Hotelupwell.com – One of Indonesia’s most valuable natural assets is its rich marine ecosystem. Among them is Bunaken, a marine park in North Sulawesi which is famous throughout Indonesia and even throughout the world because of its beauty. As Indonesians we should be proud and find out more about the region. So, in this list we have collected the 7 most fascinating things about Bunaken Underwater National Park.
Description of Bunaken National Park
Bunaken Marine National Park was established in 1991 as a marine ecosystem conservation area. In 2005, this national park was given the title of UNESCO world heritage site. Not only that, another international institution, namely WWF, recognizes the richness of Bunaken’s marine biota. WWF also provides protection assistance. This includes successful patrols in reducing bomb and cyanide fishing which damages the ecosystem.
Due to conservation efforts, the natural beauty of Bunaken’s underwater world is still well preserved. There are hundreds of species of coral reefs and fish that inhabit this area. Surely you have seen pictures of the Bunaken marine park on the internet. But would you believe that its real beauty is even more amazing than in the pictures?
It is not surprising that travelers from all over the archipelago and abroad flock to Bunaken to see its unique marine ecosystem. Here are some of the most interesting unique features of Bunaken’s underwater park.
Bunaken Marine National Park is located in North Sulawesi, precisely in Manado. From Marina Blue Banter port, you have to take a boat for about 20 minutes to Bunaken Island. For Indonesian citizens, the entrance ticket to Bunaken Underwater National Park is only IDR 5,0000.00. Meanwhile for foreigners it is much more expensive, reaching IDR 150,000.00.
The uniqueness of Bunaken Marine Park
1. The richest underwater area in the world
Bunaken Marine Park is a strictly protected area. So it is not surprising that the natural wealth in this region is very good. In Bunaken we can see the true beauty of Indonesia’s underwater world. In fact, almost 70% of the marine biota species in the world can be found in this underwater park.
The main attraction is the coral reef. There are around 58 species of coral reefs that can be found in Bunaken. This marine park is famous as one of the areas with the most complete and amazing collection of coral reefs in the world.
Hundreds of types of fish have habitats among coral reefs, such as groupers, snappers, angelfish, even clownfish like Nemo in the film “Finding Nemo”. Meanwhile, the area around Manado Tua Island is a place where you can see large exotic marine animals. Examples include napoleon fish, manta rays and barracuda.
There are also seaweed and algae or algae which are also home to marine fauna. Seaweed is home to crustaceans or some types of shrimp. Seaweed and algae also provide food for various animals. For example, lobsters, turtles, sea urchins, and molluscs such as shellfish and sea snails.
Not only that, but there are several animals that are only found in Bunaken, you know! For example, the Hawksbill Hawksbill Turtle. This type of turtle is a rare and protected species. Its habitat is only in the Bunaken Marine Park. Isn’t Bunaken’s natural wealth extraordinary?
2. The land ecosystem is no less stunning
If you want to see white sandy beaches, visit Bunaken Island and Siladen Island. The beaches on both islands have charming, soft white sand and animals such as shrimp and crabs. On the beach there are also several plants such as palm trees, silar, sago, coconut and woka. These trees are ready to provide coolness and shade to ward off the scorching heat.
In Bunaken visitors can also see mangrove forests. The exact location is Mangrove Park Bahowo Tongkaina. Here there are boats that can be used to navigate the sea and mangrove forests. In the mangrove forest you can see various types of crabs, shrimp, mollusks, and birds such as seagulls, sea doves, dragonflies, and even herons.
Apart from that, in Bunaken there is also Mount Manado Tua, a volcano that is no longer active. At the top there is a protected forest where we can see cuscus and yaki or Manado black monkeys. Manado Tua Island is very close to Bunaken Island, only about 30 minutes by boat.
Lastly, on Mantehage Island there is a swamp ecosystem. Mantehage is the largest island in the Bunaken area. Here we can meet a herd of deer which usually graze in the afternoon.
