Bunaken National Park

Bunaken is an area of ​​8.08 km ² island in the Bay of Manado, located in the northern island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. This island is part of the city of Manado, the provincial capital of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Bunaken Island can be achieved by speed boat or a ship chartered by travel about 30 minutes from the port city of Manado. Around the island there Bunaken Bunaken marine park which is part of the Bunaken National Park.This marine park has a marine biodiversity one of the highest in the world. Scuba diving attracts many visitors to the island. Overall Bunaken marine park covers an area of ​​75,265 hectares with five islands within it, namely the island of Manado Tua, Bunaken Island, Island Siladen, Mantehage Island follows several children his island, and island Naen.

Bunaken National Park is representative of Indonesian tropical water ecosystems consisting of mangrove ecosystems, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and terrestrial or coastal ecosystems.

Potential land islands national park is rich in various species of palm, sago, woka, silar and coconut. Types of animals living in terrestrial and coastal, among others: Sulawesi black macaques (Macaca nigra nigra), deer (Cervus timorensis Russa), and possum (Ailurops ursinus ursinus).

Plant species in the mangroves of Bunaken National Park namely Rhizophora sp., Sonneratia sp., Lumnitzera sp., And Bruguiera sp. This forest is rich with various kinds of crab, shrimp, 

mollusks and various types of sea birds such as seagulls, herons, sea virgin, and cangak sea.

This type of algae found in this national park include the type of Caulerpa sp., Halimeda sp., And Padina sp. Seagrass beds are dominated mainly on the island Montehage, and Nain island of Thalassia hemprichii, Enhallus acoroides, and Thalassodendron ciliatum.

Recorded 13 species of live coral in the waters of Bunaken National Park, dominated by fringing reefs and coral reef barrier. The most interesting is the vertical cliffs as far as 25-50 meters.

There are about 91 species of fish in the waters of Bunaken National Park, including fish gusumi horse (Hippocampus horse), white oci (Seriola rivoliana), yellow tail lolosi (Lutjanus kasmira), goropa (Ephinephelus spilotoceps and Pseudanthias hypselosoma), ila trunk (Scolopsis bilineatus) , and others.

Types of mollusks like giant clams (Tridacna gigas), head of the goat (Cassis cornuta), hollow nautilus (Nautilus pompillius), and tunikates / ascidians.

The best visiting season: May to August each year. 

How to reach the location: Bunaken National Park can be reached via the port of Manado, Marina Nusantara Diving Centre (NDC) in the District of Molas and Marina Blue Banter. From Manado harbor by boat to the island Siladen motor can be reached more than 20 minutes, the island of Bunaken> 30 minutes, the island Montehage> 50 minutes and Nain island> 60 minutes. From Blue Banter Marina with a yacht that is available to the tourist area on the island of Bunaken are within 10 -15 minutes, while from the port of NDC to the dive sites at Bunaken island by speed boat to within> 20 minutes.

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Bunaken Diving

If you are a fan of nautical tourism, it feels incomplete if not visited Bunaken National Park. Natural resources in the Bay of Manado is very beautiful and fascinating. You are not only pampered with scuba diving, but the wealth of fish and other marine animals are very diverse and exotic. Park has an area of ​​8.08 square km in the Bay of Manado, located on the northern island of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Bunaken is one of Indonesia's most famous diving and snorkeling one of the areas that attract visitors from around the world. Banana-shaped Bunaken Island marine life and contains a very rich and diverse.
Bunaken National Park which is a conservation area has a coastal and marine biodiversity is very high and there are three main ecosystems of Indonesia's tropical waters, namely: coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds. 

Recorded 13 species of live coral in the waters of Bunaken National Park, dominated by fringing reefs and coral reef barrier. The most interesting is the vertical cliffs as far as 25-50 meters.
The average air temperature is 27 degrees Celsius, while temperatures at shallow peraian as above coral reef flats on average 30 degrees. there is no location which is very comprehensive diving in Bunaken National Park as this. 


More than 20,000 people who live in the area of ​​the Park. Residents in the region generally looking for food in the sea or farming. Many residents are still using traditional nets and outrigger canoe. Some residents of Nain Island is an expert carpentry and making souvenirs from shells. 

