Diving in the Heart of the Coral Triangle: Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa
I first dived Bunaken National Park in 2021 and was struck by how alive the reef was: dozens of turtles on a single dive, schools of fish in every direction, and an incredible range of healthy hard and soft corals. It immediately stood out as one of the most vibrant and accessible dive destinations I’d experienced.
Bunaken lies in the heart of the Coral Triangle and has been protected since 1991, making it one of Indonesia’s oldest marine parks. That long-term protection shows; marine life is thriving, and the reefs are in excellent condition. With easy access, warm water, and diverse sites, it’s perfect for all levels, from beginners earning their certification, to technical divers, to photographers in search of leveling up their portfolio.
There are many dive resorts here, but none as luxurious as Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa. This high-end property caters to every need, is run by an exceptional team, and is deeply embedded in the local community through multiple projects. Located on Bunaken Island, it’s just minutes from some of the park’s best sites; Turtle City is five minutes away, while the mainland offers wrecks and muck dives within 25 minutes, leaving more time to enjoy the infinity pool.
The resort’s facilities are outstanding. Private, spacious wooden thatched cottages overlook shallow reefs and lagoons. For non-diving partners, there’s a luxury spa offering everything from deep tissue massages to body scrubs, scheduled with surface intervals in mind.
For your final dry day, several land excursions are worth exploring. A village tour offers a glimpse into local culture, while a trip to the mainland’s national park reveals the world-famous tarsier monkey, said to have inspired Yoda in Star Wars. The national park also offers regular sightings of hornbills, kingfishers, macaques and the marsupial cuscus bear and endemic species found only on Sulawesi. Other tours include birdwatching, visiting traditional markets, volcanoes, and sulphur lakes.
Food is an essential part of any trip, and Oasis delivers. Led by an award-winning head chef, much of the produce comes from the resort’s own organic garden. Menus span local dishes to international favourites, with comfort food for those craving home. Evenings are best spent with a cocktail or wine at the bar as the sun sets—or better yet, on a sunset cruise beside a dormant volcano, sipping drinks and enjoying canapés while the staff serenade you with live music.
For photographers and videographers, the resort has everything. World-class diving, a dedicated camera room, rinse tanks, air guns, international charging stations, spare batteries and SD cards, and most tools you might need for quick repairs. The boats also have rinse tanks to prevent salt build-up between dives.
The resort’s fleet of six luxurious dive boats are among the best I’ve used. Each offers hot and cold drinks, fresh fruit, biscuits, a flushing toilet, and a shower. Warm towels await after dives, and entry and exit are easy thanks to large ladders and an attentive crew, ideal for divers and snorkellers alike.
What truly sets Bunaken Oasis apart is the range of training and diving styles available. You can start with your PADI Open Water, explore freediving, or delve into technical diving. The dramatic walls and topography are perfect for deep dives, supported by Oasis Explorers, a dedicated technical facility offering CCR diving and training, courses to 50 metres, advanced trimix, sidemount, and underwater scooters. It’s the ideal place to expand your skills while enjoying an unforgettable holiday.
The resort is committed to conservation, participating in initiatives like No Trash Triangle, Green Fins, and Dive Against Debris, helping keep local sites pristine. Through the Oasis Foundation, it also supports the community, funding school renovations, providing supplies, backing sports projects, and offering university opportunities for staff members’ children.
If you’re seeking a luxury dive resort with world-class diving, exceptional accommodation, and warm hospitality, Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort should be at the top of your list. It caters to everyone, from families to avid photographers and technical divers, offering an experience that blends comfort, adventure, and conservation in one of the most beautiful marine environments on Earth.
For more information about Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort and to experience its magic firsthand, please visit their official website:
Immerse yourself in luxury and adventure at Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort – where every moment is meticulously crafted to perfection.
