Siladen island: A paradise within a tropical paradise
Siladen island: A paradise within a tropical paradise
Fabio Scarpello, Contributor, Bunaken, Manado
As the two-engine boat pushes away from Siladen pier, a
melancholic mood surges through the occupants. The boat's turtle-
like pace seems designed to assist in the gradual transition from
what has been an awe-inspiring stay and the memories that always
follow.
Following Daniel's signs, the captain swerves unhurriedly.
Daniel does not talk much; he is a shy stocky young man who,
crouched at the front, works as the "eye" to guided the boat past
surfacing corals. Soon the island contour starts fading, but the
passengers' gaze remains stubbornly fixed, looking for that palm
tree, that beach corner ...
After 30 minutes, the boat docks in Manado and the hustle and
bustle of the city works as a wake-up call. Shoes -- forgotten
throughout the stay in Siladen -- are again part of needed
attire, and the worries, anxiety, projects and work appointments
that were put on hold suddenly resurface.
It is then that one wonders: What if that was as good as it
will ever get?
The idea of what an earthly Eden should be like differs from
one person to the next, but close harmony with nature, beauty,
tranquility and peacefulness are very likely to be on the list of
most of us.
Siladen is a dot on the map of North Sulawesi, unknown to most
people outside the divers' circuit. The grainy sand is neither
white, nor yellow or red, but a mixture of the three with golden
reflections. It is easy to spend hours sitting on Siladen's
shore, with the feet flirtatiously stroked by the warm water,
while the compliant sand molds around the lines of the trunks.
Crabs jiggle around, eagles fly high, big iguanas play hide and
seek, and in general, nature puts on a display of its lavish
wealth.
On this tiny island, close contact with nature is complemented
by the ultimate indulgence of five-star accommodation -- Siladen
Resort and SPA -- that does not impose itself on the surroundings
but blends with it.
It is a soothing experience to fall asleep in the outsize four
poster bed, with a lullaby provided by the ocean that gently laps
the shore five meters away, as it is gentle to wake up with the
sunrays filtering through the cotton curtains.
The bungalows, with sea or garden views, offer a gentle
ambience and are elegantly uncluttered. Every piece of furniture
has been hand selected, and attention has obviously been paid to
the details. Looking around, even items that would usually be
easily overlooked, give a sensual pleasure. Hibiscuses are
everywhere.
At times there is no need to get one's feet wet to see
dolphins playing in the distance, and the baby sharks that during
low tide swim to shore only to sprint away soon after. Strange to
say, but here it seems as if the wildlife had been trained for
guests' convenience.
This is, after all, part of the Bunaken Marine National Park,
one of the best natural reserves in the world, renowned for the
richness of its sea and the high level of its coral reefs'
biodiversity. Siladen is the smallest of the five islands
included in the park, which has a total surface area of 89,065
hectares (97 percent of which is sea). The other islands are
Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage and Nain.
Here, snorkeling and scuba diving take a new meaning and
become surreal experiences that need to be sipped unhurriedly.
Siladen resort's trained staff can help to discover a bizarrely
fascinating world so rich in color, life and gravity-defying
architecture that it is beyond most people's fantasy or their
descriptive skills.
Hard, soft and whip corals, together with sponges, cover the
surfaces' walls, and are the perfect environment for an
uncountable number of fish in all shapes, sizes and forms. The
array of earthly known tints are mortified by the unashamedly
dazzling shades present underwater. Often one dive is enough to
see moray eels staring angrily out from coral caves, turtles
sculling the water placidly, as well as sharks hovering around or
darting past in the middle of schools of pyramid butterfly fish,
black trigger fish and clouds of anthias swarming around the reef
edge.
On shore and still with gleeful eyes, the best way to
reevaluate the experience is by sipping a drink in a comfortable
deckchair, shaded by a parasol in a resort that oozes a
contagious tranquility and serenity. Here, nothing is too much to
ask but very little is asked as smiling, tiptoeing staff
preemptively take care of any requests.
The sea of Siladen Island beckons. Siladen Resort responds:
sea cruises, fishing trips, snorkeling or (fun, night, special)
dives are organized and every individual request is considered.
Then, at the end of the day, the multisensorial fulfillment may
take the shape of a gentle massage, using aromatic essential
oils, or a gourmet meal in what has been selected the best
restaurant in North Sulawesi.
A double Jacuzzi outside each bungalow juxtaposes nature with
luxurious relaxation and it is the permanent abode of hedonism
and self-indulgence. The sensual, prickling bubbles tickle the
body, and for the state-of-the-art extravagance, it is best
enjoyed at sunset. At this time the sky plays with its colors
displaying every shade between blue and red. Beyond the reef, the
white-blue-turquoise waves roll all the way to the horizon and
the sea glimmers with the reflection of the transmigrating sun.
Then one wonders again: What if that is as good as it will
ever get?