Bunaken area dive site recommendations

[scottfiji]

I'll be in bunaken in a couple of weeks, and I'm looking for dive site recommendations for wide angle photography of marine life. (not just coral/wall shots).

I'm specifically looking for sites with large schools of fish (jacks, barracuda, fusiliers), napolean wrasse, schools of bumpheads, eagle rays, or hammerheads/threshers/large grey reef sharks (if Im really really lucky). Also, if you've seen a dugong or a nautilus there, I'd be interested in knowing where.

if you've been there during the last couple of years and can recommend a couple sites that might produce some of that life, or if you know sites not to go to, please let me know,

good macro sites for night dives are also appreciated...

thanks alot!

scott

 

[kilo_fox]

I'm specifically looking for sites with large schools of fish (jacks, barracuda, fusiliers), napolean wrasse, schools of bumpheads, eagle rays, or hammerheads/threshers/large grey reef sharks (if Im really really lucky). Also, if you've seen a dugong or a nautilus there, I'd be interested in knowing where.

All those, I've seen in Komodo and/or Maumere (except hammerhead, dugong and nautilus), but not in Bunaken.

In Bunaken, there is not much more than walls....

 

[scottfiji]

All those, I've seen in Komodo and/or Maumere (except hammerhead, dugong and nautilus), but not in Bunaken.

In Bunaken, there is not much more than walls....

just because you didn't see them doesn't mean they aren't there

 

[AlanWald]

Off Lekuan wall, near the surface by the boat often, you will see Intermediate phase Napoleon wrasse. Also the occasional tuna.

Near Timor dive site (not the island but the dive site that is almost in front of Two Fish Divers) near the surface I have seen gangs of big bumphead parrot fish.

Also deep down, sharks and the occasional Eagle Ray

Last year (?) a baby whale shark was spotted off Lekuan Wall. It is estimated to have been a month old. This is rare.

A good place for sharks, barracuda, batfish and other big fish is a site called Pangalingan which is best dived with lots of current. That's when you will see the big fish.

Dugong are spotted occasionally, usually when the tide comes in and they come close to shore to munch on sea grass.

Dolphins and Pilot whales often seen in the channel between the Bunaken and the mainland. See if you can make a day trip to the Bankga Island area. Ask your dive operator if they do this, because when they do, they generally need enough people to make it worthwhile and there may be a fuel surcharge as it is an hour or so by boat, Can be done from the Lembeh side as well.

Tell your dive guide what you want to see. And choose a dive operation that has a low diver to guide ratio like four or less. You may be able to get a guide of your own. This is best for photographers.

Bring a small light for use in daytime to look under ledges and in caves. You may see elusive nocturnal Comet fish (Calloplesiops species), they are rarely in the open in the daytime. I have.

In many part of the world Jacks are called Trevally.

 

[Live_in_Sin]

around bunaken for schooling fish...
TJ Kopi (actually at Manado Tua) current can be strong, but that's why big fish are coming.
Dugong, if you are lucky.... at Mandorin (Bunaken) its walls are nice with lots of sponges, sea fans and pyramid fish... gorgeous!
good wide angle : Sahuang (don't know how to spell but at Bangka).
Fukui (Bunaken) for Giant clams, beautiful cabbage corals.

Dive sites around Kimabajo are good for Macro. lots of pontohi, saw blue ring octopus, pink squat lobsters, shrimps etc... etc... never get bored!
going back again over CNY. 3 days to go!!!!!

 

[kilo_fox]

just because you didn't see them doesn't mean they aren't there

true enough.....

 

[scottfiji]

alan, LIS - thanks alot!

if anyone else remembers where they saw interesting fish life around bunaken, please post here

scott

 

[Rickg]

alan, LIS - thanks alot!

if anyone else remembers where they saw interesting fish life around bunaken, please post here

scott

Scott,

I think you would be better off going to Sipadan Island for what you are looking for. I've been to both and liked them both but Sipadan is the winner for wide angle shots in my book.

You might want to take a look at the Sipadan video clips you can get to from this thread.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/malaysia-singapore/213465-sipadan-dive-trip.html

You can also find a link to my trip report about Bunaken/Lembeh/Bangka/Sangihe Islands in this thread.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/indonesia/212429-recommendations-manado-may-2008-a.html

Hope you have a good trip.

 

[scottfiji]

rick, thanks, I read your trip report, that was very helpful.

scott

 

[BlueBayDivers]

if you want to stay longer in bangka, not only for a daytrip. check out bluebaydivers
Blue Bay Divers | Home
see you there
anke