Imagine a small plot of property created by an intense volcano and covered by pristine tropical forest, and you’ll get an idea of this incredible beauty of North Sulawesi. A stone’s throw further north, and you’ll find a small number of islets that have some of the richest untouched coral reefs available out of the 17,508 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago. This is where the currents meet, creating the nutrient-rich upwelling that has given rise to one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.
Diving In North Sulawesi
Even Bunaken Marine Park and the islands of Bangka, Talisei and Ganges are all blessed with white sandy beaches, palm trees and some of the most transparent sea you will ever visit. Furthermore, the Sangihe Islands which are natural stepping stones in the Southern Philippines are still largely unexplored by sailors. If this wasn’t enough, there is another place that cannot be left off the notebooks of some esteemed divers who have seen Bunaken Marine Park – a stretch of sea that covers the west coast of Sulawesi plus a small island which is a short boat ride from the shore.
At first glance, the place in the Lembeh strait, using its dirty beach looks interesting, hiding in the waters like that is an amazing and strange monster. On dry land, there are some great day outings, such as to Tangkoko National Park, which is home to Tarsiers (an adorable primate that can rotate its mind about 180° and has eyes that are bigger than its mind); just look at Lake Tondano, or even cross rice fields and conventional villages with the dramatic backdrop of Sulawesi’s nature.
For a favorite sport, the Mahavu and Lokon volcanoes are excellent trails. When visiting the Bunaken, a trip to the top of Manado Tua Volcano is a must!
Diving Websites of Northern Sulawesi
1. Bangka
Large pelagic fish are regular traffic, traveling along with all food and nutrient flows. Coral reefs throughout Bangka are colorful. The beach dive sites offer extreme peaks with screens lined with high colored coral that protects against strong currents to schools of large fish such as snapper, fusilier and surgeonfish.
2. Sangihe Archipelago
The beauty of this Sangihe Archipelago is the normal estrangement and truth that is untouched and unaffected from today’s world. In the depths of these sea spikes, here, towering volcanoes, for example, the busy Mount Siau. These crab islands reach 1,400 meters. The nights here are a stunning series due to the rock and lava emanating from their volcanoes. A highlight of any trip to the Sangihe Islands is a dip in Mahangetang – a sinking but bustling volcano near Siau. From a depth of 400 yards, the peak extends just below the surface. The surrounding area is empty, with countless bubbles pulling volcanic gas to the surface.
On closer inspection of the area, you’re more likely to find tiny starfish, algae, and worms and tiny corals – an indication that new coral reefs have formed at Mahangetang. Diving from the Sangihe Islands is rich and varied. The blooming of plankton and the upwelling of nutrients produce a food chain that carries large schools of bass. The surrounding waters are often spotted by large cetaceans such as sperm whales, whale sharks, melon-headed whales, and many species of dolphins.
3. Bunaken Marine Park
You might even sink into a dolphin troop or the occasional subway departure. There are 22 official dip sites in Bunaken Marine Park. Dives are usually wall and present/ramble. Bunaken Sea will also be filled with beautiful coral reefs, marine fish of various colors, sizes, and shapes; also a big sea fan, and more.
Are you planning to visit Bunaken soon? Find out more about Bunaken and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
