North Sulawesi: spectacular diving & sensational nature
Have you been to North Sulawesi, Indonesia? No? Then you need to edit or update your bucket list because this is one amazing treat waiting for you. If diving and nature are your biggest passions, then you need to visit this island.
Where is it? Sulawesi is one of the tens of thousands of islands that dot the Indonesian
archipelago. Originally it was known as Celebes; a name bestowed upon it by Portuguese
explorers. Because of its name, which is Portuguese, the island may be considered a territory of Portugal.
The island is home to the Bugis and Makassarese who are known as the most daring sailors in Indonesia. Any seasoned diver looking for awesome diving opportunities boards a liveaboard to access islands such as Sulawesi. There is a recommended Ayana’s venue.
Reasons Why You Should Visit North Sulawesi
The first thing you notice about Sulawesi is the sparkling blue waters of the sea. This alone is
one reason divers will want to land here. In addition, there are the flourishing national parks
teeming with all kinds of primates.
Moreover, there are hordes of hiking trails as well as serene beaches. You can easily combine
your love for nature as well as indulge your passion for diving. The best time to go is from March to October.
Additional reasons to visit the island include the following:
1. The Beaches of Lembeh, North Sulawesi
The one reason people go vacation is to unwind. What better place to do this than on a beautiful serene beach? Which clear blue waters surrounding you and the soothing Oceanside
sounds, you will be ready for the usual grind by the time your vacation is over.
What is more, many of the beaches are yet to be developed. There are quite a number of them
around the coast. You can stroll the sandy beaches and deep your feet in clear waters of the
ocean. While at it, take in the luxuriant mangroves of Lembeh.
2. Much Diving in Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi
A casual search of Lembeh Strait on the internet may bring up the description ‘muck diving
capital of the world’. This is not hyperbole as the location is known by this description around
the globe.
Muck diving is basically diving into what looks like muck (rich black organic sand). There are
some weird creatures to be found here that will leave you perplexed. This gives you a chance to discover some of the rarest marine life in the world.
Some of these include the following:
- Pygmy sea horses that you dig out of corals
- Outlandish-looking frogfish
- Multihued mantis shrimps
- Fragile-looking ghost pipefish
The mantis shrimps may give you a fright as when they attack prey, the water boils around
them.
With the clear sea waters and shallow dive sites, Lembeh is a haven for divers. If you go in
August, you will be able to see many of the weird Lembeh creatures. December is the best time to go diving as visibility is at its best.
3. Diving at the Mawali Wreck, North Sulawesi
The Mawali Wreck is a Japanese WWII cargo ship that is 60 meters long. It lies on its side
covered in soft coral in 15-30 meters of water. Apart from the curiosity about a World War II
wrecked ship, you will a large lionfish and myriads of barramundi.
4. Hiking to Mount Klabat, North Sulawesi
There are adventures and fun to be had on land as well. A hike to Mount Klabat is worth your
while as it is the highest peak in North Sulawesi. You could pitch camp there and enjoy an aerial view of the island.
Camping gear is readily available. The best time to start the hike is at night. The trail is in great condition and easy to follow. You will get to the peak by sunrise. You will not only enjoy a
nighttime hiking adventure but also get to marvel at one of Indonesia’s mesmerizing sunrises.
Conclusion
North Sulawesi is a paradise waiting to be discovered. There are delights to be enjoyed both in
the water as well as on land. Nature lovers will find this place a very agreeable place to visit for nature expeditions as well as diving adventures.
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