Sunday, September 30, 2012

Underwater Paradise: Bunaken National Park

Bunaken is an area of 8.08 km ² island in the Bay of Manado, located in the north of the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. The island is a part of the city of Manado, capital of North Sulawesi province, Indonesia. Bunaken Island can be traveled by speed boat or a rented boat with about 30 minutes drive from the port city of Manado. This marine park has a marine biodiversity one of the highest in the world. Scuba diving attracts many visitors to the island. Overall Bunaken marine park covers an area of 75,265 hectares with five islands within it, namely the island of Manado Tua, Bunaken Island, Island Siladen, Mantehage Island follows several children his island, and the Naen island. Although it covers an area of 75,265 hectares, the location of the dive (diving) is limited in each of the five beaches that surround the island.

Sunset at Bunaken

Bunaken marine park has a 20 point dive (dive spot) with varying depths up to 1344 meters. Of the 20 point dive, dive 12 points of which are located around Bunaken Island. Twelve point dive is the most frequently visited by divers and lovers of the beauty of the underwater scenery.

Underwater Beauty at Bunaken

Most of the 12 point dive in Bunaken Island lined up from the southeast to the northwest of the island. In this region there are underwater great walls, also called the hanging walls, or a giant rock walls that stand vertically and curved upward. Rock walls are also a source of food for fish in the waters around Bunaken Island.
Underwater Beauty at Bunaken

Unfortunately due to the amount of names, many Indonesian people who never even set foot in the Land Lumimuut, was already familiar with and know about Bunaken, talk about Bunaken National Park, then talk about the International Heritage and a miracle of Bunaken. Many researchers from abroad deeply regrets the error information from Indonesia. Bunaken is more than just knowing the book, Bunaken is dive experience.

Exotic Fish at Bunaken

In Bunaken provided 23 points snorkeling or diving. Do not bother to bring their own diving equipment because there leased equipment with prices ranging between Rp 100,000 per day. Do not just look at a variety of way line of fish milling and sea meadow, you can see more than 390 specieses of coral that exudes charm amazing.

Underwater Panorama at Bunaken

On this island you can choose lodging with prices ranging from Rp 40,000,00 per person per day, including full facilities. Some dive operators in Bunaken offers more expensive of course with adequate facilities. You can also choose to stay in hotels in the city of Manado and then order packages daily to Bunaken. Usually leaving in the morning and return in the afternoon. See the directory star hotel in Manado.

The Water is very Clear at Bunaken
There are several restaurants and cafes throughout Manado and the islands. Try this place is the mainstay of food seafood, Manado porridge, and foods made from coconut.

Diving at Bunaken

Diverse marine craft like ornaments made of shells, coral reefs, and others you can buy for souvenirs. Manado city also has many places to shop for food, t-shirts, fabrics, handicrafts, and small ornaments are unique and beautiful.

Underwater experiences at Bunaken

You can explore the island on foot or using boats to move from one place to the other place. Even just walking around the beach alone is a pleasant experience. So, diving is not the only option. Another way is to use a semi-submarine boat off the coast of leased Bunaken Island. These vessels provide glass walls to enjoy the beauty and exoticism of Bunaken sea floor. There is also a Blue Banter submarines that will only operate when high tides. View of the course gained more leverage though the pricing is much more expensive than semi-submarine ship-walled glass.

Snorkeling is Very Attractive at Bunaken

To reach Manado, there is an option airlines serving the route, both from Jakarta, Denpasar, Makassar and shoves. From Jakarta, you can choose Garuda Indonesia to fly twice a day, 3 times a Lion Air and Batavia Air day twice a day, take a trip travel time for about 3 hours drive.

Underwater Adventure at Bunaken

Bunaken Island is very easy to reach by boat from Manado. Departing from port of Manado, Molas, Kalasey and Tasik Ria Beach. Ferry boat from Manado to Bunaken depart around 14:00 (depending on tides).

Marine Diversity at Bunaken

Passes and tickets can be purchased through marine tourism operators in Manado and also can be purchased in one of three ticket counters in Bunaken and Liang villages on Bunaken and Siladen.

You should be aware that during the summer between July and August visitors will usually be very crowded. Many resorts and dive operators will not be able to receive incoming travelers at that time because it was already fully booked. Therefore, it is better to book in advance.

For the rental of ships heading Bunaken Manado you can choose Bersehati Market and Marina. Rent boats from Manado to Bunaken Bersehati Market rate between Rp 300,000 - Rp 400,000. Meanwhile, if the applicable rate of the Marina is more expensive at around Rp 600,000 - Rp 800,000. More economical way is to join with other tourists aboard a traditional cost Rp 50,000 per person. Just have to wait for a seat on the board first new full set.

Try to hire equipment from a reliable large companies but remember, that the responsibility for checking the equipment is in yourself. If you are a true adventurer, of course, would not have missed for the continuing adventures of marine and island Wayag Raja Ampat, Papua.

Some useful tips and informations about Bunaken:
Popular hotels in Manado