Bangka & Sangihe |
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Just off the northern-eastern tip of Sulawesi, between Bunaken & Lembeh, lies the islands of Bangka & Sangihe.
These volcanic islands are less renowned for diving than Lembeh or Bunaken nearby, but are equally fascinating.
The volcanic nature of the area has led to some very unusual dive sites, including the chance to dive an active volcano and a dive site in a sunken village.
The area is also known for its Whale sightings, with numerous species using these waters. |
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 The main island in the area is Bangka Island, where the lush tropical rainforest appears to plunge straight down into the sea. Just off from this island, numerous pinnacles break the surface or lurk just beneath, providing fantastic diving opportunities.
Currents here can be quite strong, but the flow of nutrients results in stunning soft corals and bountiful marine life. Schools of Batfish & Barracuda hover mid-water, glinting in the sunlight, while Trevally & Tuna cruise the blue. Back on the reef, cracks & crevices hide plenty of critters and many species reef-fish are abundant. Large Napoleon Wrasse can also be seen here.
North-west of Bangka Island lies Palau Telisei, another site with majestic soft coral gardens to enjoy. Banded Sea Kraits are numerous here and there is a large cavern to explore if you have a good guide. Napoleon Wrasse often come for a closer look at divers. Nearby, Lihaga Island is great for critter lovers, with Leaf Scorpionfish, Ribon Eels & Pygmy Seahorses.
The star of the Bangka area is probably the Bangak Strait though. This area has been studied by scientists extensively as it is a migratory route for no less than nine species of Whale, including three different species of Sperm Whale, Melon-head Whales, Pilot Whales & Killer Whales. Dolphins use this route too and Manta Rays are commonly seen. The Whales pass through this strait in March & April and again in August & September. It is not always possible to dive here due to currents and the Whales tend to stay well away from noisy divers, but just witnessing these gentle giants from the boat is an experience to remember.
Running north-east from the tip of Sulwesi is the Sangihe Archipleago. These seldom visited, current swept islands offer some of the world’s most unusual diving. Mahengetang is a submerged, active, volcano. Gases bubble out of the volcano and everything is tinged with yellow - a result of the sulphurous deposits from the volcano. Marine life here, which is plentiful, mysteriously seems to be larger than anywhere else.
In case Mahengetang isn’t unusual enough for you, there is also a drowned village that you can dive in the area. The rumour goes that the village was engulfed by the sea during a huge volcanic explosion in 1963. Lying at around 25m in depth on a silty bottom, you can swim along manmade passages & tunnels, through doorways & other manmade structures now adorned with many black corals.
Ruang Island has Sangihe's best diving. A barren lava flow on the south side of the island stretches into the sea, where it transforms into a majestic coral reef. The reef is home to incredible diversity and numbers of marine life in every colour & hue imaginable. Sharks are commonly seen here, as are large Groupers, Tuna & huge schools of Barracuda. Needle Point and Para Island have more great diving, with large underwater pinnacles attracting all manner of life.
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Bangka Island & Sangihe archipelago, which stretches up towards the Philippines, can only be reached by Liveaboard or overnight trip from Manado or Lembeh.
It receives very strong, unpredictable currents and is only suitable for experienced and intrepid divers. |
 
Manado is the major city and port in the north of Sulawesi and the major hub for divers wishing to visit Bunaken & Lembeh, as well as Liveaboards cruising northern Sulawesi.
There are around 15 dive centres around Manado that offer day trips to a few local dive sites and Bunaken National Park. Many of them can also arrange dive packages or Liveaboard trips, including trips to Lembeh and even Bangka & Sanghige to the north.
Manado has an airport with flights to Makassar in the south of Sulawesi and also Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya & Balikpapan. There are now a few international flights aswell, linking Manado to Singapore, Malaysia & the Philippines.
As Manado is a large city, there is a huge range of accommodation, from budget hostels to 5 star hotels. Mid-range hotels offer by far the widest choice. The majority of the choices are inner city hotels as opposed to rustic, beach-side accommodation.
As well as many accommodation options, Mandado has plenty to do when you are not diving. Options include shopping & golf, trekking in the surrounding countryside, visiting volcanoes and immersing yourself in the history & culture of the area.
Lembeh Strait has become world-famous in recent years as the world's top muck-diving destination. As a result, many dive resorts have sprung up along its shores.
There are many dive operators here, both on Lembeh Island and on the mainland across the Strait. All of them are just a short distance from the top dive spots and many dives are made each day. They tend to be attached to resorts, some of which are quite upmarket and have excellent facilities. Certain operators can also arrange overnight trips to Bangka & Sanghige to the north.
The closest town to Lembeh Strait is Bitung. If you have arranged your trip in advance, your resort will normally meet you here. To get to Bitung, take a bus or taxi from Manado. Manado has a well-connected airport with flights from many spots in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia & the Philippines.
Diving & accommodation are usually sold together as a package. Accommodation is usually in comfortable bungalows or chalets. There are very few budget accommodation options here.
Aside from the diving, there is little else to do here. The resorts are well spread out and often all inclusive, so most guests are unlikely to leave the resort except to go diving. Back on the mainland around Manado, there are many activities, ranging from shopping & golf to trekking.
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| Just off the north-eastern tip of Sulawesi is the Lembeh Strait.
This insignificant looking stretch of water is now widely considered to be the muck-diving capital of the world, with more bizarre and unusual critters than anywhere else on earth... |
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We give you the lowdown on some of South-east Asia's finest Liveaboard trips, taking you to some of the most spectacular & remote diving destinations on the planet... |
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