ABOUT BUNAKEN
 Bunaken
National Marine Park is an officially protected and
recognized nature reserve. With a Northern and a Southern,
section it exists out of two main parts.
Its total size is 79.056 hectares of land and marine
area.
Whereas the Southern section consists entirely of
coastal area, the Northern section has, beside coastal
area, 5 islands within its boundaries.
These island are: Bunaken (after which the park is
named), Siladen, Manado Tua, Mantehage and Nain. In
total almost 22.000 people live inside the park, divided
over approximately 30 villages (kampungs). The park
has been populated for many generations. Long before
this area was declared National Marine Park in 1991.
They mainly live from fishing and farming.
Though Bunaken is already a marine park for almost
25 years, It is only since 1998 that there also came
some real effective protection. With the introduction
of an entrance fee in 2001 the park became a role
model for other marine reserves and in 2003 even global
winner of the prestigious Britisch Airways,"Tourism
for Tomorrow" Award.
Today the Bunaken park is one of the best diving area's
in the world. Clear blue, warm water, dramatic drop
off's, an enormous variety of corals, big pelagic's,
small critters, whales and dolphins……….
too much to name it all. A true paradise for beginning
/ experienced divers and photographers. Most diving
sites are excellent for snorkelling as well, so if
you don't dive but like to enjoy the underwater wonders
from a shallower depth, you don't have to be afraid
you miss out on something. Check out our other pages
or directly for more information.
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