BUNAKEN NATIONAL MARINE PARK - AN UNDERWATER PARADISE

Today we are to visit one of the most famous natural tourism spots in Indonesia, even in the world. Bunaken National Marine Park is established in 1991, making it the world’s first marine park, and until today still North Sulawesi’s featured tourist site. It lies in a coral triangle with approximately 390 species of corals, including a gigantic vertical-shaped coral, thousands of species of fish and other kinds of animals like cuscus and deer – things people say you “haven’t been in Bunaken yet” if you haven’t seen and enjoyed, besides of course its famous snorkeling and diving activities.

Geographically, Bunaken is included in the “Golden Triangle” area, interconnecting Indonesian, Papuan and Filipino seas. Bunaken Island is shaped like crescent, about 3 sq miles, one of five islands which cover the 343.88 sq mile Marine Park; the others are Mantehage, Naen, Siladen and Manado Tua, an inactive volcano which consists the highest spot in the park, all of which located at the northern part of Sulawesi (Celebes) Island in Indonesia.

Only 3% of the Marine Park is terrestrial, 5138 feet at its deepest spot. About 40 diving spots are available here with approximately 3000 species of fish accompanying the divers. This park is renowned for its highly diverse marine biota, which allegedly was caused by encounters of oceanic currents in the past. It is said that 7 of 8 species of the world’s giant clams are found here, as well as 70% of Indo-Western Pacific’s species of fish. Various marine mammals, molluscs, seaweeds and sea grass, as well as varieties of birds and reptiles also enrich the park.

On land, there are 22 villages. Local inhabitants in the park area are mostly fishermen or farmers, while the rest are workers in tourism sector. Accommodations are easy to find, from small cottages to 5-star hotels are all there.

Special submarines are available for those who prefer enjoying underwater sightseeing of Bunaken without having to go diving or snorkeling. By IDR   325,000 (USD 25) for each person, these subs accommodate up to 15 passengers for half an hour fun under the sea-surface.

Snorkeling enthusiasts can hire a full package of snorkeling equipment by IDR 150,000 (about USD 11,5); IDR 350,000 (USD 27) if underwater pictures-taking is included. Not cheap, of course. But it will soon be proven worth the experience waiting for you down there.

You can reach Bunaken by a catamaran ship from Marina harbor in Manado, about an hour trip in calm weather, and about half an hour by speed boats. Early morning departure is highly recommended to avoid high tides. Arriving at Bunaken Island, whether or not you can use the quay to walk on ashore depends on the tidal movements at the time.

Like any other marine tourism, accidents at sea occur sometimes. In August 2010, some lawmakers traveling-on-duty were having fun in Bunaken. Departing at about 8 a.m. from Marina Beach in Manado, despite the rain and pretty wavy sea, they made it to Bunaken. On their way back to Manado after having fun, the bad luck happened. Their boat’s engine suddenly went off amid big waves, followed by a huge wave hitting the boat and shattered it into pieces, leaving two people dead while the others survived by swimming ashore. Nonetheless, this is just one accident, and rarely happens, since special precautionary measures have been taken before and after the accident.

Efforts were made by local government to keep the marine park conserved despite gradual damaging and vandalism toward its famous corals, and to officially make the park a conservation spot for corals. Bunaken has been proposed to UNESCO in 2005 to be listed a World Heritage site. This park is lately flooded by mostly Chinese tourists, about 200 tourists a day.

One of the latest policies made by the local government is to stop issuing permits to build new hotels around Bunaken, and instead, encouraging local citizens to build guest houses by giving them low-interest loans. Another effort to further promote Bunaken is organizing the Bunaken Charm Festivals 2016 in July including activities like road shows to the park, fishing contest, decorated boats contest, and traditional music contest. Along with this, the Sam Ratulangi international airport would be open for 24 hours to anticipate more tourists visit. It is even planned to make Bunaken an educational tourism spot.

That’s but a glance of Bunaken National Marine Park in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. To further know this magnificent tourist spot, you should come visit here yourself. Surely, it will be an unforgettable life-time experience.