Help with accomodation on Bunaken

[danidive77]

HI All,

I have been working in the area for the past 10 years and I would just like to point out that you should not stay in any resort that does not charge the entry to the Marine Park.
We have been doing a lot to make sure that the marine park is well preserved and there are still a lot of places that does not charge the entry fee with many excuses.
Yes it is true that some time the local patrol is not efficient as it should, but of course those resort that does not charge the PIN are not helping the situation.

I am sure you will enjoy your vacation in Living Colours!
Best regards,
Daniele

 

[Big fish63]

Hi Daniele, I got your pm but I thought I would reply here. Before I respond fully could you just explain what the fee is for and what it covers (I'm sure I was told at the time but it was a while ago). I will then sshare my experiences.

 

[benjamin]

I've stayed with Living Colours and Blue Bay, went to visit NAD for a look only - all are a good choice. I think you'll have a good trip! - enjoy.

 

[buddhasummer]

Hi Daniele, I got your pm but I thought I would reply here. Before I respond fully could you just explain what the fee is for and what it covers (I'm sure I was told at the time but it was a while ago). I will then sshare my experiences.

I was there last November, was charged the fee and given a "Token" to wear on BC. I asked the same question was told it was for conservation, was also told the money went to local fisherman so that they would fish less. Was told the token lasts for one year but what they didn't mention its only valid during the same year i.e Jan to Dec. Was a little saddened to see so many fisherman around Bunaken and how much rubbish there was all around the Island and at some of the dive sites.

In Lembeh they didn't charge the fee, they said the people who were supposed to collect and look after the sites were not doing their job or collecting. The resort I stayed with said if per chance they did come out and collect they would pay and then re coup off divers once back to shore.

 

[cephalopod2]

Hi Andreni,
I would also recommend Living Colours. It has been a while since I was there (I was there 1 week in Aug 08) but everything was excellent -- bungalows, dive guides, staff and most of all the food which was outstanding. Very professional operation! The reef out front is excellent for snorkelling as well. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[buddhasummer]

Hi Andreni,
I would also recommend Living Colours. It has been a while since I was there (I was there 1 week in Aug 08) but everything was excellent -- bungalows, dive guides, staff and most of all the food which was outstanding. Very professional operation! The reef out front is excellent for snorkelling as well. Hope you have a great trip!

I dove with them, they were very professional. They are in the upper price bracket, I couldn't afford to stay with them although would like to have. They do partner with a local, Lorenzos, just next door a couple of minutes walk through the "forest" cheaper accommodation and nice owner/staff. Hope you like rice and fish. Good luck.

 

[peeweediver]

Andreni:

We are also considering Living Colours for a future trip. Would you consider posting a trip report when you return? I would love to get your thoughts on your stay. Thanks.

Rob

 

[Andreni]

Hi Rob

If you don't mind the spelling and grammar mistakes I will be happy to post a trip report ;-). But our holiday will be only in June so it still takes some time.

@all: thank you very much for your positive answers. We are looking even more forward to our holiday in north sulawesi!

 

[peeweediver]

Andreni: No worries about spelling or grammar, without spell check, I'd be lost. Also, we looking at 2014 for Living Colours, local dive shop trip, so any time this year would be great.

Have a great time.

Rob

 

[graypippa]

Hi
You have made a excellent choice, we have stayed at Living Colours in Bunaken for our past four dive trips. The dive operation is excellent they have a brand new dive school and the equipment is well looked after. Mia and Jackko (the owners) couldn't be more helpful, the staff are all friendly and the resort (11 bungalows) has a great atmosphere. We have also stayed in Lembeh at Black Sand Dive Resort which we can highly recommend.. Diving around Sahaung is interesting, we dived there on a day trip from Living Colours and then stayed at Pulisan Jungle beach resort in 2010. This year we are staying at Blue bay too!