Bunaken Island: Unraveling the Hidden Gems of North Sulawesi

Bunaken Island: Unraveling the Hidden Gems of North Sulawesi

Tahbrontak - Bunaken is a small island located in the Gulf of Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is situated on the northern tip of Sulawesi Island, which is part of the larger Indonesian archipelago. To be more specific, Bunaken Island is located just off the coast of the city of Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province.

 

Bunaken Island is relatively small, with a total area of around 8.08 square kilometers. It is shaped like a mushroom, with a narrow stem and a wider cap. The island is surrounded by the Bunaken Marine Park, which covers an area of 890 square kilometers and consists of several islands and coral reefs. The marine park is known for its rich marine biodiversity, including over 390 species of coral and more than 3,000 species of fish.

 

To get to Bunaken Island, you can fly into Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado, which is served by several domestic and international airlines. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to Manado Port, which is about 20-30 minutes away. From there, you can take a boat to Bunaken Island, which takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the type of boat you take.

 

There are several types of accommodations available on Bunaken Island, ranging from simple guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Most of the accommodations are located on the western side of the island, facing the Manado Tua Island. Some of the accommodations also offer snorkeling and diving packages, as well as equipment rental. Bunaken Island is a beautiful and peaceful island with stunning natural scenery and rich marine life. It's a great destination for those who love snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Bunaken Island is an absolute paradise for marine lovers. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear water and teeming with diverse marine life, from colorful fish to sea turtles and even some rare species. It's definitely a must-visit spot if you're into snorkeling or diving.

 

Bunaken Marine Park is the most popular destination on the island. The marine park is located on the northern side of the island and covers an area of around 89,065 hectares. It's home to more than 390 species of coral reefs and 3,000 species of fish. You can explore the marine park by renting a glass-bottom boat or a regular boat, or even by swimming and snorkeling. The water is so clear that you can see the colorful fish and the beautiful coral reefs right beneath you.

 

Manado Tua Island is another cool spot to visit on the island. The island used to be an active volcano but has been dormant for a long time. Now, it's a popular hiking spot for tourists who want to enjoy the scenic view of the island from the top. You can reach the summit by trekking for around 1-2 hours, and it's definitely worth the effort. On the way up, you can also visit some historical sites, such as an old church and an old Dutch fortress.

 

Liang Beach is a great place to chill and relax on the island. The beach is located on the eastern side of the island and has white sand and crystal-clear water. You can also do some snorkeling or diving here as there are some beautiful coral reefs and marine life just a few meters away from the shore.

 

Doa Hill is a hill located on the northwestern side of the island. It's another great spot for trekking and enjoying the panoramic view of the island from above. The trek to the top takes around 30-45 minutes, and the view is truly breathtaking.

 

When you visit Bunaken Island, make sure to bring your own snorkeling or diving equipment as not all accommodations provide them. Also, don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and some water as it can get pretty hot and sunny on the island. Finally, make sure to respect the local customs and traditions and avoid any activities that can harm the marine environment, such as littering or touching the coral reefs.

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