Bunaken Underwater Park – Undoubtedly, we have all heard about the incredible beauty of Bunaken Underwater Park. The diversity of its maritime ecology is one of Indonesia’s most important natural treasures. Among them is Bunaken, a marine park in North Sulawesi that is renowned for its beauty throughout Indonesia and the rest of the world. As Indonesians, we ought to be proud and educate ourselves on the region. On this list, we have compiled seven of the most alluring aspects of Bunaken Underwater National Park.
1991 saw the establishment of Bunaken Marine National Park as a marine environment protection area. This national park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. In addition, another international body, WWF, recognizes the abundance of marine life in Bunaken. Moreover, WWF provides protective aid. Included in this category are patrols that have successfully reduced bomb and cyanide-based fishing, which is damaging the ecosystem.
Thanks to conservation efforts, Bunaken’s underwater beauty has been protected. This region is home to hundreds of varieties of coral reefs and fish. Perhaps you have seen photographs of Bunaken marine park on the internet. Nevertheless, can you believe that the actual beauty is much more breathtaking than the photographs?
It is unsurprising that visitors from all over the archipelago and outside rush to Bunaken to view its unique marine habitat. Here are some of Bunaken’s underwater park’s most intriguing and unusual features.
7 Charms of the Incredible Bunaken Underwater Park
The Bunaken Maritime National Park is located in Manado, North Sulawesi. To reach Bunaken Island from Marina Blue Banter harbor, you must take a boat for around 20 minutes. The entrance fee at Bunaken Underwater National Park is simply Rp. 50,000.00 for Indonesian citizens. Foreigners are far more expensive, reaching IDR 150,000.
The exceptional nature of Bunaken Marine Park
1. The world’s richest underwater region
Bunaken Marine Park is a region that is strictly protected. So, it is not surprising that this location has an abundance of natural resources. We can observe the actual splendor of Indonesia’s aquatic ecosystem in Bunaken. Around 70% of all marine biota species can be discovered in this underwater park.
The coral reefs are the principal attractions. There are approximately 58 species of coral reefs in Bunaken. This marine park is renowned for having one of the world’s largest and most impressive coral reef collections.
Hundreds of fish species call coral reefs home, including grouper, snapper, angelfish, and even clownfish like Nemo from “Finding Nemo.” Meanwhile, the region surrounding Manado Tua Island is teeming with big exotic aquatic life. Such are the Napoleon fish, the manta ray, and the barracuda.
In addition to seaweed and algae, marine wildlife also inhabits seaweed and algae. Crustaceans and many species of shrimp inhabit seaweed. Algae and seaweed are also food for a variety of animals. Examples include lobsters, turtles, sea urchins, and molluscs like clams and sea slugs.
Not only that, but Bunaken is also home to unique species of animals! The Hawksbill Turtle is an example. This turtle species is protected as an endangered species. It solely inhabits the Bunaken Marine Park. The marine biodiversity of Bunaken’s sea is amazing.
2. Land ecosystems that are equally as breathtaking
The beauty of Bunaken extends beyond the ocean’s surface. The shoreline of Bunaken is equally gorgeous and diversified. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
If you want to see beaches with white sand, you should visit Bunaken Island and Siladen Island. The islands’ beaches boast beautiful soft white sand and wildlife such as shrimp and crabs. On the shore, there are also palm trees, silar, sago, coconut, and woka, among other flora. These trees are prepared to provide shade and cooling to alleviate the oppressive heat.
Visitors can also find mangrove forests at Bunaken. The precise location is in Bahowo Mangrove Park. A boat is available for use in navigating the sea and mangrove forests. There are several species of crabs, shrimp, mollusks, and birds in the mangrove forest, including seagulls, sea doves, hyacinths, and even storks. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
Mount Manado Tua, a deactivated volcano, is also located in Bunaken. Near its summit, there is a protected woodland where cuscus, yaki, and Manado black monkeys can be found. Manado Tua Island is only around 30 minutes by boat from Bunaken Island. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
On Mantehage Island, there is finally a swamp ecology. The largest island in the Bunaken region is Mantehage. Here, we can see a group of deer that grazes in the afternoon. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
3. Scuba diving within coral reefs
The protected marine ecology of Bunaken is unique in the world. This makes Bunaken a diver’s paradise. Actually, if you visit Bunaken, you must engage in scuba diving. The diving experience is incomplete if Bunaken has never been experienced. Even international scuba divers are eager to visit this location. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
There are 20 dive sites throughout the Bunaken Marine National Park area where diving is possible. Twelve of them are present on Bunaken Island alone! The visibility in the seas of Bunaken can reach up to 20 meters. In fact, it can sometimes reach 35 meters. No surprise Bunaken is so popular with scuba divers worldwide.
