North Sulawesi, late Dec 15-early Jan 16

[sasmac]

We're heading to North Sulawesi with 12 full days on the ground. We're definitely going to spend a good bit of time in Lembeh, and will also spend at least two days in Tangkoko. My worse half may wish to climb yet another volcano.

It's really important that we have some down time and are not racing around the whole time. I'm also conscious of cost, this holiday is a bit of an extravagance. Ideally I'd like a few days in a beach shack where you can sleep late, grab a local meal then snorkel from the beach.

My big question is- should we go to Bunaken? I've pretty much written off Bangka, is that a terrible idea? Someone recommended we stay on the mainland west of Manado and snorkle or dive from there. I'm a bit skeptical of that one. Or I guess we could stay the whole time around Lembeh.

I should probably add we're already been to Komodo and Sipadan (both were amazing) so we have seen a fair few SE Asian walls.

Thanks in advance

 

[cmneus]

Why has no one replied to this? I haven't been there, so I can't answer.....I can say what I've read here in other posts about Banka vrs Bunaken...search around a bit on threads, there have been many about this topic.
P.s. I'm going to komodo in about a week and my worse half needs to take half a day to see the darn dragons.....ugh....lol....the struggle is real.....

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[Wingy]

I would not write off Bangka...to me that would be a terrible idea. Just remember Bangka can be hit and miss with currents and waves - when its a hit its amazing. I believe the places you have heard that you can grab a snorkel and do your own thing would be Murex mainland or possibly Tasik Ria which both have housereefs on the west side of the mainland. Neither are bungalows on the beach though - definitely hotels , to the best of my knowledge ive never seen any beach shacks anywhere in N.Sulawesi.

If you are not that into walls no biggy skipping Bunaken - Assuming your girlfriend means Tangkoko its worth doing - the Tarsiers and Yaki are worth the climb. If you are going to choose to just stay in Lembeh see if any of the ops there are doing a day trip to Bangka. Bangka doesnt have so many fans and repeat visitors for no reason.

 

[AlMitch]

There are a ton of threads on SB describing Lembeh vs Bangka vs Bunaken.

I'd disagree about there not being huts on the beach, basically all the accom on Bangka is huts on the beach. I'd recommend Blue Bay Divers.
Two fish in Lembeh is also "hut on beach" but not sure the snorkeling is any good in Lembeh. It's 95% muck diving, which is amazing for diving but rubbish for snorkeling.

December can be a bit of a hit or miss time of year weather wise for Bunaken and Bangka. Lembeh is far more sheltered so not affected by the weather as much.

For 12 days I would personally do 6 days in Lembeh, 2 days trekking around the volcano and then choose either 4 days in Bunaken or Bangka.

 

[Wingy]

Almitch I was referring to the mainland re beach shacks. Perhaps the OP may be able to explain what exactly he is referring to as beach shacks. I was assuming the OP wanted a beach shack not attached to/part of a dive op.

 

[Wisnu]

Or split 6 days Lembeh and 5 days Gorontalo
Gorontalo is only 40 minutes flight from Manado. I prefer Gorontalo than Bunaken. The wall is not spectacular as Bunaken but more varieties, caves, overhang, wreck, pinnacles and muck diving; whale shark if you're lucky. Dozens or even hundred pod on the surface is regular sighting.
Dec - January is good time for Gorontalo -

Here my Gorontalo album from 2 days trip last March.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wisnupurwanto/albums/72157641881368484

 

[Freewillow]

Nice pictures of Gorontalo. I do not know this place. Better than Bangka as a complement to Lembeh?

 

[Searcaigh]

Murex in Manado have a decent house reef where you can do shore dives as does their Bangka location, just grab tanks and go for it.

Critters@Lembeh / Lembeh Resort have a similar set up also.

 

[Wisnu]

Nice pictures of Gorontalo. I do not know this place. Better than Bangka as a complement to Lembeh?

Difficult to compare. It's different. I like both; so far I've visited Bangka 2x and Gorontalo 3x. If I only have one choice; for the underwater scenery, personally I opt Gorontalo. Please note, there's no dive resort in Gorontalo.
You stay in the hotels in "city" centre; and the DC will pick-up you every day.