Bunaken National Park: Collected Guides for Marine Exploration and Regional Planning

A marine paradise in the Coral Triangle protecting extraordinary coral reef biodiversity

Bunaken National Park

Bunaken National Park represents one of Indonesia's premier marine protected areas and stands as a testament to the extraordinary biodiversity of the Coral Triangle region. Located in the northern portion of Sulawesi Island, the park encompasses a diverse marine environment including seagrass plains, coral reefs, and coastal ecosystems. The park's establishment in 1991 marked it as among the first of Indonesia's marine parks, reflecting a pioneering commitment to marine conservation in the nation. The five islands within the park, each with distinct geological characteristics, contribute to the park's ecological complexity. Bunaken Island features volcanic origins with significant uplifted fossil coral, while Manila Tua rises as a classical volcanic cone reaching over 600 meters above sea level as the park's highest point. Mantehage Island, relatively flat and partially sinking, features extensive mangrove forest flats. The marine environment between these islands drops dramatically to depths between 200 and 1,840 meters due to the absence of a continental shelf, creating ideal conditions for diverse marine life. The park's proximity to Manila, the provincial capital, makes it accessible for both domestic and international visitors seeking to explore its underwater wonders.