Introduction

Nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the pristine island of Bangka emerges as an underwater paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts. Located in North Sulawesi (Indonesia), this hidden gem is renowned for its marine biodiversity. Bangka can be relatively accessed from the international airport of Manado, followed by a 3-hour bus ride and the crossing of a channel by speed boat - both usually organised by the resort. The island itself is quite wild, with limited accommodations available. Comfort can be limited, and few resorts even have a pool, but the quality of the diving largely compensate for those inconveniences... Bangka is also a perfect place to learn scuba diving, while still offering great discoveries for certified divers! It is also possible to combine a stay in Bungka with other islands around Manado.

Travel facts

Diving type

Destination

easily accessible

bargain destination

Diving level & type

for beginners

for advanced divers

shore diving

liveaboard

Diving Characteristics

pelagics

lots of fish

lots of corals

interesting underwater scenery

Other activities

attractive natural spots

gastronomy

night life

beach

snorkeling

Diving Sites

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  Sahaung 1

  rating : 4.0

  depth : 25 m

  visibility : 10 m
  description :
  
  Pinnacle on the south tip of Bungka island, probably one of the region's finest dive sites. This location offers a delightful mix of walls and slopes, with occasional currents that make it a thrilling drift dive experience. Diving to depths of 20-25 meters reveals mesmerizing schools of fish, including impressive congregations of bigeye trevally. Nitrox is highly recommended to maximize your time exploring this underwater spectacle, where snappers are a common sight.
            
  
• 

  Batu Gosoh

  rating : 3.5

  depth : 40 m

  visibility : 15 m
  description :
  
  Relatively steep slope leading to a wall plunging to a depth of 40 meters. At the bottom of this wall, a large cave is found between 30-40 meters. Another slope and finally a wall again (too deep to explore). Several pinnacles, lots of schools including soldierfish in the cave. Very interesting scenary with large bolders and rocks at 5-15 m, once the wall ended. Lionfish, batfish. Strong current but still manageable.
    
  
• 

  Busabora

  rating : 3.0

  depth : 15 m

  visibility : 10 m
  description :
  
  Venturing north from the Bungka Bastianos resort, divers will encounter a reef that gradually slopes from 2-3 meters down to 18 meters, culminating in a sandy bottom adorned with patches of coral. While larger schools and majestic fish are somewhat scarce here, the site compensates with a vibrant array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter trumpetfish, clownfish, octopuses, triggerfish, lizardfish, snappers, lionfish, and boxfish, making it an ideal location for macrophotography. Keep an eye out for charming nudibranches, shrimps, crabs, and even pygmy horsefish. Occasional currents.
        
  
• 

  Batu Mandi

  rating : 3.0

  depth : 25 m

  visibility : 10 m
  description :
  
  Expansive wall that extends from depths of 10 to 18-25 meters, adorned with a colorful coral reef. The sandy slope beneath harbors its own surprises, with scattered coral patches. Pinnacles emerge above the sea close to the mooring area, offering shelter to diverse marine life, including surgeonfish, scorpionfish, lionfish, nudibranches, and eels. The wall is featuring both hard and soft corals, while the area above the wall is equally captivating. The calm mooring spot comes with the added bonus of a picturesque nearby beach, making it a perfect location to relax and appreciate the wonders of the underwater world.
      
  
• 

  Bastianos House Reef

  rating : 3.0

  depth : 20 m
  description :
  
  Bastianos House Reef starts from the pier at the end of the jetty, in front of the resort, where divers can uncover artificial reefs thoughtfully created by a marine biologist. These reefs, positioned at depths of 2.5 meters and 8 meters, teem with trumpetfish, lionfish, scorpionfish, batfish, and even a majestic grouper. The left side of the reef, with the resort in the background, offers a particularly captivating and safer diving experience. Our recommendation: venture to depths of 15-20 meters in front of the pier, explore and slowly return to the 8-meter artificial reef, where an array of underwater treasures awaits.
  
  
• 

  Batu Tiga

  rating : 3.0

  depth : 30 m

  visibility : 15 m
  description :
  
  Entry on an underwater rock climbing to a depth of 5 meters, with reef and slope underneath it. Small walls and pinnacles found on this site. Crocodilefish, giant murray eel, pufferfish, many nudibranches & angelfish
        
  
• 

  Tajung Husi 1

  rating : 3.0

  depth : 10 m

  visibility : 15 m
  description :
  
  Ideal for divers of all levels, this shallow dive site presents a captivating world of pristine hard and soft coral gardens, accompanied by an abundance of fish and schools of fish. As you explore this tranquil underwater haven, you'll encounter parrotfish, small crabs, sea cucumbers, clownfish, angelfish, and a marine life that paints the seabed with vibrant colors.
  
  
• 

  Efrata

  rating : 2.5

  depth : 20 m

  visibility : 10 m
  description :
  
  On the northeastern tip of Sulawesi, a mere 30-minute boat ride from the resort, lies an intriguing dive site characterized by a vertical wall that plunges to depths of 8-12 meters. The wall itself is nice, but the site is primarily a haven for macrophotography enthusiasts. Fish sightings may be limited, with highlights including encounters with two lionfish, an anemone sheltering 15 small shrimps, and the ever-charming clownfish. However, it's worth noting that a notable portion of the reef is covered with dead corals.
    
  
• 

  Sanggemeunk

  rating : 2.0

  depth : 20 m

  visibility : 10 m
  description :
  
  Close to the shoreline, tucked away in a small cove, awaits a dive site that presents both marvels and challenges. While the coral formations are intriguing, some sections, particularly the hard corals, show signs of distress. The dive encompasses sandy stretches, with an assortment of marine life to discover, including the elusive mantis shrimp. However, it's worth noting that this site is not without its challenges, as remnants of human activity manifest as underwater trash both on the seabed and on the water's surface.
    
  
• 

  Yallow Coco

  rating : 1.5

  depth : 20 m

  visibility : 10 m
  description :
  
  Reef slope from 3 to 15 m, then a very gentle sandy slope. Muck diving, little interest on the sand. Small black morray eel, nudibranches, 2 manta-shrimps, 1 smal lgiant clam, boxfish.