Bunaken National Park Travel Guide

Essential Information

• Location: North Sulawesi, Indonesia
• Size: 890 km², covering five islands: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Mantehage, and Nain
• Climate: Tropical, with warm temperatures year-round (27-32°C)
• Best Time to Visit: April to October (dry season, best for diving and snorkeling)
• Famous For: Incredible coral reefs, diverse marine life, and crystal-clear waters
• Entry Fee: IDR 150,000 per person for international tourists (valid for one year)

Interesting Facts

• Over 390 Species of Coral – Part of the Coral Triangle, making it one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world.
• Home to Over 2,000 Marine Species – Includes reef sharks, sea turtles, barracudas, dolphins, and dugongs.
• One of the Best Diving Spots in the World – Famous for steep wall dives, vibrant reefs, and exceptional visibility (up to 40m).
• Volcanic Origin – Manado Tua Island is an extinct volcano, offering unique geological formations.
• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – Recognized for its conservation efforts and marine biodiversity.

How to Get There

1. Fly to Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) in Manado
   • Direct flights available from Jakarta, Bali, Makassar, and Singapore.
2. Boat Transfer from Manado to Bunaken Island
   • Public boats (1-hour ride, available daily at 2 PM).
   • Private speedboats (30-40 minutes, available anytime).
   • Resorts often arrange boat transfers for guests.

Best Things to Do in Bunaken National Park

1. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in the Coral Triangle
   • Top dive sites: Lekuan Wall, Mandolin, Siladen, and Muka Kampung.
   • Spot sea turtles, reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and vibrant corals.
2. Explore Manado Tua Island’s Volcanic Peak
   • A challenging hike with breathtaking views of Bunaken’s waters.
   • Spot rare wildlife like tarsiers and cuscus monkeys.
3. Relax on Siladen Island’s White Sand Beaches
   • A quiet, luxury escape with stunning coral reefs and sunset views.
4. Experience Traditional Bajo Fishing Villages
   • Visit Mantehage Island, home to the Bajo sea nomads.
   • Learn traditional fishing techniques and interact with locals.
5. Kayaking & Paddleboarding Around Mangroves
   • Explore the mangrove forests around Bunaken and Mantehage.
   • A great way to see exotic birds and marine life.
6. Underwater Photography & Freediving
   • Capture stunning macro marine life and dramatic coral walls.

Best Accommodation Options

• Siladen Resort & Spa (Luxury, Siladen Island)
  • Beachfront villas, spa treatments, and world-class diving packages.
• Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa (Luxury, Bunaken Island)
  • Eco-friendly, luxury diving resort with private villas.
• Bastianos Bunaken Dive Resort (Mid-Range, Bunaken Island)
  • Great for divers, with PADI-certified instructors and beachfront bungalows.
• Happy Gecko Dive Resort (Budget, Bunaken Island)
  • Affordable, simple beachfront cottages with great diving access.
• Homestays & Guesthouses (Budget, Bunaken & Mantehage Islands)
  • Stay with local families for an authentic and affordable experience.

Top Attractions in Bunaken National Park

• Lekuan 1, 2 & 3 – Famous for Wall Diving & Marine Life
• Siladen Island – Pristine Beaches & Crystal-Clear Water
• Muka Kampung – The Best Spot for Snorkeling
• Tanjung Parigi – Hidden Coral Gardens & Reef Sharks
• Manado Tua Volcano – A Scenic Hike with Ocean Views

Getting Around

• By Boat: Island hopping via public or private boats.
• By Foot: Most islands are small and easily walkable.
• By Bicycle or Motorbike: Available for rent on Bunaken and Siladen.

Day Trips & Nearby Adventures

1. Tangkoko Nature Reserve (3 Hours from Manado)
   • Home to tarsiers, black macaques, and hornbills.
2. Lembeh Strait (Famous for Muck Diving, 1.5 Hours from Manado)
   • See rare critters like frogfish, nudibranchs, and blue-ringed octopuses.
3. Minahasa Highlands (2 Hours from Manado)
   • Visit Lake Tondano, Mount Lokon, and traditional Minahasan villages.
4. Bajo Village in Mantehage Island
   • Experience the unique culture of the sea nomads.

Practical Tips

Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect the coral reefs from harmful chemicals.
Book Diving & Snorkeling Trips in Advance: Peak season gets busy.
Bring Cash: Limited ATMs on the islands.
Wear Lightweight Clothing: Tropical weather is hot and humid.
Respect Local Culture & Marine Life: No touching corals or feeding fish.
Pack a Dry Bag: Essential for protecting electronics during boat rides.
Check Diving Certification: Some sites require Advanced Open Water Certification.

Conclusion

Bunaken National Park is a paradise for divers, snorkelers, and nature lovers, offering rich marine biodiversity, stunning coral walls, and a vibrant island culture. Whether you’re diving with sea turtles, exploring the Bajo villages, or relaxing on white sand beaches, Bunaken is an unforgettable destination in Indonesia.