Bunaken, Scuba Diving in North Sulawesi

Soft Corals, Bunaken National Park North Sulawesi is known as The Land of Smiling People and lies in the very epicentre of the world’s marine biodiversity in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. It offers more than 100 different dive sites, all rich with tropical marine life, with diving all year round. It is also very easy to get to, with direct flights from Singapore 3-4 times a week, depending on the season.

There are three dive areas to choose from. The first area is the clear waters of the Bunaken National Marine Park which was voted the global winner of British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award in 2003. The amazing walls of the park teams with thousands of different fish species, with huge sponges and beautiful hard corals, and countless number of fascinating critters.

The second area on the other side of the mainland is Lembeh Strait, and it is known as the world’s best ‘muck-diving’. These waters are full of extraordinary marine critters, many of which are the masters of camouflage.

Napoleon In the northern tip of the mainland between Bunaken and Lembeh you can find a group of tropical islands with white sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs. This is the third diving area of Bangka Island with amazing soft corals and even more critters.

There is something for every diver in North Sulawesi. Whether you prefer to admire the steep coral walls of Bunaken National Marine Park, explore the reefs in Bangka area or dive in the enchanting world of nature’s little wonders in Lembeh Strait, we can guarantee that you will leave North Sulawesi rich with memorable experiences.

Mantis Shrimp Between the diving you can visit the area’s other attractions. These include the bustling city of Manado, the lush vegetable gardens of the Minahasa highlands and the tropical jungles in Tangkoko Nature Reserve.

This web site is supported by the North Sulawesi Watersports Association, the local environmental organization participating in the protection of this unique part of Sulawesi. All the resorts listed here are active members of this association, and there is a wide range of facilities available from 5-star accommodation to beach-side cottages. They all have one thing in common, they offer eco-friendly dive services and facilities.

We hope you enjoy your diving experience in North Sulawesi, we think that it is the best in the world.

Bunaken Entrance Fee
All Bunaken visitor (diver or not) must pay the fee:
Rp.50.000 for daily tickets / Rp.150.000 for yearly ticket (tag)

We are very appreciate your support in this entrance fee. Bunaken conservation need cost and your entrance fee is a valuable contribution in coral reef conservation. For further informations, please visit: www.north-sulawesi.com or www.north-sulawesi.org.

About Bunaken Conservation

FAQ about Bunaken

Why I must pay to enter Bunaken?
Bunaken is a national park, protected since 1991 because of its fantastic coral reef and unique environment. Like the other parks, conservations need cost. The paid system is already in Indonesia's law about conservations.

Where my money goes?
80% from money that collected use for conservations program in sea park included law enforcement, conservation education, garbage handling and village development. The rest 20% is for local government, provence and central.

Why garbage handling is not to be the main priority?
Meanwhile plastic garbage upper and under the sea became the main critics for tourists, stopping the fishing that damaged coral reef is more important problem to solve. The garbage problem is very complicated and comes from many sources, for a while, focus will be targeted into beach cleaning and coral reef conservation

Why I see many people fishing if this sea park is protected?
More than 30.000 people in 22 village live in national park area and have been there since 100 years ago before the national park existed. Meanwhile, they are farmers and deep sea fisherman, some of them hang their life in the coral reef. The Bunaken National Park is the special area for conservation, tourism and villagers needs.