The Village Bunaken

We spent three weeks in Sulawesi, and this was the highlight. The food was excellent, and the staff and owners were all very friendly. The dive guides were patient and professional. Bunaken's reefs are in great shape, some of the best I've seen anywhere. There were incredible numbers of fish, and turtles everywhere.

Bunaken Island feels like a paradise, with mangroves, jungle, very little development, and beautiful views across clear water to the surrounding islands. Underwater, it's easy to see why people come here: there are so many great dive sites, with varied geography, plants, and animals. Living Colours is a wonderful base on the island. We completed our Open Water PADI there, and the operation was very professional. Our instructor, Petra, knew her stuff, was practiced at calming our nerves, and was friendly and easy to approach. The restaurant food was easily the best we had in North Sulawesi, with lots of options at all three meals. That's no small thing, since we found the food elsewhere in the region pretty average. The rooms are comfortable, with mosquito nets that you'll need, a good shower, and a western toilet. We also loved having a balcony with a hammock and somewhere to hang wet clothes. It's relaxed and a great place to recover after a morning dive. The shared restaurant dining area made it easy to chat with other guests, who were really nice. There are plenty of bugs, big and small, in the room and on the terrace, but that comes with such a secluded setting. We had an amazing week thanks to the island and Living Colours, and would gladly come back.

I spent 8 relaxing days here at the end of March and could easily have stayed longer. Living Colours is clearly set up for diving, with lovely walls, lots of marine life, and big turtles. The diving gear and DM service were professional, the accommodation was cozy and suited the purpose, and the staff, atmosphere, and food were all great.

Bungalows have spectacular sea views, and the place has a relaxed feel. The food was delicious at all three daily meals, and the dive operation was good. Colorful coral and marine life are only a few steps from the beach. It's also one of the best spots for both wall and muck diving, run by fantastic people. Highly recommended if you're planning to dive on Bunaken Island.