Testing the waters

Calm on the surface, the glorious richness of Bunaken's underwater life is revealed to those who come from far and away to Manado, North Sulawesi.

For those who take the plunge, there awaits fascinating marine life, especially coral reefs and thousands of fish of different species, sizes and colors.

Even for those who are water resistant and do not want to go diving, a glass-bottomed catamaran from Manado port to Bunaken National Park will reveal the underwater sights.

Despite environmental protection efforts, scourges such as waste and the use of bombs for fishing continue to threaten the area, which won the UN Equator Prizes for 2004. Let's hope Bunaken's beauty can be saved for generations to come.

-- Text and photos

by Arief Suhardiman