Bunaken & Derawan Underwater Paradise

Ever fancy yourself being a mermaid? Being able to swim along with other creatures of the sea , moving to the rhythm of the waves? In the Bunaken Marine Park, you will encounter a real “mermaid”, and you can also get a glimpse of sea life here.

Bunaken is an 8.08 km² island in the Bay of Manado, situated in the north of the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Bunaken forms part of the administrative city of Manado , capital of North Sulawesi. The marine Park around Bunaken is part of the  National Park that also includes the ocean around the island of  Manado Tua – or Old Manado, Siladen and Mantehage. 

Bunaken is a legend and its come-back is even more tantalizing. Conservation is underway and caring divers would love to reminiscence the old times underwater. Fukui still leaves you awesome memories and worth the plunge. Derawan, a few nautical miles to the west, is a conservation area for marine life. It consists of small islands, namely Kakaban, Sangalaki, Maratua, and Derawan itself. Adventurers will not be disappointed when visiting Derawan marine conservation area. The meandering wooden boat through a picturesque river in Berau jungle, or a speeding boat slicing waves of Borneo Sea is an adrenalin-pumping access to Derawan. The underwater scenery there doubles the doze of the thrills of getting there. 

Get There
The island of Bunaken is easily reached from Manado by motorized boat, departing from Manado harbor, Molas, Kalasey and Tasik Ria beach. Ferries from Manado to Bunaken leave daily around 2 p.m (depending on the tide), except on Sundays, when they leave from Pasar Jengki near the Manado harbor. The return journey from Bunaken to Manado usually leaves early in the morning, at around 7-8 a.m
There are also charter boats that depart in the morning and return in the late afternoon. These are usually reserved for travel packages organized by agents or hotels.

Tips
Entrance tags and tickets can be purchased through marine tourism operators based in Manado and in the Bunaken National Park, or can be purchased from one of three ticket counters in Bunaken and Liang villages on the islands of Bunaken and Siladen .
You should be aware that during the absolute peak season months of July and August it usually gets VERY crowded. Many of the better resorts and dive operators will not be able to accept walk-ins during that time since they are already fully booked. Better make a reservation beforehand.
Try to hire equipment from larger firms as these are more reliable, but remember: the responsibility of checking the equipment is ultimately with yourself.
If you're the more adventurous type, you can try diving in Raja Ampat and Wayag Island. In Papua.

To Do
Most diving takes place near Bunaken and Manado Tua, because of the many excellent sites. The following are representative of  dive spots in the area.

1.Lekuan Walls (I, II, III)

This long wall at Bunaken is divided into three sites: the Lekuan I, II and III. Together they are the park's best. Steep walls are marked with deep crevices, sea fans and giant sponges. The shallows are filled with fishes. The wall, often protected from stronger currents, is frequented by bumphead parrotfish, turtles, and Napoleon wrasses.

2.Mandolin

Mandolin has a knockout reef crest and a wall that attracts thousands of fishes like schooling fusiliers, surgeonfish, unicornfish, and bannerfish. They are used to divers and are easily approachable.

3.Bunaken Timor

There are strong currents and lots of fish on this long wall. The shallow reef isn't as spectacular as some but there are turtles, sharks, eagle rays, and other big fish in the blue. Overhangs and small caves mark the wall.

4.Tanjung Kopi

Tanjung Kopi is a nice wall with a small school of barracuda and lots of sweetlips. Visibility in the shallows is not terrific but the numbers of fishes make up for it. Nudibranches and fire gobies are easy to spot here.

5.Siladen Island

Siladen has a beautiful wall of soft corals that bloom when the current is running. The shallows are nice with lots of fishes and schooling snappers.

6.Muka Gereja

Muka Gereja is a pretty site with thousands of fishes in the shallows and deeper canyons that lead to the wall.

7.Barracuda Point

Barracuda Point, on northwest Montehage, is one of the furthest sites. A school of giant barracuda are regulars along with jacks and tuna.

8.Manado Wreck

This 60m (200ft) long German merchant ship sank near Molas Beach in 1942. It sits upright with the bow at 23m (78ft). The ship is split near amidships back to the stern, exposing the wheelhouse and cargo holds. Dives finish up on a nearby shallow reef. Expect 10-15m (30-50ft) visibility.