Ethical and Eco-friendly Diving in North Sulawesi
The best diving holidays are about much more than exciting marine life or a beautiful setting. It takes passionate people to create an unforgettable experience. In our new blog series, Resorts Beneath the Surface, we’ll interview the people behind some of the finest diving resorts in the world to uncover their stories and reveal the devotion and drive that made these diving gems so special.
To kick things off, Dive Worldwide Manager Phil North interviews Georgie Bartlett (Sales & Marketing Director) at the 5-star Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort and Spa in Indonesia. Bunaken Oasis is the first luxury diving resort in Sulawesi to put ethics at its heart.
Could you tell us about how Bunaken Oasis Resort came into being?
Bunaken Oasis was born from a vision and unwavering commitment to ethical diving practices. The owners, Simon and Elaine are seasoned globetrotters who have explored numerous world-class dive resorts. While travelling, they discovered that despite their many enjoyable experiences there was a certain element lacking. Driven by their deep affection for North Sulawesi, they embarked on the journey to establish their own opulent dive resort, which would reflect their unique ideals and aspirations.
How long have you been involved with the resort?
I've had a connection with Bunaken Oasis from its pre-opening stages. My initial encounter with the resort was in 2016, during its soft opening week. It was a case of love at first sight. The experience left an indelible impression on me, and to this day, the resort continues to astonish and captivate me, it is a second home and the staff are extended family!
Bunaken Oasis prides itself on being an eco-friendly resort. Could you talk us through what the resort does to ensure it is in harmony with the local environment?
Bunaken Oasis has strong ethical and environmental principles. For example, we have our own water makers, providing not only for the entire resort but also for the neighbouring village. This initiative significantly reduces how much people rely on single-use plastics locally. Onsite, we have a zero-tolerance policy towards single-use plastics and ensure that nothing within the resort falls into this category.
Furthermore, our dedicated team routinely engages in beach clean-up efforts, collaborating with the local environmental group Trash Heroes. We have also established a foundation that focuses on educating local schools about recycling, the environmental challenges associated with fishing in the marine park, and the importance of caring for our planet. Our efforts extend to the planting of mangroves in front of the resort, among a myriad of other eco-conscious initiatives.
The resort is in an enviable area for diving. What can people expect to see when diving in this region?
Bunaken's location in the northern reaches of the Coral Triangle ensures there’s a wealth of marine life to discover. These waters are abundant with turtles, so you can expect to see them on nearly every dive in the marine park. Moreover, we enjoy occasional shark sightings, sometimes a dugong, and frequent encounters with large pods of dolphins on the surface. The marine environment is also home to a rich diversity of smaller critters, including frogfish, scorpion leaf fish, octopus, and over 2,000 different fish species.
What else makes Bunaken Oasis special?
Bunaken Oasis is exceptional for numerous reasons, but, for me, it's the staff that truly distinguishes the resort from anywhere else. Having said that, the food is also outstanding; you'll be hard-pressed to find cuisine of this calibre anywhere else in Indonesia. Additionally, the overall aesthetics of the resort are breathtaking; it's stunning, and every detail has been carefully considered, from luxurious organic shower products to well-placed travel plug sockets, and even to the provision of quality tea bags for British guests.
What are your personal diving highlights from the resort?
On one dive we visited a dive site called Blackrock where I found two frogfish and a leaf fish. During that dive, we also encountered a mimic octopus. I’ve also always loved diving at Lekuan because it's a turtle haven, with some of these creatures being so enormous that they almost seem prehistoric!
Another memorable experience was trying a night snorkel. I was amazed by what I could see on the reef top while snorkelling at night. If you haven't done a night snorkel yet, and you’re visiting us at Bunaken Oasis, I strongly recommend it. It's incredible.
What kind of people would Bunaken Oasis appeal to?
The resort is great for everyone. During the summer months, we welcome families who share our family cottages. We've hosted engagement proposals, celebration trips and large groups. The resort caters well to people who appreciate the little things. But whoever stays at the resort will be very well looked after.
Any top tips for people planning a visit?
Here are my top tips:
Indulge in the delicious lava cake and don't miss out on the homemade banana ice cream—it's simply delightful!
Savour everything on the menu.
If you have limited mobility, consider requesting cottage 11. Personally, I love cottage 5 for its breathtaking views—though to be fair, all the views are stunning.
Lastly, treat yourself to a sunset cruise; it's a lovely way to ease into the evening.
Want to book a stay at Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa? Find out more and get in touch.
