Bunaken

By Devilz Hybrid

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One of Indonesia's most famous dive/snorkeling areas, drawing scuba divers and snorkelers from all over the world. The park is famed for the clarity of its water, the abundance of coral and fish, and for the precipitous "walls" at some sites. Bunaken Timur, right off the east coast of the island, is according to some the best dive site in all Indonesia.

Flora and fauna
The waters of Bunaken National Marine Park harbor some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. 7 of the 8 species of giant clams that occur in the world, occur in Bunaken. The park has around 70 genera of corals; compare this to a mere 10 in Hawaii. Reef inhabitants include white and black tip reef sharks, giant sea turtles, napoleon fish, and dugongs. You may frequently run into dolphins, and occasionally schools of whales.

Tourism on Bunaken has been very much geared towards divers over the years, but the trend seems to be changing and more and more snorkelers are visiting the area as too are those who wish to just relax immersed in nature...away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Possible activities for landlubbers include:
• Beach-combing, especially at low tide when the reef top is accessible
• Hiking to some of the secluded coves on the Eastern and Northern part of the island, but trails are poorly marked
• Fishing, but only outside of the park boundaries: hire a boat or join one of the local fishing boats.
• Dolphin & Whale watching, either while on diving or snorkeling boat trips or by hiring a boat.

The snorkeling is fantastic just in front of many of the resorts that surround the island, with an incredible amount of marine life living in the shallows and also on the outer walls. Remember not to snorkel without fins as the currents can sometimes be strong, and change quickly even when they are not. Pick a reference point on the island and do not stray too far unless you are a confident swimmer.

Climate
Bunaken is barely a degree above the equator and thus tropical. The "Rainy Season" from November to mid April, brings frequent rains, sometimes in storms lasting for several days, which make the air nice and cool but also reduce visibility. The "Dry Season" is from May to October, when temperatures climb to 35° and visibility reaches a maximum.

Fees/Permits
Entry to the park costs either Rp 50,000/day or Rp 150,000/Calendar year. Even though the fee does not seem to be automatically levied upon entrance to the island, it is the responsibility of all visitors to the Park to have one, and most reputable dive shops will supply them. As proof of payment, you will receive a plastic tag that must be carried at all times — it's waterproof and can be attached to your diving gear.


Bunaken is about 45-60 minutes by boat from Manado. Most resorts will arrange transfers from the airport for their guests. Alternatively, a public boat leaves daily except Sunday at 2-3PM from the canal on the north side of the market. The cost is 25,000Rp for tourists, 10,000Rp for locals (welcome to Indonesia). It returns to Manado from the jetty in Bunaken village around 8-8:30AM every morning except Sunday. You can also charter a boat both ways at anytime.

How to Go to Manado
From Singapore
Singapore Airlines' regional airline SilkAir flies from Singapore to Manado four times a week - every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The flight takes about three and half hours.

From Malaysia
AirAsia has a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Manado three times a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
http://theexcitingtraveldestinations.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html




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