NORTH SULAWESI, INDONESIA
Additional Information
RESORTS & OPERATORS
FiNS ARTICLES
- Lembeh Strait: Top 10 Must-See List
- (Mar 2008, Vol 7.2)
- North Sulawesi: Think Different
- (Jan 2007, Vol 6.1)
North Sulawesi is a land of magnificent coral reefs fringing white-sand beaches, mountains and active volcanos. The region is unique, in that it is home to two distinct, but both world-renowned diving destinations. First, the Manado/ Bunaken National Park area and nearby waters; second, the unique Lembeh Straits area, home to some of the strangest and most unique marine organisms in the world.
Many of the dive operators in the area also cooperate via the North Sulawesi Watersports Association to help protect and preserve the marine resources, as well as to find giving local communities a long-term stake in the health of the marine environment.
Getting there
North Sulawesi encompasses the northeastern tip of the main island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. You can fly to Sam Ratulangi International airport in Manado from Singapore via SilkAir or via domestic airlines departing from Jakarta. Once you arrive at the airport, your dive resort should have transportation ready for you.
Dive season
Diving is year-round, with water temperature ranging from 25-29 degrees Celsius, with occasional dips in water temperature due to passing thermoclines. The dry season is from April to October, with the rainy season being November through April. T-shirts and shorts are generally fine for daytime wear, but pack long pants and a light jacket for nights. Light thermal protection (up to 3 mm or equivalent) is generally sufficient underwater.
The Manado and Bunaken areas offer picturesque "tropical" diving with blue waters and magnificent coral reefs, as well as areas with interesting muck diving for small critters.
Over in the Lembeh Straits, "muck" and "macro" are the operative terms. Lembeh is without doubt a macro lover's paradise.
Climate
Document and taxes
Passports must be valid for at least six months on both arrival and on the day or your departure. Visas are available on arrival for many nationalities, but it's best to check prior to your departure.
Communications
GSM coverage and international roaming is generally available. Internet access is sporadic, with iPass network numbers being available, but connection speeds and quality dependent upon the quality of the phone connection.
Electricity
220V, 50Hz
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah. US$ also accepted in some circumstances (payment for visa on arrival).
(Exchange Rate)
Generally, tipping is not practiced. Standard tip at Manado airport is 5000 Rupiah for each bag carried for you by porters.
Health and safety
No special innoculations required, though advisable to take along insect repellents.
Timezone
GMT + 8 hrs