Bajo tribe population spent most of the time in Daseng (chart), settlement on the water around the island Mantehage. Residents who came mostly from mainland Sulawesi Minahasa tribe, is seen in how to use various woka tree. Another population that generally migrants from Sangir Talaud Islands.
Intercultural interaction is relatively high, visible from the use of dialects of the same language, and common techniques of utilization of natural resources. Some accommodations made by a particular ethnic, as a result of its interaction with other groups.

More about the flora and fauna Bunaken ... 
Park has a pretty amazing biodiversity including: No fewer than 70 different types of coral five species of sea turtles Extraordinary variety of fish - 70% of all fish species in the Indo-West Pacific Ocean found here white tip and black tip reef sharks are common- beautiful dugong population barracuda and tuna make a regular appearance of more pelagic waters occasional saltwater crocodile 

so, what are you waiting for to come and enjoy the place of true divers. you will not be disappointed after a visit to the Park which is a paradise for divers...

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Rinjani Volcano

One of the volcanoes in Indonesia are famous all over the world is Rinjani. Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok West Nusa Tenggara province. Rinjani is the third highest volcano in Indonesia after Jayawijaya Mountains in Papua and Mount Kerinci in Sumatra. The height of Mount Rinjani is 3.726 meters above sea level.
Rinjani has the best panoramic view of the mountains in Indonesia. Each year (June-August), there were thousands of foreign and domestic tourists up the mountain altitude 3726 m asl (above sea level) this. Inevitably, Mount Rinjani be sought after wild adventure lovers.
The average air temperature of 20 ° C, the lowest 12 ° C. Strong winds are common at peak in August.
Besides the peak, a place often visited is Segara Anakan lake, a lake located at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level. To reach this location we can climb from the village or village Senaru Sembalun Lawang (two nearest entry point at an altitude of 600m asl and 1.150m above sea level).
Most climbers begin ascent of the route Sembalun and end the climb in Senaru, it can save a 700m altitude. Route Sembalun rather long but flat, and the weather is hotter because it is through the scorching savanna (cold temperatures, but direct solar radiation burns the skin). solar thermal barrier cream is recommended.
From Route Senaru incline without pause, but soft because of the weather through the forest. From both these locations on foot takes about 7 hours to the lips of the ridge at an altitude of 2.641m asl (arriving in Plawangan Senaru or Plawangan Sembalun). In this place overlooking the lake, or to the outside is very exotic. From Plawangan Senaru (if rising from the direction of Senaru) down to the lake through the steep wall to a height of 2000 meters above sea level) that can be taken within 2 hours. On the lake we can camping, fishing (Carper, Mujair) are aplenty. Lombok residents have a tradition to visit the puppies immediately to soak in hot tubs and fishing.
To reach the top (of the lake) had to walk up the west wall and climb as high as 700m-high ridge 1.000m taken in 2 phase 3 hours and 4 hours. The first stage towards Plawangan Sembalun, the last camp to wait for the morning. Summit attack is usually done at 3 o'clock dawn to find the beautiful moments - the sunrise at the top of Rinjani. The trip to the Peak classified tolerable, because climbing the lip of the crater with a margin of safety is mediocre. The path taken in the form of sand, stone, soil. 200 meters final height should be reached with difficulty, because one step forward followed by a half step down (fallen rocks gravel). Create a highlander - this place is the most challenging and rough terrain favored by paid degan beautiful natural scenery and very exotic. Mount Agung in Bali, Mount Ijen-Merapi in Banyuwangi and Mount Tambora on Sumbawa clearly visible when the weather is nice in the morning. To climb Rinjani no tools required, just stamina, patience and "passion".
The entire trip can be achieved in the program three days and two nights, or if you want to see two other objects:  Cave "Susu" and mountain "Baru Jari" (Mount Rinjani child with a new crater in the middle of the lake) need an additional two days of travel. Logistics preparation is necessary, but fortunately everything can be obtained in a nearby village. Tent, sleeping bag, eating utensils, food and whatever is needed (including radio communications) can be rented from the homestay is easily found in the village Senaru.
So what are you waiting for ... Rinjani climbing is one very appropriate choice, because Rinjani has a field that is so challenging and adrenaline for pedaki and true nature lovers.