3. Diving among coral reefs
Bunaken’s well-maintained marine ecosystem has no equal anywhere in the world. This makes Bunaken a divers’ paradise. Indeed, if you go to Bunaken, diving is something you must do. A diving experience is incomplete if you have never experienced the beauty of Bunaken. Even diving enthusiasts from abroad are willing to visit this place.
Throughout the Bunaken Marine National Park area there are 20 diving spots where you can dive. In fact, 12 of them are on Bunaken Island alone, you know! The waters in Bunaken are so clear that visibility can reach 20 meters. In fact, sometimes it can reach 35 meters. It’s no wonder that Bunaken is so loved by diving lovers from all over the world.
Apart from being able to swim among coral reefs and marine animals, in Bunaken there is also a unique large coral wall. Its uniqueness lies in its curved and vertical shape. This wall serves as food for the fish in the sea.
It should be considered that some dive points are quite challenging. At these points there are strong and rapidly changing water currents. Plus there are many steep coral reef walls. But it is precisely these challenges that make divers interested in visiting Bunaken.
On Bunaken Island there are many places where you can rent diving equipment. You can also dive with a private guide if you can afford the extra. Because the guides are local residents, they can show you the coolest diving spots in Bunaken.
4. Can feed fish
Maybe you are not happy or don’t have diving certification yet. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t see the natural beauty of Bunaken’s underwater world. You can also snorkel to see sea animals and coral reefs in the shallow sea.
While snorkeling, you can also feed the fish, you know! The types of fish that we can see here are goropa fish, white oci, yellow tail Lului, gusumi horse fish, ila gasi, and others. In fact, these fish are familiar with the presence of visitors who feed them. So, visitors can take photos with these fish. Very interesting, isn’t it?
If you visit Bunaken, don’t forget to make time for snorkeling. Your guide will help you explore the sea area and feed the sea animals. Also prepare a camera that can be used underwater. When else can you take photos amidst the unique Bunaken marine park?
Costs for snorkeling vary depending on the location, but are usually in the range of hundreds of thousands. However, the price you pay usually includes equipment rental, and is worth a snorkeling experience you won’t forget.
5. Interact with dolphins and whales
The charm of Bunaken’s amazing underwater park doesn’t stop at the coral reefs. You can also interact with dolphins and whales, you know! You can meet these large marine mammals directly in Bunaken, specifically in the waters of Manado Bay and Siladen Island.
You only need to rent a boat that will take you out to sea. These sea giants are usually seen in the morning between 7-9 o’clock, or in the evening between 6-9 o’clock.
Species that can be seen include whale sharks, sperm whales, pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins and orcas or killer whales. They will greet the arrival of every visitor, and often even invite them to play. Always have your camera ready so you don’t miss a moment of interaction with these two types of mammals.
6. Water sports
Even though you are on holiday, don’t let your body become loose. Apart from diving and snorkeling, you can also do various other water sports in Bunaken. For example surfing or surfing. The waves in the Bunaken sea area are very suitable for surfing. So, this area is also popular among surfing lovers from all over the world.
Other sea sports that can be done here include jet skiing and parasailing. These activities are safe to do because they are always supervised by experienced guides. So it is very suitable to try with friends, family, even children. If you are on holiday as a family in Bunaken, don’t miss this opportunity.
7. It can still be enjoyed by those who don’t like physical activities
For those of you who can’t swim or don’t like physical activities, Bunaken can still be enjoyed, you know! One way is to rent an aquarium boat. This boat will take you diving. So, you can still see for yourself the natural beauty of Bunaken’s underwater world.
If you prefer to sit around, or are tired after a day of physical activity, you can relax on the beach. Enjoy the cool breeze under the shade of coconut trees. Surrounded by sparkling white sand and clear blue sea and shaded by endless blue skies, it feels like being in heaven.
In the Bunaken area, you can also see an extraordinarily charming view of the sunset. Sunset Bunaken can also be used as a beautiful photo background to display on your social media. Apart from that, this place is also suitable to visit with loved ones. Walking hand in hand on the beach with the sunset in the sea as a backdrop, isn’t it very romantic?
That’s a glimpse of the Bunaken underwater park. So, are you interested in including the amazing charm of Bunaken’s underwater park in your travel itinerary?
