Explore Bunaken National Marine Park: Indonesia’s Premier Diving Paradise

Hello ocean lovers! I’m thrilled to be your guide to one of Indonesia’s most enchanting marine destinations — Bunaken National Marine Park. Nestled in North Sulawesi, this protected marine area is famous for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral walls, and some of the richest marine biodiversity on Earth.
 

Whether you’re a seasoned scuba diver, a snorkeling enthusiast, or simply someone who dreams of tropical waters, Bunaken will steal your breath away—both above and below the surface.

📍 1. Where is Bunaken National Marine Park?

Location: North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Nearest City: Manado

Islands: Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Montehage, Nain

How to Get There:

Fly into Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) in Manado

Take a boat transfer (30–45 minutes) from Manado harbor to Bunaken Island

🐟 2. Why Bunaken is World-Renowned

Part of the Coral Triangle, the world’s marine biodiversity hotspot

Home to over 390 species of coral and 90+ fish families

Famous for vertical wall dives plunging hundreds of meters deep

Crystal visibility: often up to 30 meters

Protected area since 1991 and part of UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list

🐬 3. Diving and Snorkeling in Bunaken

Bunaken is a diver’s paradise. With warm water year-round, calm seas, and dramatic underwater topography, every dive here feels like an exploration of an alien world.

a. Top Dive Sites

Fukui Point

Slopes with coral bommies

Large schools of fish, sea turtles, and Napoleon wrasse

Lekuan Walls (I, II, III)

Steep vertical walls

Ideal for spotting reef sharks, barracuda, and rays

Mandolin

Spectacular soft corals and sponges

Ideal for macro lovers and wide-angle photography

Siladen Wall

Calm currents and beginner-friendly

Great snorkeling and coral gardens

Sachiko’s Point

Gentle drift dive

Eagle rays, sea snakes, and dense coral forests

b. Snorkeling Hotspots

Bunaken Island's east coast (near Pangalisang Beach)

Siladen Island – great house reef right off the beach

Calm waters, shallow reefs, and colorful fish for all ages

🌤️ 4. Best Time to Visit Bunaken

Dry Season (Best Time):

April to October

Calm seas and best visibility for diving/snorkeling

Wet Season (Still Diveable):

November to March

Occasional rain, but still diveable with warm water

Water Temperatures:

Ranges from 27°C to 30°C year-round

🛂 5. Park Fees and Regulations

Conservation Fee:

IDR 150,000 (around $10 USD) per person per year

Helps support reef protection and local communities

Rules:

No touching or stepping on corals

No fishing or spearfishing

Do not collect shells or marine life

🧳 6. What to Bring

Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc-based, non-toxic)

Mask, snorkel, and fins (or rent locally)

Underwater camera or GoPro

Rash guard or dive suit for sun/jellyfish protection

Dry bag for boat trips

🏝️ 7. Where to Stay: Bunaken Island & Beyond

Bunaken Island

Bunaken Cha Cha Nature Resort – great dive packages and beach views

Bastianos Bunaken – social dive resort with pool and bar

Living Colours Dive Resort – Finnish-run with eco-focus

Siladen Island

Siladen Resort & Spa – luxury escape with gourmet dining

Onong Resort – small, peaceful, and family-run

Manado (Mainland)

Stay here if you want easy city access and day-trips

Ideal for travelers combining Tangkoko Nature Reserve or Minahasa Highlands

🌴 8. Wildlife Beyond the Reef

While Bunaken is all about the ocean, there’s more to discover above the water:

Mangroves and seagrass beds – nurseries for baby marine species

Sea turtles nesting on beaches

Dolphins and pilot whales spotted on boat rides

Manado Tua Island – dormant volcanic island with hiking trails

Birdwatching in mangroves (kingfishers, herons, etc.)

🥘 9. What to Eat on the Islands

Local food is simple, fresh, and delicious. Expect:

Grilled fish with sambal (chili paste)

Coconut curry, rice, and banana leaf-wrapped meals

Fresh tropical fruits: papaya, pineapple, banana, and rambutan

Some resorts offer Western-style meals and vegetarian options

🌊 10. Marine Life You’ll Encounter

Turtles (green and hawksbill)

Reef sharks, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse

Mandarinfish, clownfish, angelfish

Moray eels, sea snakes, octopus

Frogfish, scorpionfish, and nudibranchs

🌿 11. Responsible Travel and Conservation

Support eco-certified dive operators

Say no to single-use plastic (bring reusable water bottle)

Never buy souvenirs made from shells or coral

Respect local customs and village boundaries

Choose accommodations with reef-safe practices

📷 12. Top Photography Spots

Siladen at sunset – with Manado Tua in silhouette

Underwater walls – best with wide-angle lens

Snorkel shots of coral gardens and reef fish

Village scenes on Bunaken – colorful houses, boats, and local life

🧭 13. Planning Your Trip

Trip Duration Recommendation:

Minimum: 3 days (1 day travel + 2 days diving/snorkeling)

Ideal: 5–7 days to explore all major dive sites and nearby islands

Travel Tip: Combine Bunaken with:

Tangkoko Nature Reserve (tarsiers and black macaques)

Tomohon volcanoes and Minahasa Highlands

Lembeh Strait (world-famous muck diving)

🤔 14. FAQs About Bunaken National Marine Park

Q: Can beginners dive in Bunaken?
A: Yes! Several dive sites are beginner-friendly, and operators offer PADI Open Water courses.

Q: Is snorkeling safe for children?
A: Yes, especially in Siladen and the shallow reefs near resorts.

Q: Are there ATMs on the island?
A: No — bring cash. Manado has plenty of ATMs.

Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Highly recommended, especially one that covers diving or emergency evacuation.

💙 15. Why Bunaken Should Be on Your Indonesia Itinerary

Bunaken isn’t just another tropical getaway — it’s a living, breathing marine ecosystem that invites you to slow down, dive deep, and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re floating above a reef packed with rainbow-colored fish or watching the sun dip behind a volcano from a quiet beach, Bunaken leaves you with memories that ripple long after you leave.