Bunaken Marine Park

The Bunaken Marine Park, North Sulawesi is a tourist resort relying on the undersea charms. Splendor of various kinds of marine coral and colorful decorative fish has made the area well known to foreign countries. In fact, in May 2009, the World Ocean Conference (WOC) involving 125 countries has been organized at the resort. Without exception, it could become an attraction to all.

Prior to the organization of such world event, journalist team from Bali Province chaired by Public Relations Bureau and Regional Secretariat of Bali Province, I Nyoman Puasha Aryana stole the start to observe the magnificence of this marine tourist resort. In fact, it’s true that a number of 40 journalists felt amazed to see the charming panorama in the depth of 200 meters, filled with coral reefs and embellished by myriad of decorative fish.
Two boats with an average capacity of 20-30 passengers had been provided for the company at Marina Plaza, the special location used as departure point for tourists to Bunaken Island. The journey to location was so intriguing. Huge waves and high winds made passengers shout. However, it did not stop them from feeling happy. Bunaken Marine Park is situated at Manado Bay and surrounded by some beautiful islets like Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Mantehage and Nain Island.
After sailing for 45 hours, participants arrived at the waters of Bunaken Island. The company was then transferred to two motorized boats that are specially designed with glass base. From above the glass base participants could see the beauty of undersea panorama. The area offers the attraction of diving and snorkeling activities. Especially for snorkeling, it is recommended to do in the morning.
According to the boatman, the one-way service charge for snorkeling activity is IDR 150,000 and an additional IDR 60,000 for diving. Meanwhile, for tourist excursion by boat he charges IDR 750,000 per boat.
Bunaken Island retains several harmoniously chic resorts. Simple premises established there reflect the local customary traditions and culture. Unfortunately, due to adverse weather conditions the company was unable to drop in on the island. The marine park is used by three marine tourism operators and each has 12-18 boats.
According to Marko, an owner/operator of one such marine tourism operation, the destination is visited by many tourists during the period of July-August and December-January. Meanwhile during holidays, visitors are willing to queue for up to 30 minutes. “Other than domestic tourists, the destination is also visited by foreign tourists such as from Singapore and those who have enjoyed Jakarta and Bali,” he said.
He added that to operate the boats a license costing IDR 100,000 per boat per six months is issued by the Manado Office of Transportation Services. In the meantime, contribution to Manado Government Tourism Office has not been performed yet. “As a matter of fact, there has been a regulation on the contribution of marine tourism entrepreneurs to government but it does not work yet,” he explained. Then, to maintain the marine biota, Marko stated that the officers always undertake a patrol. “Should there be any illegal fishmongers catching fish that can destroy the marine biota a strict action will be taken against them,” he revealed.
While hosting the journalistic tour the Assistant of Administration and Social Affairs of North Sulawesi Provincial Government, HR Makagansa, accompanied by George Ruata, North Sulawesi Office of Fishery Services, said that such international meeting involves a number of heads of states, researchers and international organizations discussing forestry and coastal territory related to global warming and climate change. “In addition, the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) meeting will also be organized that will engage a number of countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam together with country partners like the United States and Australia,” he explained.
Such countries include the “coral triangle zone” retaining the greatest coral reef in the world. On that occasion, the Marine Bunaken Park will be inaugurated as a World Heritage site. Its coral reef which is rich in everlasting flora and fauna has a great influence in diminishing the global warming and climate change. “Conference on the undersea nature conservation and coastal territory is the first of its kind held in the world and North Sulawesi is entrusted to become the organizing host,” said Makagansa.
Previously, the company performing journalistic tour from 20-23 November also visited the fishermen’s activity at the complex of Bitung Archipelagic Fishery Port and Tetelu Whitewater Fish Cultivation at Dimembe sub district, North Minahasa Regency having the predicate as the leading supplier of fish and hatchlings for Eastern Zone of Indonesia.