Page 79 - Diving Indonesia 21 November 2019

Bangka Island and Outlying Islands

Conditions
Conditions when diving Visibility is generally excellent all year
the rock pinnacle and round with little run-off from the islands.
sea mount sites varies Water temperatures remain constant
according to the lunar throughout the year at between 27-29
cycle and tides, however, stronger degrees. While the region offers some
currents than those found around excellent drift diving opportunities there
Bunaken are not uncommon. The sloping are also a plethora of dive sites suitable
reefs surrounding Bangka and Gangga for beginners and those who prefer to take
are also prone to currents. Dive sites their diving at a more relaxed pace.
BANGKA ISLAND AND located on the coast line of mainland With so much marine life action in the
North Sulawesi tend to be less affected by
oUTLyING ISLANDS currents as do sites located in protected shallows, combined with the remoteness
of the area
bays
(Gangga, Talisei and Lihaga)

Dive Site and Marine Life Highlights of Bangka
he southern tip of Bangka Island is just a short boat crossing from the and outlying Islands
northern most point on North Sulawesi. Bangka is a relatively large
Tlandmass but with a small population, divided into small local village Ask any divers who has For those hoping to find critters around
communities, Bangka is a wonderful chance to explore and experience a remote tried diving around the Bangka Island, Batu Mandi is a must-
tropical island vibe. Bangka and nearby Gangga, Talisei and Lihaga Islands offer Bangka Archipelago dive site. Located on the northern
some of North Sulawesi’s most spectacular coastlines with pristine white sand about the dive sites and Sahaung is tip of Sulawesi this site is a series of
beaches, crystal clear water, secluded coves and calm tropical bays. bound to be mentioned! This iconic underwater pinnacles rising from a sandy
Bangka Island dive site features a series bottom. This is a shallower dive ranging
of underwater boulders and pinnacles. from 5 to 25m making it suitable for all
Around Bangka Island are numerous rock For those who are interested in macro There is a sloping reef which attracts a levels. Besides the abundance of hard and
pinnacles and sea mounts which make for marine life and unusual critters this region multitude of reef species and highlights soft corals and numerous reef fish, some
incredible diving. The numerous coves are does not disappoint. Many of the iconic here include huge table corals, white tip other highlights are pygmy seahorses,
idyllic snorkeling settings with a multitude critters which are best known for residing reef sharks, schooling yellow snappers cuttlefish and giant and warty frogfish.
of colorful reef fish and vibrant healthy in the nearby Lembeh Strait can also and some of the regions most vibrant
corals. be found here – albeit in more colorful soft corals. Tetonic is one of Talisei Islands more
surroundings.
The islands to the north of the North challenging sites due to the currents
Sulawesi mainland are frequented by A major draw of this region is the Batu Pendeta is another Bangka Island which can be present here. Divers are
migrating whales, pods of pilot whales currents which run around the islands, dive site which is bursting with color. The rewarded however by stunning soft coral
and dolphins, passing pelagics and bringing with them nutrients which site consists of several large submerged gardens and a hoard of underwater life.
dugongs are regularly spotted in the attract schooling fish. The soft coral rocks with one large pinnacle and Regular sightings include Napoleons
shallows. adorned reefs offer a kaleidoscope of combines a reef plateau with a drop-off wrasse, scorpion fish and moray eels;
color underwater and for wide-angle with canyons. Highlights here include banded sea snakes are also common, as
photographers there are limitless sweetlips, dogtooth tuna, jacks and are a host of nudibranch species.
opportunities. sharks.

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