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Trekking to Rinjani

vThe government's decision to promote ecotourism in Indonesia is an appropriate step. This is based on the fact that the base strength of Indonesia's tourism lies in the grace of the natural wealth that stretched from Sabang to Merauke.
By having 129 or 13% of volcanoes volcanoes in the world, prospects for ecotourism development in Indonesia can be said brightly. Unfortunately, few volcanic areas managed ecotourism that generate foreign exchange. The rest of the abandoned and badly damaged due to improper management and illegal logging.
One of the volcanoes in Indonesia are famous all over the world are Rinjani. Every year, there were thousands of foreign and domestic tourists up the mountain altitude 3726 m asl this. Inevitably, Mount Rinjani be sought after wild adventure lovers.
Located in the northern land of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Gunung Rinjani is the third highest volcano in Indonesia. The height of the peak is only defeated by the Jayawijaya Mountains in the Papua and Mount Kerinci in Sumatra ground.
There are several hiking paths that are often used to climb Mount Rinjani. But for those adventurers who first came to Lombok, it is advisable to choose the path Sembalun Lawang. Postal early ascent on this route is relatively inexpensive and easy to reach by public transportation.
From the seaport gates Sheet, en route to the bus terminal in Kota Mataram. In the terminal available vehicle-Aikmel Mataram majors. Approximately 1 hour drive, arrived in the region Aikmel. Here, the adventurers greeted vehicles directly to the post climb Sembalun Lawang.
During the trip, we pass the added attractions of the tropical forests of wild monkeys on the outskirts of the road. Plantations cabbage, peppers and onions stretched. Additionally, dazzling green canyon views presented inhabited traditional Sasak tribe, tribal island of Lombok.
Upon arrival at the post Sembalun Lawang ascent, the climbers must register. Before departure, the official rangers give a message for maintaining the cleanliness and respect the customs of the local population. Do not forget also described the location of a hidden spring.
For those in need, available services guide (the guide) or porter (energy transport), which features a standard supplies, equipment rental and mountain climbing. The management of tourism services involving this Sasak tribe, different rates apply for foreign tourists and local tourists.
Climbing Path
Initial challenge that must be taken is a vast savanna and hilly. Characteristics of this nature provide a new experience for ordinary adventurer who climbed the mountain on the island of Java. Usually the mountains in Java presents more homogeneous and heterogeneous forest.
Badlands dusty climate with a sting makes stamina quickly depleted. Only in some places lies a dense thatch rumut as delicious food for the oxen shepherd. In certain places there is a special post that can be used in camping with springs.
After savannas, field trips was getting heavier. Steep incline with a gaping chasm began to present among hedge heterogeneous forest. Mount Rinjani can be said to be safe from the threat of wild animals. Birds, monkeys and chickens hanging woods that are often encountered in the forest.
After traveling about 7 hours, arrived at Pelawangan (mountain ridge) Sembalun Lawang. Location is overgrown with mountain pine (Casuarina junghuniana) This is the last climb before heading to the summit.
Pelawangan Sembalun Lawang is located right on the slopes of Lake buffer ly. Hence, while resting, climbers can watch as much keeksotisan giant lake formed by volcanic eruption of Mount Rinjani.
Unfortunately the weather at this altitude is very easy to change. The attack can come suddenly blurred cold weather replace heat. Quite often wind storm capable of ripping even fly tent. However, the charm of sunrise and sunset into an unforgettable moment of a lifetime.
Then there are two choices: continue the adventure to the top or go straight down to Lake ly. Field trip to the top heavy and quite dangerous. Deserts, craters, and the chasm that seemed bottomless, will force berpacunya adrenaline for 3-5 hour drive.
While the field trip to Lake ly no less thrilling. The climber must swiftly down the rocky slope with a slope ranging from 40-80 degrees. What is noteworthy is that the risk of life-threatening ruins of rock climbers.
Lake Segara Anakan
For Sasak tribe, Lake Segara Anakan is considered a sacred place that must be maintained purity. Lake green and blue, used also as a place of pilgrimage and worship of Hindus, Muslims Wettu Barbadensis (Hindu-Muslim syncretism) and trust in God Almighty. 

