Dive Site: Bunaken Timur

About Bunaken Timur

Bunaken Timur is a renowned dive site situated on the eastern coast of Bunaken Island, forming a key part of the world-famous Bunaken Marine Park in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. This site is celebrated for its dramatic wall, which is richly adorned with hard and soft corals, plunging to a maximum depth of 40 meters. It serves as a prime example of the park's distinctive underwater topography, where reefs often drop sharply into deep basins. The shallow reef top of Bunaken Timur is particularly pristine, offering excellent conditions for snorkeling and supporting a thriving ecosystem. Divers can expect to encounter a healthy population of green and hawksbill turtles, frequently seen navigating the coral-encrusted wall. The site is also known for occasional sightings of larger pelagic species like eagle rays, while macro enthusiasts will find a variety of small critters tucked within the corals. Conditions are generally favorable, with mild to moderate currents and consistent water temperatures. This makes Bunaken Timur accessible and enjoyable for a range of diver experience levels. The excellent visibility, often exceeding 20 meters, further enhances the experience of drifting along this vibrant wall, observing the abundant marine life and intricate coral formations.

Dive site facts: Bunaken Timur

Depth

5–40 m

Typical dive

23 m, 50–60 min (approx.)

Current

Mild to medium

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

28–29 °C

Entry

Boat

Level

AOWD recommended

Dive type

Wall, reef, drift, macro

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Coordinates

1.5950° S, 124.7470° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Bunaken Timur are generally described as mild to medium, reflecting conditions typical of many Bunaken Marine Park sites. While often gentle, currents can change quickly, so divers should be prepared for drift diving procedures, which are commonly practiced in the park. Local operators often conduct current checks before dives, and guides typically carry SMBs for safe surfacing and boat pickup. Visibility averages 15-25 meters, often reaching up to 30 meters, but can be influenced by tidal movements. Water temperatures are consistently warm, averaging 28-29°C year-round. These conditions, combined with the wall topography, mean divers should maintain good buoyancy control and follow guide briefings for optimal safety and enjoyment.

Marine life & sighting chances

Green sea turtle

Year-round · common

Hawksbill turtle

Year-round · common

Eagle ray

occasional

Pygmy seahorse

Year-round · occasional

Orangutan crab

occasional

Nudibranch

Year-round · occasional

Reef shark (whitetip/blacktip)

Year-round · occasional

Pyramid butterflyfish

common

Surgeonfish

common

Parrotfish

common

Wrasse

common

Anemonefish

common

Coral

Year-round · common

Sponges

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Bunaken Timur typically begin with a boat entry onto the pristine shallow reef top, an ideal starting point that also offers excellent snorkeling. From this vibrant coral garden, divers descend along the impressive wall, which ranges from steep slopes to sheer vertical sections, reaching depths of up to 40 meters. The wall is richly covered with a profusion of hard and soft corals, sea fans, and sponges, providing ample opportunities for exploration both along the reef face and out into the blue. Divers often drift along the wall, observing numerous green and hawksbill turtles, schooling pyramid butterflyfish, and occasional pelagic visitors like eagle rays. Macro life, including pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs, can be found tucked into crevices. The dive usually concludes with a safety stop in the shallower sections of the reef, allowing for further macro discovery and decompression in the sunlight.

Underwater photography

Bunaken Timur offers diverse photographic opportunities for both wide-angle and macro enthusiasts. For capturing the expansive coral wall and large schools of fish, a wide-angle lens is recommended, especially when the sun illuminates the wall beautifully mid-morning. Utilize natural light or external strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the hard and soft corals. For macro subjects, including pygmy seahorses, orangutan crabs, and various nudibranchs, a macro lens is essential. Pay close attention to buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate reef, particularly the pristine shallow reef top. Patience is key when photographing the frequent turtle sightings, allowing them to swim naturally. The clear visibility provides excellent conditions for sharp, detailed shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Lekuan 1, 2, and 3

  Famous wall dives with abundant turtles and pelagics.

• Ron's Point

  Slope and plateau for advanced divers, known for pelagic sightings.

• Fukui Point

  Sloping reef with high biodiversity due to currents.

• Manuk

  Known for resident sea snakes.

• Lembeh Strait

  Globally renowned for unique muck diving and critters.

• Mantas Alley

  Known for manta ray encounters.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Bunaken Timur, like most sites within Bunaken Marine Park, is primarily via day boats from resorts located on Bunaken, Siladen, or the mainland of Manado. Divers typically fly into Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) in Manado. From there, it's approximately a 45-minute to one-hour boat transfer to reach the islands within the marine park. Most dive operations offer daily trips, often including three dives per day. A typical dive trip might last 50-60 minutes, with depths ranging from 12-25 meters on average, though the wall extends to 40 meters. Bunaken Marine Park is a protected area, and visitors often pay a conservation fee, which is usually included in dive packages. The site is frequently combined with other wall dives around Bunaken and potentially muck diving sites on the nearby mainland.

Safety & environment

Safety in Bunaken Marine Park, including at Bunaken Timur, is paramount. Divers should be covered by comprehensive dive insurance. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Manado, approximately 30 minutes by boat from Bunaken Island, highlighting the need for careful dive planning and adherence to safety protocols. Evacuation from the islands to medical facilities on the mainland can take time, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Site-specific hazards include variable currents, which can shift rapidly from mild to moderate; divers should follow guide instructions and practice drift diving procedures. Gloves and knives are forbidden within the National Park to protect the marine environment. Always dive within certification limits, especially given the wall's depth to 40 meters, and ensure adequate surface interval and gas planning.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Bunaken Timur FAQ

Liveaboards diving Bunaken Timur

These liveaboards may visit Bunaken Timur on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$274/day

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

$361/day

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

$280/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$328/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$355/day

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m

$303/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m

$223/day