Unforgettable Underwater Paradise, Bunaken

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Sulawesi Sea apparently holds a world-famous secret: Bunaken National Park.

Spreading over 89,000 hectares, this underwater paradise stretches across five islands: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Silade, Mantehage, and Nain.

Since officially becoming a national park in 1991, Bunaken has continued to attract global attention.

As a pioneer in Indonesia's marine areas with well-preserved ecosystems, UNESCO has included Bunaken National Park in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, a recognition of its invaluable biodiversity.

Underwater within Bunaken National Park are more than 390 species of coral reefs, towering above the waters, forming small cities for marine life.

Around 90 species of reef fish also swim freely among the reefs, along with marine mammals such as dolphins and dugongs that occasionally make their appearance.

The underwater topography is also unique, ranging from gentle slopes, steep vertical walls, to sandy bottoms, so it is not surprising why this place has magic for divers who want to see directly and are addicted to the deep sea.

Bunaken offers more than thirty dive sites, each offering its own unique charm.

Here are three of the most recommended :

The best place that you to check out is Lekuan I, II, III – Dramatic Coral Walls. Among all the spots, Lekuan never seems to leave the must-dive list. Its three sections, Lekuan I, II, and III, offer the experience of diving along vertical coral walls that resemble inverted cliffs on the seabed.

Another attraction lies in the hard and soft corals that grow side by side, creating a captivating visual corridor, seemingly inviting anyone who passes by to dive deeper.

Moving to the other side of the water, Mandolin and Fukui Point offer an equally captivating marine spectacle. At Mandolin, coral reefs jut out from the shallows, teeming with schools of fish such as fusiliers, surgeonfish, and snappers swimming freely.

Fukui Point, on the other hand, offers a slightly different atmosphere, being deeper, more expansive, and more surprising. This is a favorite spot to spot turtles casually passing by, or watch barracuda and giant trevally move with authority.

Every passing current brings new life, creating a natural dance between fish and coral that never looks the same twice.

Bunaken not only offers underwater beauty, but also offers a variety of experiences on land that are no less impressive. You can explore Local Villages and Embracing the Warmth of the Residents, Light Trekking on Manado Tua Island or just enjoying the Sunset from the Pier or Beach.

Although Bunaken is open year-round, May to October is the most perfect time to visit. At this time, the sea is gentle, the waves are calm, and the underwater visibility is clear for tens of meters.

It's important to remember that the beauty of Bunaken isn't just about seeing, it's about feeling. Every ripple of the waves, the whisper of the wind, and the colorful underwater life create an experience that's hard to describe in words.