What makes Bunaken special
Bunaken was one of the first marine parks in Indonesia. Its fame comes from the reef walls: just a few metres from the shallow reef flat, the coral drops vertically into deep blue water. That means you can float at the surface and look down a wall full of coral, reef fish and, often, sea turtles.
Manado Tua, the cone-shaped extinct volcano next to Bunaken, rises over 600 metres above the sea and is the landmark you see on every boat ride.
The five islands
- Bunaken: the main island, with most of the guesthouses and the famous walls.
- Manado Tua: the volcano, surrounded by reefs.
- Siladen: a small island with white-sand beaches and quiet resorts.
- Nain: a fishing village and wide reef flats.
- Mantehage: mangroves and fewer visitors.
Snorkeling in Bunaken
Snorkeling here is excellent because the walls start so close to the surface. With good conditions you will see hard and soft corals, schools of reef fish and frequently sea turtles. A local guide chooses the spot according to tide and current, which can be strong at times.
Turtle and dolphin sightings are common but never guaranteed: they depend on natural conditions.
Diving in Bunaken
Bunaken is known for wall diving with good visibility. Certified divers can add dives to any of our Bunaken trips through local dive operators, subject to certification and availability. For macro photography and rare small creatures, divers often combine Bunaken with Lembeh Strait near Bitung.
How to get from Manado to Bunaken
Boats leave from Manado's harbour area and take roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on the boat and the sea. Visitors to the national park pay a marine park entrance fee, which supports its management; ask us for the current amount when you book.
On our Bunaken Island Trip the boat, snorkeling gear, lunch and a local guide are included. The Bunaken Island Escape adds three nights and a day of island hopping to Siladen and Nain.
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel
- Reef-friendly sunscreen
- Sunglasses and a hat
- A waterproof phone case
- Extra clothes for the boat ride back
FAQ
How do I get to Bunaken from Manado?
By boat from Manado's harbour, about 30–45 minutes. Transfers are included in our Bunaken tours.
Is Bunaken good for snorkeling?
Yes. The reef walls start close to the surface, so snorkelers see corals, reef fish and often turtles.
Which islands are part of Bunaken National Park?
Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen.
Can I dive in Bunaken without a certification?
Diving is arranged with local operators and depends on certification and availability. Ask us and we check options for your dates.
We organise private trips across Sulawesi from our base in Tomohon, near Manado: Bunaken, Tangkoko and the Minahasa highlands every week, Toraja and Banggai on request. These guides come from the questions our travellers ask us most.
