Bunaken National Marine Park

For you to fully appreciate your stay, here is some further information on Bunaken National Marine Park:

The Islands

Bunaken National Marine Park was established in 1991 and is one of the first marine parks in Indonesia. The total area of the park is 89 065 ha and includes the five islands of Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Montehage and Nain, as well as parts of the coastal area of North Sulawesi mainland. The total area of coral reef is over 8 000 ha.

The marine park's extremely deep seabed, steep coral walls and large seagrass beds are home to an astonishingly rich variety of corals, fish, echinoderms and sponges. In fact the area supports some of the world's highest levels of bio-diversity. Seven species of giant clams, and many rare or endangered marine animals, e.g. coelacanths, nautilus, dugongs, whales, dolphins and turtles, are found within the park's area.

Climate

The climate is tropical with two major seasons. During dry season, which is from April until October, the wind blows from south-east and the sea stays relatively calm. Wet season is from November to March when the cool wind from north-west can bring heavy rains and occasional rough seas.

Average air temperature in the region is 27°C varying from 25°C in the wet season to over 30°C in the dry season. The water temperature around Bunaken National Marine Park ranges between 27°C and 30°C throughout the year. Over the reef flats water temperature may be even higher. Visibility in the area varies from 15 to over 30 meters. You can dive throughout the year.

People

Some 20 000 people live on the natural resources of Bunaken National Marine Park; there are altogether 26 villages within the boundaries of the park. The area has been inhabited for more than a century. Most of the people are farmers or fishermen. Crops of coconuts, sweet potatoes and bananas are raised on the islands, and some farmers cultivate seaweed for export.