bunaken_national.htm

The Bunaken National Marine Park was formally established in 1991 and is among the first of Indonesia's growing system of marine parks. The park covers a total surface area of 89,065 hectares, 97% of which is overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water. The remaining 3% of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen. Although each of these islands has a special character, it is the aquatic ecosystem that attracts most naturalists.

The North Sulawesi Provincial Government is proud to announce the Bunaken National Park Entrance Fee System for 2005. In accordance with Provincial Law Number 9/2002, the 2005 entrance fees for foreign visitors are Rp 50,000 per daily ticket (approximately US$6) or Rp 150,000 (approximately US$17) for a waterproof plastic entrance tag valid for the full calendar year. Tags (or tickets) must be carried at all times the guest is within park boundaries and can easily be affixed to guests’ diving or snorkeling gear or on backpacks. The entrance fee system has been adapted from the well-known Bonaire Marine Park system and was successful in raising over $420,000 for conservation programs in Bunaken during the period from 2001- 2004.

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 Bunaken Island and on Siladen Island. Enforcement of the entrance fee system is conducted via spot checks by park rangers on land and at sea.

Accomodation and transfer

On the island you have the choice amongst a number of homestays, with rates starting at Rp. 40 000 per day and person incl. fullboard. If you only go for the cheapest option don't complain afterwards if the water in your mandi (bathroom) doesn't get filled up regularly, or food isn't quite as nice as you had hoped for. Life in North Sulawesi in general isn't as cheap as in other regions of Indonesia, and most things on Bunaken have to be brought in from Manado. Depending on the season even fish can be pretty expensive. Better think twice before you try to bargain down prices which are already cheap; for the locals it could mean the difference between being able to eat 3 or only 2 meals a day, or buying school books for the children or not.
Some of the dive operations on Bunaken are offering more upmarket accommodation, and even running water (ChaCha, Living Colours).
The public boats from Manado to Bunaken are leaving daily around 2 p.m (depending on tide), except Sundays, from Pasar Jengki near Manado harbour. Back from Bunaken to Manado usually early in the morning, around 7-8 a.m. The fare is Rp. 15 000. Even on Sundays there might be boats, just go to the harbour and ask people there. To charter a boat is about Rp. 150 000 OW. If you want to go to Siladen it is better to inquire first at the harbour, but usually there are several boats as well. The fare to Siladen is also Rp. 15 000.

Bunaken Scuba Diving

A growing number of dive centers is operating from the mainland around Manado and directly from Bunaken Island. Generally spoken you should rather pay a few dollars more and go for safe and experienced operators than just choose the cheapest option. Tank fillings can be a problem, and headaches after each dive give you a clear sign that your dive operator saves money on filters; better go somewhere else if you experience this.

In general diving standards in North Sulawesi are high, as is environmental awareness among the dive operators, at least the ones who have formed the North Sulawesi Watersports Association, NSWA. The NSWA has made significant strides in improving the management and conservation of Bunaken National Park and surrounding marine ecosystems and in conferring concrete benefits of tourism to the villagers living within the park. Many of its members have spent a lot of their money and time for various ecological and social achievements within the park. This has not gone unnoticed; recently the Bunaken National Park has received the "Tourism for Tomorrow Award" and the "UN Equator Prize" (more on http://www.divenorthsulawesi.com/).
Unfortunately some stupid backpackers still think that they know everything better than these international organisations and refuse to pay the entrance fee to the National Park. If you are planning to do this, please stay away. You are not welcome - the National Park needs support, not ignorance!

BUNAKEN SCUBA DIVING

Small dive resort with relaxed atmosphere. The fully equipped dive centre is on the beach between the jungle and the mangroves, run by dedicated, environmentally conscious dive professionals. Our crew is a group of experienced local Captains and Divemasters, and European Padi Instructors.

The bungalows accommodate two people. They are equipped with a double or two single beds, fan, mosquito net, bamboo, coconut and rattan furniture, and western bathroom with running water. Our well-appointed kitchen serves Indonesian and western dishes three times a day. Barbeques on the beach-front are a must! Coffee and tea are available all day long.