As the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia is gifted with a long line of beaches. Every beach has its own uniqueness. It is undeniable that Indonesia has an amazing underwater view with the spread of coral reefs along the beaches. You can name some of the amazing diving spots in Indonesia such as Bali, Raja Ampat, Karimun Jawa, Bunaken, Komodo Island, and many more. These places have been the divers’ heaven for several years. Located in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, marine park Bunaken includes the area of Marine National Park. A diver can get to the diving spot using a boat for 50 minutes or 35 minutes using a speed boat from Manado.

Bunaken is located in the golden triangle of the world’s coral reefs in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philipines, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Archipelago. Due to its strategic location, Bunaken Marine Park has diverse aquatic animals and corals spread over 75.265 hectares. This marine park has the highest biodiversity in the world and its surrounding beach consists of mangrove forests and white sand.

The species of corals vary from soft and hard corals which form the colorful large wall of coral. Many animals such as sharks, tuna, grouper, barracuda, turtles, angel fish, and many more live among these corals and anemones. One of the famous fish living here is the ancient kingfish or Coelacanth.

Every day of the year is good to visit Bunaken Marine Park since there is no off-season. However, as it is located in a tropical area, the best time to dive here is during May to August when the weather is warm and the water is clear.

Diving spot

There are approximately 40 diving spots in Bunaken Marine Park which are dominated by various coral and tropical fish. The 20 diving spots are located in Bunaken National Marine Park; some of them are Tembok Lekuan I, II, II, Tanjung Kopi, Muka Gereja, Siladen, Puncak Barakuda, Mandolin, Bunaken Timor, Tanjung Parigi, Sachiko Point, Pangalisang, and shipwreck in Manado. The most famous coral reef is the great underwater walls which stand vertically and curved for 25-50 meters.

Visitors who do not dive or snorkel can sail around the Bunaken beach using a Katamaran. This is a kind of ship with glass to see the beautiful underwater scenery. This ship only operates in the off-shore. There is also Blue Banter, a submarine that operates only when the tide is high. To enjoy the underwater scenery using Blue Banter, visitors have to pay more money but it is worth paying. Even long walking in the beach line or sitting in the sand can be an unforgettable moment. When visiting Bunaken Marine Park, make sure not to forget to take pictures underwater.

Transportation access to Manado is not difficult; visitors can use public transportation such as taxis from Sam Ratulangi International Airport. To reach Bunaken Island, visitors can hire a boat from Pasar Bersehati or Marina. There are also several hotels, resorts, and cottages to choose from.