If you’re planning a scuba diving trip to Indonesia, North Sulawesi should be at the top of your list. This region is home to some of the most biodiverse and spectacular dive sites found anywhere on the planet. Whether you’re a macro enthusiast, a fan of colorful coral reefs, or a thrill-seeker chasing big pelagics, North Sulawesi offers something for just about every diver. Here’s our top picks for dive sites in North Sulawesi – 10 reasons why this is one of the world’s best destinations for diving vacations.

1. Lembeh Strait – Nudi Falls

Globally famous for its stellar muck diving, the Lembeh Strait is a haven for macro lovers and underwater photographers. Nudi Falls is arguably the jewel in the crown of these treasures – a beautiful wall dive draped in soft corals, where you can expect to spot pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, frogfish, and various other critters. If you’re into underwater photography and like to find beauty in the little things, Nudi Falls is as good as it gets.

2. Bunaken – Lekuan Walls

The towering coral walls of Bunaken National Park are legendary. Lekuan I, II, and III are ideal for gentle drift dives, where you can expect to see large numbers of hawksbill and green turtles (sometimes 30-40 individuals in one dive), huge schools of fish, and possibly even a few reef sharks, cruising by in the wild blue yonder.

With incredible wall dives, diverse marine animals, and relatively gentle currents, these sites are perfect for beginners – though seasoned divers will still be able to enjoy them too.

3. Bangka Island – Sahaung

Known for its vibrant soft corals and incredible marine life, Sahaung is a spectacular pinnacle that breaches the ocean surfact. Here you will discover colorful coral gardens, reef sharks, giant trevally, and large schools of snapper. It’s one of the most scenic dive sites in North Sulawesi, and it’s just off the shores of Bangka island.

At Murex Bangka, we’re right in the heart of the action. In addition to having our beautiful house reef right on your doorstep, you’re just a short boat ride from the many and varied dive sites that make Bangka a hotspot for dive sites in North Sulawesi.

4. Bunaken – Mandolin Reef

Mandolin offers a mix of reef and wall diving with gentle currents and excellent visibility. It’s ideal for those wanting to spot turtles and schooling jacks in a relaxed setting.

Bunaken Marine Park is located in the center of the Coral Triangle, and is perhaps one of the most spectacular dive destinations in the entire region. The park has seven times more genera of coral than Hawaii, and is home to more than 70% of all the known fish species of the Indo-Western Pacific. The Park features more than 8,000 hectares of coral reefs, extensive seagrass beds, and vast mangrove forests.

The founder of Murex Resorts, Dr Batuna, was instrumental in establishing protected status for the park, and we continue his legacy of conservation to this day. For more information, check out this blog.

5. Bangka Island – Batu Pendeta

This site features dramatic underwater topography with pinnacles and slopes teeming with marine life. Expect vibrant anthias clouds, occasional eagle rays, and dazzling soft corals in all the colors of the rainbow. While diving is possible all year round, it’s worth noting that currents can become very strong at certain times, depending on the moon and tides. We recommend you contact us before planning your trip, so our expert dive guides can advise on the best time to visit this site.

Want to learn more about this amazing location? Take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Diving in Bangka.

6. Lembeh Strait – Hairball

One of Lembeh’s most famous muck dive sites, Hairball is where you can encounter bizarre critters like hairy frogfish, mimic octopuses, and flamboyant cuttlefish. Bring your camera—you’ll want proof of what you saw!

Want to combine diving with learning? Our friends at Lembeh Resort run a series of in-depth, bespoke photography courses that can help you improve your skills, while also capturing incredible shots of critters on your dives!

7. Bunaken – Fukui Point

Bunaken is well known for its walls, but the region’s coral slopes also have a lot to offer. One of them is Fukui Point, where you will find beautiful hard coral reef tops and even some thriving artificial reef structures. Fukui is a great place to see garden eels, rays, blackspot snappers, yellowtail barracudas, and giant clams. It’s also a popular spot for night diving.

Want to learn more about diving in Bunaken National Park? This helpful guide gives you an overview of the region’s history, the conditions, and a full list of all the dive sites in and around the park.

8. Bangka Island – Tanjung Usi

With stronger currents and rich, upwelling nutrients, this dive site is perfect for spotting pelagic species, including tunas and trevallies. The coral growth here is phenomenal, and large sea fans line the ridges.

9. Lembeh Strait – TK 3

This sandy muck site is a hotspot for rare critters such as blue-ringed octopus and ornate ghost pipefish. Lembeh’s reputation as the critter capital of the world is writ large at TK 3.

10. Bunaken – Pangalisang

We’ve saved the best for last on this list. One of the most beloved spots for snorkelers and divers alike, Pangalisang is a great shallow reef top on Bunaken Island that’s perfect for afternoon dives and long safety stops. Explorers here will discover large sponges, hard corals, and clouds of anthias. This site offers a relaxing end to a day of exciting wall dives.

Plan Your North Sulawesi Diving Trip

At Murex Resorts, we provide easy access to all three of North Sulawesi’s top diving regions: Bunaken, Bangka, and Lembeh. With professional dive guides, seamless transfers between dive resorts, and excellent facilities, we make it simple to enjoy an unforgettable diving holiday.