North Sulawesi is a place where volcanoes meet coral reefs, where lush jungles blend with white-sand beaches, and where underwater biodiversity rivals the most famous dive destinations in the world. Located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, this region is a dream come true for nature lovers, divers, and adventurous travelers.

A Unique Blend of Land and Sea

From the vibrant reefs of Bunaken, the colorful soft corals of Bangka, to the alien-like macro life of Lembeh, North Sulawesi offers three distinct marine ecosystems within a few hours of travel. Few places on Earth pack so much variety into one compact, accessible area.

Above the surface, visitors can explore tropical highlands, volcanic lakes, geothermal wonders, and rainforests teeming with rare wildlife. Cultural experiences, traditional markets, and warm hospitality round out the region’s rich appeal.

Why Choose North Sulawesi?

• Part of the Coral Triangle, the global epicenter of marine biodiversity
• Offers an unmatched variety of dive environments in one trip
• Home to unique wildlife such as tarsiers, hornbills, and black macaques
• Warm, welcoming local communities and incredible cuisine
• Easy access via Manado International Airport, with connections from major hubs in Southeast Asia

Whether you're a diver looking to log unforgettable dives or a traveler seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, North Sulawesi delivers. It’s the perfect destination for those who want more than just a dive trip—it’s a complete adventure above and below the surface.

Renowned across the globe for its unmatched macro biodiversity, Lembeh Strait is a true paradise for underwater photographers, critter hunters, and marine life enthusiasts. Its calm black-sand slopes may seem unassuming at first glance, but beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of rare and unusual species that you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Why Dive in Lembeh?

• Home to some of the rarest critters on Earth: blue-ringed octopus, hairy frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopus, and more
• Perfect for slow, deliberate diving with a focus on exploration and discovery
• Incredible opportunities for macro photography with sandy bottoms and minimal currents
• Night dives reveal even more alien-like life forms, including stargazers and bobtail squid
• Ideal for divers who love the weird, wonderful, and unexpected

A Photographer’s Playground

Whether you’re a seasoned underwater shooter or just getting started in macro, Lembeh offers the ideal setting: stable conditions, easy dives, and subjects that don’t exist in most other dive destinations.

It's our first stop on the North Sulawesi Dive Escape, Lembeh sets the tone with slow-paced, critter-rich dives that are as captivating as they are unique. It’s not just diving—it’s underwater exploration at its finest.

Nestled between the northern tip of Sulawesi and the open Celebes Sea, Bangka Island is a hidden gem known for its pristine coral gardens, rich marine biodiversity, and dreamlike underwater landscapes.

With vibrant soft corals, pinnacles, and white sandy bottoms, Bangka offers an incredible variety of dive sites that will captivate both macro lovers and wide-angle enthusiasts.

Why Dive in Bangka?

• Lush coral gardens bursting with color and life
• Unique topography with underwater pinnacles, slopes, and sea mounts
• Frequent sightings of frogfish, nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and leaf scorpionfish
• Encounters with ribbon eels, schools of snapper, and the occasional eagle ray or reef shark
• A perfect blend of macro critters and vibrant reef scenes

Ideal For:

• Underwater photographers looking for colorful reefscapes and critters
• Relaxed diving with light to moderate currents
• Divers seeking a less-crowded, off-the-beaten-path experience

With its tranquil atmosphere, friendly local vibe, and some of the most beautiful soft coral displays in Indonesia, Bangka is a diver’s paradise that perfectly complements the North Sulawesi dive circuit.

Located within the Bunaken National Marine Park, just off the coast of Manado, Bunaken Island is a diver’s dream.

Famous for its spectacular vertical walls, crystal-clear visibility, and abundant marine life, Bunaken offers some of the most impressive reef diving in all of Indonesia.

Why Dive in Bunaken?

• Dramatic drop-offs & coral-covered walls
• Healthy reef systems with hard and soft corals
• Home to turtles, reef sharks, schooling fish, and macro critters
• Frequent sightings of Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, eagle rays, and more
• Excellent visibility, often ranging between 20–30 meters
• Ideal for underwater photographers, from wide-angle to macro

Not to Miss

• Mandarin Fish Sunset Dive – A magical dive at dusk to witness the courtship dance of the vibrant Mandarin fish
• Night Dives – A chance to explore the walls in an entirely different light, encountering nocturnal species and bio-luminescence

Bunaken’s laid-back island vibe, combined with world-class diving and stunning natural beauty, makes it the perfect final stop on your North Sulawesi Dive Escape—a place to both celebrate the adventure and relax in paradise.

Encounter North Sulawesi’s Most Unique Wildlife

Just a short journey from Lembeh, the Tangkoko Nature Reserve is a true highlight of North Sulawesi. This protected tropical rainforest is home to some of Indonesia’s rarest and most fascinating species, offering a completely different kind of adventure to complement your underwater experience.

This tour is ideally scheduled after your final morning dives in Lembeh, typically one day before check-out. Departing from the resort after lunch, the excursion returns around 8:00 PM, with dinner served back at the resort.

What You’ll See:

Your visit to Tangkoko includes a 1.5-hour scenic drive followed by a guided 2-hour jungle hike, led by a local park ranger. With luck and patience, you’ll have the chance to encounter:

• The Black Crested Macaque – an endangered primate species native to North Sulawesi

• The Tarsius Tarsier – one of the world’s smallest primates, known for its huge eyes and nocturnal habits

• Hornbills, cuscus, monitor lizards, and a variety of exotic birds and insects

What to Bring:

To make the most of this experience, we recommend:

• Insect repellent

• Torch or headlamp

• Long-sleeve shirt & trousers

• Sneakers or hiking shoes

• Socks

The Tangkoko Wildlife Tour is a truly enriching way to connect with the natural wonders of North Sulawesi above sea level—a must for nature lovers and wildlife photographers alike.

A Scenic Journey Through Culture, Volcanoes & Geothermal Wonders

The Minahasa Highland Tour is a relaxed and enriching full-day excursion that takes you deep into the cultural and natural heart of North Sulawesi. It’s the perfect way to unwind after your dives while discovering the unique beauty that lies above the waterline.

This tour is best scheduled during your stay in Bunaken, ideally after your last day of diving.

What’s Included in the Tour:

• Mount Mahawu Volcano
  Begin the day with an easy hike to the crater rim of Mount Mahawu, an extinct volcano with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, lakes, and lush highlands. A peaceful and photogenic start to the day!
• Traditional Minahasan Market
  Wander through a bustling local market filled with fresh tropical produce, fragrant herbs, and local spices. For the more adventurous, there's an optional visit to the “extreme” section of the market, where you’ll get a raw glimpse into the region’s culinary traditions—definitely not for the faint-hearted, but eye-opening for those interested in local culture.
• Linow Lake & Geothermal Activity
  After a delicious local lunch, the tour continues to Linow Lake, a volcanic lake known for its surreal color-changing waters, influenced by sunlight and mineral-rich geothermal activity. You’ll also see steaming geysers up close and feel the natural heat rising from the earth.
• Coffee Break with a View
  Before heading back, enjoy a relaxing coffee or tea while taking in the incredible view of the lake—a perfect moment of calm and reflection.

• The Experience
  The Minahasa Highland Tour blends light adventure with cultural immersion, offering a refreshing contrast to your diving days. It’s suitable for all fitness levels and ideal for travelers who want to connect with the land, people, and spirit of North Sulawesi.