In addition to being able to swim amid coral reefs and aquatic life, Bunaken features massive, distinct coral walls. It is distinctive because to its curved and vertical form. This wall provides food for marine life.
Certain dive sites should be considered to be fairly demanding. At these locations, the water currents are powerful and rapidly changing. In addition, there are numerous steep coral walls. Nonetheless, it is precisely these problems that attract divers to Bunaken. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
On Bunaken Island, there are numerous locations to rent diving equipment. You may also scuba dive with a private guide if you can afford the additional cost. Since the guides are locals, they are able to show you the greatest diving places in Bunaken. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
4. Able to feed fish
Perhaps you are unhappy or lack a diving certification. Yet, this does not mean that you cannot view the grandeur of Bunaken’s underwater habitat. In shallow waters, you can also snorkel to observe marine life and coral reefs.
You may also feed the fish when snorkeling, you know! Here, we may witness goropa fish, white oci, yellow tail, gusumi horse fish, ila gasi, and other species of fish. In actuality, these fish are accustomed to visitors who feed them. So that guests can snap photographs with these fish. It’s rather intriguing, isn’t it?
If you visit Bunaken, you should not forget to snorkel. The guide will assist you in exploring the ocean and feeding the marine life. Also, prepare a camera that can be used underwater. When else may photographs be taken amidst the singularity of Bunaken marine park? (Bunaken Underwater Park)
The price of snorkeling varies by location, but is typically in the hundreds of thousands. However, the fee normally includes equipment rental and is well worth the unforgettable snorkeling experience. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
5. Engage in interactions with dolphins and whales
The beauty of the extraordinary Bunaken underwater park is not limited to its coral reefs. Moreover, you can interact with dolphins and whales! These enormous marine mammals can be encountered directly in Bunaken, specifically in the waters of Manado Bay and Siladen Island. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
You merely need to charter a boat to reach the open sea. These sea giants are typically spotted between 7:00 and 7:00 a.m. or between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
Whale sharks, sperm whales, pilot whales, common bottlenose dolphins, and orcas or killer whales are among the species that can be observed. They will welcome every guest and frequently invite them to play. Always be prepared with your camera so you don’t miss a moment of interaction between the two species of mammals.
6. Water sports activities
Even if it is a holiday, your body should not relax. In addition to scuba diving and snorkeling, Bunaken offers numerous additional water sports. Such as surfing or surfing. The waves in the water around Bunaken are ideal for surfing. Hence, surfers from all over the world frequent this location. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
In addition to jet skiing and parasailing, other water activities available here include parasailing and parasailing. These activities are risk-free since they are constantly overseen by knowledgeable advisers. So, it is ideal for sharing with friends, family, and even youngsters. If you are on a family vacation in Bunaken, you should not miss this opportunity. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
7. It can still be enjoyed by those who don’t like physical activity
Even if you are unable to swim or dislike physical activity, you can still enjoy Bunaken! One method is to charter a boat equipped with an aquarium. This vessel will transport you diving. So, you can still witness the magnificence of Bunaken’s undersea habitat. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
Whether you want to remain sedentary or are exhausted from a day of physical activity, you can unwind on the beach. Under the shady canopy of a coconut tree, delight in the refreshing wind. It feels like heaven to be surrounded by beautiful white sand, a clear blue sea, and an unending blue sky. (Bunaken Underwater Park)
In the region of Bunaken, you can also witness the tesih sun. How lovely would it be to stroll hand-in-hand along the beach as the sun sets over the ocean?
This is a peek of the underwater park at Bunaken. How interested are you in incorporating the amazing Bunaken underwater park into your itinerary?
Leave a Reply