So no need to wonder, if the smell of incense offerings or find flowers around the edge of the lake. In addition, the highly respected Sasak tribe persemayaman where Dewi Anjani, which is believed to be the supreme ruler of Mount Rinjani this faerie.
Lake water taste rough, due to a mixture of fresh water and sulfur water, believed to be as potent medicine to cure various diseases. Believe it or not, in fact this situation caused the growth of local cultural wisdom to protect the environment and avoid the exploitation of natural resources.
Apart from all that, the climbers will feel pampered nature. To relax tense muscles, we can heat water all day long soak in some natural sulfur pool. Although the spectacle of dozens of wild monkeys made a sharp fangs.
The most exciting, of course burn the fish in the lake. Carp, tilapia and large-sized Harper multiply rapidly in this lake. When less is definitely not an expert fishing or we can buy fish from local fishermen who often appeared in the holiday season.
Across the lake visible mound of sand hill that is often out of white smoke into the sky. People call it the New Mount. Not much information about the mountain of sand that is still active.

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Diving to the Raja Ampat (four kings) Papua

Raja Ampat, or "Four Kings," archipelago includes more than 9.8 million hectares of land and sea from the northwest tip of Indonesia, West Papua Province. This area stores a million beauty beneath the sea. Raja Ampat Marine tourism is recognized as one of the 10 best dive tourism in the world. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world's biodiversity of coral reefs, the sea around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world.

Charm and natural resources under the sea, is a mainstay Raja Ampat is able to penetrate the competitive world of tourism. This area is known as a center for tropical natural resources of the world's richest.

The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease —threats that now jeopardize the survival of corals around the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, resilience to threats, and ability to replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection.

Survey Confirms Highest Marine Biodiversity on Earth
In 2002, The Nature Conservancy and its partners conducted a scientific survey of the Raja Ampat Islands to collect information on its marine ecosystems, mangroves, and forests. The survey brought Raja Ampat’s total number of confirmed corals to 537 species— an incredible 75% of all known coral species. In addition, 899 fish species were recorded, raising the known total for Raja Ampat to an amazing 1,074. On land, the survey found lush forests, rare plants, limestone outcroppings, and nesting beachesfor thousands of sea turtles.

Though human impacts here are less severe than elsewhere in Indonesia, Raja Ampat’s natural resources are endangered by over fishing and destructive fishing, turtle poaching, and unsustainable logging. The Indonesian government recently established Raja Ampat as a separate administrative unit, which will give communities a greater say in managing the natural resources upon which their livelihoods depend. This structure also offers an important opportunity to include conservation in the spatial planning of the newly formed local government.

Ensuring Conservation through Partnerships
To address these issues, the Conservancy launched a new project to protect Raja Ampat, working in close partnership with the government and communities to: 1) contribute to a comprehensive conservation action plan to protect Raja Ampat’s reefs and forests; 2) help incorporate marine protected area management into long-term planning and policy; and, 3) establish a network of marine protected areas for Raja Ampat.

The Conservancy’s ultimate goal is to protect Raja Ampat’s magnificent reefs while sustaining the livelihoods of local people. Raja Ampat includes the four large islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of smaller islands. The archipelago is part of an area known as the Bird’s Head functional seascape, which also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia.

More facts about the Raja Ampat Conservation Area:

 This area is home to 1,511 species of reef fish in the Bird’s Head Seascape;
1,320 species of reef fish in Raja Ampat;
75% of all known coral species in the world;
10 times the number of hard coral species found in the entire Caribbean;
In the Birds Head Seascape there 600 species of hard coral recorded;
5 species of endangered sea turtles;
57 species of Mantis Shrimp;
13 species of Marine Mammals;
And 27 species of endemic reef fish found only in that area

so, for you the real divers, this is a paradise world that you can see and visit soon. come on ... do not delay!

How getting There?
If you are flying from Jakarta, you can take a six hour flight to Sorong with a stopover in Manado.  Alternatively, you can join a diving tour in Bali and fly from there. You will find Sorong just like any other city where you can get almost everything, although prices are higher due to its remote location. Usually only divers come to Raja Ampat, so you will not find many other tourists around. Joining a tour is the most common practice when visiting Raja Ampat. You do not have to be a professional diver to join a tour, as tour operators sell tours ranging for both for divers and non-divers.

Flying from Jakarta/ Bali to Sorong, with connecting flights in Makassar or Manado
are offered by:
1.    Merpati
2.    Express Air
3.    Batavia Air
4.    Lion Air
5.    Wings Air
6.    Silk Air
7.    Garuda Indonesia
8.    Pelita Air!

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