Bunaken National Park: Underwater Paradise in North Sulawesi

Bunaken National Park, an underwater paradise in North Sulawesi, offers the best diving and snorkeling spots with stunning coral reef beauty.
7 Sep 2024 ·By Izzah Putri Jurianto
·
Share Article

Bunaken National Park, located in North Sulawesi, is one of the best marine tourism destinations in Indonesia. Famous for its rich marine life, the park is home to more than 390 species of coral reefs and various types of fish, mollusks, reptiles, and marine mammals.

Bunaken National Park: Underwater Paradise in North Sulawesi
Bunaken National Park: Underwater Paradise in North Sulawesi

Its location in the Coral Triangle makes Bunaken one of the most important places for marine ecosystem conservation.

Location of Bunaken National Park

Bunaken National Park is located in Wori District, Manado City, Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province. The park includes five main islands, namely Bunaken Island, Manado Tua Island, Mantehage Island, Naen Island, and Siladen Island. With an area of 890.65 square kilometers, 97% of the park's area consists of the ocean, making it ideal for various underwater activities such as snorkeling and diving.

Opening Hours and Entrance Ticket Prices

Although Bunaken National Park is open 24 hours, some facilities such as information centers, diving equipment rentals, and accommodations have limited operating hours. The best time to visit Bunaken is between May and August, when the weather is more stable, and the sea is calmer.

Entrance Ticket Prices:

  • 5.000 IDR for domestic tourists
  • 150.000 IDR for foreign tourists
  • Additional fees for snorkeling and diving

Main Attractions of Bunaken National Park

Main Attractions of Bunaken National Park (Ricky Beron Unsplash)
Main Attractions of Bunaken National Park (Ricky Beron Unsplash)
Main Attractions of Bunaken National Park (
Main Attractions of Bunaken National Park (Claus Giering Unsplash)

The Beauty of Coral Reefs in the Coral Triangle

Bunaken National Park is located in the Coral Triangle, an area with the greatest marine biodiversity in the world. With 390 species of coral reefs, this park offers stunning underwater beauty. The coral reefs here form steep walls inhabited by various marine species, making it a favorite spot for divers from all over the world.

Best Diving and Snorkeling Spots

Bunaken is famous as a world-class diving and snorkeling destination. With more than 20 diving spots, divers can enjoy stunning coral reef views and various species of fish, such as Napoleon fish, reef sharks, and green turtles. One of the best spots is Lekuang, which has a coral wall with a depth of up to 600 meters.

Wealth of Marine Biota

In addition to coral reefs, Bunaken is also known for its diversity of marine biota. There are hundreds of species of fish, mollusks, and marine mammals that live in these waters, including sea turtles, stingrays, and several rare species. This rich biodiversity makes Bunaken an ideal place for marine research and conservation.

Mangrove Forests and Terrestrial Ecosystems

Around the island coast, there are mangrove forests that are habitats for various species of land animals such as deer, cuscus, and seabirds. This mangrove ecosystem also plays an important role in protecting coral reefs from erosion and maintaining a balanced marine ecosystem.

Tourist Facilities and Activities

Diving and Snorkeling Activities

Most tourists come to Bunaken to enjoy snorkeling and diving. Many service providers rent snorkeling and diving equipment, as well as providing tour packages to various popular diving spots. Additional fees are charged for equipment rental or taking a guided diving tour.

Educational and Conservation Tourism

Bunaken National Park is also an important place for educational and conservation tourism. Many scientific studies are conducted in this area, especially related to marine biodiversity and the impact of climate change. Tourists can take educational tours that explain the importance of conserving coral reef ecosystems.

Island Exploration

In addition to marine activities, tourists can also explore the islands around the national park. Manado Tua Island with its majestic volcano offers a challenging hiking experience, while small islands such as Siladen Island and Naen Island offer beautiful white sandy beaches.

Tips for Visiting Bunaken National Park

  • May to August is the best time to visit because the sea conditions are calmer and the weather is brighter.
  • For comfort, bring your snorkeling or diving equipment, although many rentals available around the park.
  • Obey all conservation rules and keep it clean. Do not touch the coral reefs or damage the marine habitat.
Share Article
Also Read