Bunaken Island in Sulawesi – Complete Travel Guide 2025
Bunaken is a small island just off the coast of North Sulawesi, only a short boat ride from Manado. While it’s best known for its world-class dive sites, there’s so much more to discover.
We spent a few days on the island and were so glad we made time for more than just diving. From white sandbanks and volcanic views to incredible snorkeling and unforgettable encounters with turtles and dolphins, Bunaken truly stole our hearts. Whether you’re a diver or not, this island absolutely deserves a spot on your Sulawesi itinerary.
In this complete travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit to Bunaken Island and to make your trip truly unforgettable.
3 Reasons to Visit Bunaken Island
1. The Underwater World
The underwater world around Bunaken is absolutely stunning – for us, it’s the second-best we’ve ever seen, just after Bira (also in Sulawesi). Whether you’re diving or snorkeling, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure beneath the surface. The coral reefs are vibrant, the marine life is rich, and the clear waters make every moment underwater magical.
2. Nature
Bunaken and its surroundings are a paradise for nature lovers. Think lush green islands covered in palm trees, untouched white sandbanks, majestic volcano views, black sand beaches, mangroves, and more. The natural beauty here is incredibly diverse – we were in awe at every turn.
3. Authentic Island Life
If you’re looking for a real, down-to-earth experience, Bunaken is the place to be. The island is still largely undeveloped and has very little tourist infrastructure – and that’s exactly what makes it so special. You’ll ride the same wooden ferry locals take for grocery runs, stay in cozy homestays run by local families, and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals (since there are no restaurants on the island). It’s a beautiful way to connect with the local culture and feel truly welcomed.
Where is Bunaken Island Located?
Bunaken Island is situated in Sulawesi, one of the largest islands in Indonesia. Specifically, it lies in the northern part of Sulawesi, off the coast of Manado City.
Bunaken Island, along with four other islands — Siladen Island, Manado Tua, Nain Island, and Montehage — forms part of Bunaken Marine Park, a protected area renowned for its incredible biodiversity and pristine waters.
Bunaken on Map
Best Time to Visit Bunaken
The best time to visit Bunaken is during the dry season (May to October), with sunny days, calm seas, and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving. For the best diving conditions, visit in July or August, when visibility can reach up to 40 meters.
In the summer months, occasional short rains and stronger winds may occur, causing slightly choppy seas. However, most days remain sunny, and underwater visibility is excellent, making it a popular time for marine activities.
The rainy season (November to April) brings heavier rainfall and rougher seas, but Bunaken’s marine life remains vibrant year-round, so it’s still worth visiting.
How Long to Stay in Bunaken Island?
We recommend staying at least 4 full days to fully enjoy snorkeling, diving, boat tours, and exploring the island. Check out the “10 Best Things to Do on Bunaken Island” to plan your stay based on your interests and how many activities you want to do from the list.
Our Experience: We booked 5 nights, giving us 4 full days, since the ferry from Manado arrives in the afternoon and the return ferry leaves in the morning. At first, we were worried it might be too long, as many people told us there wasn’t much to do besides diving. However, we quickly discovered that there is actually a lot to see and do, and we ended up wishing we had stayed even longer.
Staying at El Homestay made our visit even more special. It was so memorable that we spent the rest of our two-month Sulawesi trip thinking about going back – it truly was one of the best homestays we’ve ever stayed at!
How to Get to Bunaken Island?
We have written a complete guide on how to reach Bunaken Island with the two available options: local ferry or private boat. The ride is enjoyable, affordable, not too long, and very easy to take from Manado City or the airport.
How to Get Around in Bunaken Island?
Bunaken is a small island, roughly 5 km long and 1.5 km wide at its widest point. The roads are narrow and simple, and there are no cars on the island, giving it a peaceful, laid-back vibe.
The best way to explore Bunaken is on foot. If you stay in a budget-friendly guesthouse, chances are you’ll be in the main village. From there, everything is within easy walking distance — your accommodation, the ferry drop-off point, the pier, the sunset spot, and the diving centers.
For those who want to see more of the island, renting a scooter is another great option. Scooters are typically available from your accommodation for about 100k per day, or less for a half day.
Best Boat Tours in Bunaken Island
Bunaken Island offers some unforgettable tours you won’t want to miss.
First, join a diving trip with two or three dives and explore the breathtaking coral wall reefs, teeming with vibrant marine life and hundreds of turtles. If you prefer snorkeling over diving, check with a dive center — many allow snorkelers to join for a small fee. The shallow corals near the edge of the reef wall are perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. Alternatively, ask your accommodation to arrange a private boat and driver for a full snorkeling trip.
Next, make sure to rent a boat for a morning dolphin-watching experience. While you’re out, visit the stunning sandbanks in front of Nain Island, explore the nearby Siladen Island, and stop at some excellent snorkeling spots along the way. You can combine all these activities into a single boat tour or spread them out over multiple days, depending on your schedule and budget.
If you’re into volcanoes and hiking, hire a boat to take you to Manado Tua Island, the striking volcanic island visible from almost everywhere in Bunaken. With the help of a local guide, you can embark on an incredible hike to the top of the volcano for breathtaking views and an unforgettable adventure.
Where to stay in Bunaken Island
We’ve written a complete guide to the best accommodation in Bunaken – check it out! If you’re short on time, here are the top options for different price ranges:
3 Top Picks for Accommodation in Bunaken
- Budget ($): El Homestay
- Mid-range ($$): MC Bunaken Stay
- Luxury ($$$): The Village Bunaken
Where to Eat in Bunaken Island
Bunaken is not a developed tourist destination, so there are no restaurants, shopping areas or nightlife. It’s all about natural attractions, local life and limited accommodations that typically provide all meals on-site. If you choose a budget-friendly place, like our favorite, El Homestay, meals are not included in the price, but they do offer food daily for a small fee. We were amazed at what 50k IDR per meal could get you on this tiny island at such a simple and authentic homestay: some of the best local food we’ve had in six months in Indonesia! Fresh fish, rice, vegetables and fried dishes cooked to perfection.
Packing for Bunaken Island
In general, must-haves for Bunaken Island include sunscreen, mosquito repellent, snorkeling gear, swimwear, and lightweight, breathable clothing. Since it is an Islamic island, it’s important to dress modestly when walking around.
We always travel with our Deuter 40+10 liter backpack, which is light, usually accepted as hand luggage, and perfect for trekking or motorbike trips.
We love to travel light. Check out our highly recommended travel essentials you should consider packing for your trip to Indonesia.
Where to Go After Bunaken Island
Bunaken Island is located in North Sulawesi, and honestly, we think you could easily spend a month in the northern part of Sulawesi alone, using Manado as a base for your travels, where you can return in between trips.
After visiting Bunaken, we highly recommend exploring Tomohon (at least one week) or Likupang (especially Lihaga Island), as well as Tangkoko National Park (a must for wildlife lovers) and Lembeh (if you’re into muck diving).
