Photographer and trip leader Saeed Rashid celebrates his go-to Indonesian destination , focussing on beautiful Bunaken and the diversity of the Lembeh Strait
TRAVELSPECIAL
Sulawesi
Siladen beach
Worlds of Muck and Magic
Photographer and trip leader Saeed Rashid celebrates his go-to Indonesian destination , focussing on beautiful Bunaken and the diversity of the Lembeh Strait
Talk to any non-diver and they will struggle to pinpoint the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia on a map , but most scuba divers know it as the Mecca of muck diving , home to the Lembeh Strait and gateway to a world of strange creatures . However , it is so much more than this small stretch of water on the island ’ s northeast coast . Sitting to the east of Borneo , Sulawesi is bang in the middle of the Coral Triangle , the world ’ s most diverse marine region .
I ’ ve been incredibly fortunate to have visited Northern Sulawesi many times , in fact my recent trip there felt like I was coming home . Although it ’ s a long journey from the UK , it ’ s relatively straightforward with a direct flight to Singapore where you get to spend a few hours in the surreal wonderland of Changi Airport before a short hop over to Manado , the capital of North Sulawesi . There are two distinct sides to North Sulawesi - the weird world of muck diving in Lembeh Strait and the magical blue water of Bunaken National Park , which I affectionately refer to as the ‘ Muck and Magic ’ of Sulawesi .
My recent three-week trip saw me stay at three resorts starting off with Tasik Ria Resort , just south of Manado . Despite being a slightly older resort , it still retains lots of charm and also boasts one of the nicest swimming pools in the area ; not to mention probably the best sunset bar I ’ ve ever been to .
Aerial view of Bunaken Marine Park , Siladen island in the foreground
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