a variety of hardwood trees and unusual plant life. The animal life is also quite varied, and one can often view Tarsius tarsier (one of the smallest known primates), black tailless monkeys, snakes, spiders and kuskus (marsupials). Tangkoko Batuangus Reserve offers a suitable protective environment to help prevent these animals from becoming extinct.
Only one hour away from Tangkoko Nature Reserve (on the way) is Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue and Education Centre (www.tasikoki.org). Here you can observe many unique species from Indonesia, as well as several endemic to Sulawesi. All animals have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. When taking a tour of the centre (1.5 hours) you will learn about conservation of wildlife and nature as well as the rampant wildlife trade. After visiting the animals you can enjoy a vegetarian meal (with fish) together with the staff as well as the many volunteers from all over the world.
Price: $45/person as add-on only to a Tangkoko Nature Reserve trip.
Visit the Vihara Buddhayana (Buddhist Temple) near Gardenia Country Inn, then heading for the small village of Woloan, where you can see the Minahasan Style Houses being built, knock down style, ready for delivery or shipping. Then continue to the base of Mount Mahawu where we begin the 1-hour trek to the crater’s edge. From that vantage point we can see Bunaken & Manado Tua Islands, as well as the bay of Manado. At the bottom of the crater, one can observe a steaming lake and experience the smell of sulfur from the pools.
Then it’s off to see the traditional food & flower market in Tomohon, surprises in store for you!
You will have lunch at Tondano Lake, close to the goldfish farm, where you will enjoy the serenity of the lake. Then we travel to Pulutan Village, a cottage industry for making pottery or choose the Toraget Hot Springs. At the weaving factories you can observe the local weaving traditions being practiced. Last stop is Lake Linow (the changing color lake), a one of a kind experience.
Gorontalo can be reached by a 1 hour flight from Manado or an 9 hour scenic drive. You would be surprised by what Gorontalo has to offer in its forests with its endemic fauna as well as the unique diving of the Togian Islands.
Nantu Forest is located in the heart of the Wallacea region in Gorontalo Province. Wallacea is the wildlife transition zone between Asia and Australia named after its founder, Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913), a famous British biologist, naturalist, and anthropologist.
A community of approximately 30,000 people live within the Nantu and Paguyaman river watershed and is completely dependent on these rivers for its water supply. Nantu’s carbon content is invaluable. Nantu Forest is famous because it is the only place in the world to reliably see its other endemic inhabitants: the Babyrousa celebensis.
The remarkable “prehistoric” appearance of these mammals is largely due to the prominent upwards incurving canine tusks of the males, which actually pierce the flesh in the snout.
One of the most spectacular and thrilling adventure tours in North Sulawesi. The most popular rafting route is on the Nimanga River in Timbukar-Sonder. The grade of the rapids is level 3. You will be picked up at your hotel at 9:00 AM and driven to the village of Sonder (about 1.5 hours from the center of Manado) located in the Minahasan highlands.
Your journey down the 9 km long river will take about one and a half to two hours through scenic forests with a coffee break including traditional cookies. Don’t be shy to scream along the rapids because at the end you will scream for more. Every raft can hold up to six persons including an experienced guide.
After this wet and wild experience, it’s back down the mountain with a lunch stop in a local restaurant. You will arrive at your hotel or the city of Manado (approximately 1.5 hour ride) at approximately 3:00 to 4:00 PM.
Q & A
Yes beginners can dive here.
A combination of destinations would make a perfect dive experience. See our “combine” menu.
Located at the foot of Dua Saudara Mountain, the Tangkoko National Park is comprised of rolling hills and valleys with a variety of hardwood trees and unusual plant life. The animal life is also quite varied, and one can often view Tarsius tarsier (one of the smallest known primates), black tailless monkeys, maleo birds, wild pigs and kuskus (marsupials). Tangkoko Batuangus Reserve offers a suitable protective environment to help prevent these animals from becoming extinct.
The park is easily visited from as a two day trip from Manado.
The resort can help coordinating a trip when you are there.
Great!
Contact us for further details – and we can arrange a course.
The prices for PADI OPEN WATER courses roughly start at €285 and takes 3-4 days.
The 3 day course will let you study via e-learning before you get here, which is smart if you want to be better prepared and spend your holiday time diving and relaxing instead of studying.
The 4 day course is the most popular and you start your studying once you get here.
The prices are almost identical.
Please book courses at the time of booking the whole trip.
You do not need to prebook the dives, but it is simpler to prebook a dive package.
You will spend most surface intervals on the dive boat or going back to the resort, depending on dive site and location.
The dive center have all the dive equipment you will need and in good condition.
Of course it is nice to bring your own dive gear if you can.
As a minimum we would recommend to bring your own dive mask – for a good fit.
Most dive places in Indonesia use the “International” Yoke connection for the regulators 1st stage.
If you have a DIN 1st stage you can buy a DIN to Intl. Yoke converter – which might come in handy every time you dive in South East Asia anyway!
Some resorts may have DIN tanks, but see that info on the accommodation menu.
There are plenty of ATM’s in Manado but none on Bunaken.
Internet Access: There is fine wifi at the resorts.
Electricity: As elsewhere in Indonesia, electricity is 220-240Volt 50Hertz, using type C (CEE 7/16&17 Euro 2 pin) and F (CEE 7/4 “Schuko”) plugs and sockets.