Bunaken National Park and Manado area

Written by Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Budi Santoso
17/08/2025
Bunaken National Marine Park, Manado, Indonesia
Sakurai Midori, Wikimedia Commons

Bunaken National Park, located off the coast of Manado, Indonesia, is a renowned marine conservation area primarily celebrated for its world-class scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities, featuring exceptional biodiversity within the Coral Triangle. This destination offers an immersive underwater experience amidst vibrant coral reefs, diverse fish species, and marine mammals, complemented by the scenic backdrop of volcanic islands.

On Bunaken Island, which hosts many dive resorts and bungalows, opportunities exist to socialize with other travelers, particularly through shared diving activities and resort communal areas. While Manado city itself is a gateway and not a central social hub for international tourists, its bay area is frequented by locals and visitors for fishing, gathering, and enjoying sunset views.

Top 5 Things to do in Bunaken National Park and Manado area

The region offers a blend of exceptional underwater exploration and engaging terrestrial adventures, from vibrant marine life encounters to treks through volcanic landscapes and cultural immersions in local life.

1. Scuba Diving in Bunaken National Park

Diving in Bunaken National Park reveals an incredibly biodiverse underwater world, showcasing spectacular wall dives teeming with vibrant coral reefs and over 2,000 species of fish . Expect to encounter an abundance of marine life, including various fish species, green sea turtles, and potentially white-tip reef sharks, barracudas, or groupers . Beginners can undertake introductory dives, while certified divers can explore numerous dive sites like Lekuan I, II, and III, known for their stunning vertical walls and diverse ecosystems .

Cost: Introductory dives, including equipment and one boat dive, typically range from IDR 600,000 to IDR 850,000. For certified divers, a single boat dive during the day is around IDR 450,000 to IDR 600,000, with discounts often available for multiple dives . Full scuba diving equipment rental is approximately IDR 350,000 per day . An entrance fee of IDR 150,000 (valid for a calendar year) or IDR 50,000 (valid for 3 days) for Bunaken National Park is required for all visitors .

Transport: Bunaken Island is about 25-45 minutes by boat from Manado . Public ferries depart daily, except Sundays, from Manado's main harbor near Celebes Hotel around 2:00 PM and cost approximately IDR 30,000 - 50,000 per person . Private boats can be chartered for around IDR 500,000 - IDR 600,000 per boat for more flexibility, especially on Sundays or outside public ferry times . Many resorts on Bunaken offer pick-up services from Manado or its airport .

2. Snorkeling in Bunaken National Park

Snorkeling in Bunaken National Park offers an immersive experience into its clear waters, providing excellent visibility to observe the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life from the surface . You will glide over diverse fish species, spot sea turtles, and admire the rich soft and hard corals . Popular snorkeling spots are often located near the same world-class dive sites, ensuring a rewarding visual spectacle.

Cost: Joining a dive boat for snorkeling typically costs around IDR 350,000 . Some tour packages for a Bunaken snorkeling trip, including equipment and lunch, can range from USD 87 to IDR 700,000 - IDR 850,000 per person, depending on the group size and whether it's a weekday or weekend . Rental for a mask, snorkel, and fins set is approximately IDR 100,000 per day . The Bunaken National Park entrance fee also applies .

Transport: Similar to diving, access is via boat from Manado to Bunaken Island using public ferries or private charters . Resorts often arrange boat trips directly from Manado for their guests .

3. Explore Tangkoko National Park

A visit to Tangkoko National Park offers a unique opportunity to witness endemic wildlife of Sulawesi in their natural rainforest habitat . Embark on a trekking adventure through rolling hills and valleys to spot the smallest known primate, the tarsier, often found nestled in trees, particularly around dusk or dawn . Other remarkable sightings include the black crested macaques, Sulawesi bear cuscus, and various bird species like the Sulawesi dwarf kingfisher and hornbill .

Cost: A full-day private tour from Manado typically ranges from USD 75 to USD 172 per person, depending on group size, and usually includes transport, lunch, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide . The park's entry fee for foreigners is approximately IDR 100,000 per day, and a local guide is required, costing around IDR 100,000-200,000 per hike .

Transport: Tangkoko National Park is located about a 2-hour drive from Manado . Most tours include private transportation with hotel pick-up from the Manado city area . Self-serving by public transport would involve multiple changes and is less common for tourists.

4. Trek Mount Mahawu

Trekking Mount Mahawu provides a relatively accessible volcanic hiking experience with rewarding panoramic views . A roughly one-hour trek to the crater's edge reveals a steaming lake and sulfurous pools at the bottom, offering a sensory experience . From the summit, you can gaze upon the surrounding landscapes, including views of Bunaken and Manado Tua Islands, Manado Bay, and Mount Lokon in the distance . This trek is considered a 'soft adventure' suitable for nature lovers and trekkers .

Cost: Organized tours from Manado typically cost between USD 104 and USD 150 per person for a minimum of two participants, and often include private transportation, lunch, entrance fees, and a guide .

Transport: Mount Mahawu is about an hour's drive from Manado . Tours generally provide private transportation with pick-up from hotels in the Manado city area .

5. Manado City and Culinary Exploration

Exploring Manado city offers insight into local life and culture, beyond its role as a gateway to marine parks . You can visit the bustling fish and vegetable markets to observe daily life, followed by a trip to the Ban Hin Kiong Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Manado, showcasing intricate architecture and historical significance . A culinary adventure is essential, with opportunities to sample local delicacies like Tinutuan (Manadonese porridge) and fresh seafood . The city also features the Christ Blessing (Jesus Statue), a notable landmark .

Cost: Private city tours often start from USD 82 per person for a minimum of two participants, covering private transportation, lunch, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide . For self-exploration, local public transport (Mikrolets) cost around IDR 6,000 per person per ride . Food costs will vary based on choices.

Transport: Activities are within Manado city, accessible by walking, taxi, or local public mini-buses (Mikrolets) . Organized tours typically include private transportation from your accommodation in Manado .

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