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Scuba diving Bangka Island: Best dive sites + eco dive resorts

ByEcoOceanEscapes

Planning a dive trip to Bangka Island? Discover everything you need to know about scuba diving Bangka Island, including the best dive sites and eco-friendly dive resorts for a sustainable scuba vacation in Sulawesi.

Located off the northeastern tip of Sulawesi in Indonesia, Bangka is a small island that’s slowly earning a reputation as a dive hotspot.

For years, Bangka Island’s reefs, pinnacles and walls were only explored on day trips from the more popular diving hubs of Bunaken National Marine Park, Lembeh Strait and Manado.

But with the establishment of several eco-friendly resorts on Bangka Island and nearby Gangga Island, this spectacular region is becoming far more accessible. 

Bangka Island lies in the Pacific Ocean (between the Celebes Sea to the west and the Molucca Sea to the east). It forms part of an archipelago that also includes the nearby islands of Gangga and Talisei.

Bangka is located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, a globally recognised centre of marine biodiversity.

Since the opening of its first dive resort back in 1987, Bangka has grown in popularity amongst scuba enthusiasts. Today, there are more than 30 known dive sites in the surrounding waters.

The area is particularly renowned for its magnificent soft corals and dramatic pinnacles, as well as its frequent sightings of dugongs, which come to feed on the seagrass beds. 

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about scuba diving Bangka Island, including what you can expect to see and the best time to visit. We’ll also introduce some of the best dive sites around Bangka Island and eco-friendly dive resorts, helping you plan a sustainable dive vacation in Sulawesi.

Scuba diving Bangka Island: An aerial view of the Murex Bangka Dive Resort in North Sulawesi
An aerial view of the Murex Bangka Dive Resort in North Sulawesi (photo courtesy of Expedia)

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What can you see while scuba diving Bangka Island, Sulawesi?

Bangka Island offers some incredible underwater experiences, with the soft corals here particularly magnificent. The reef structures themselves are equally captivating -sloping walls, towering rock pinnacles, seamounts and dramatic drop-offs.

While scuba diving Bangka Island, you may find yourself face-to-face with ghost pipefishes, bargibanti and pontohi pygmy seahorses, as well as mimic octopuses and flamboyant cuttlefish. There’s a dizzying array of nudibranchs to discover, not to mention mantis shrimp and other tiny treasures. 

When it comes to larger marine life, Bangka does not disappoint! Divers may spot schools of pelagic fish like mackerel, fusiliers, jacks and rainbow runners, as well as big predators like whitetip, blacktip and grey reef sharks.

There’s the added possibility of spotting dolphins, pilot whales and even dugongs. In short, Bangka Island really is a scuba diving paradise. 

A pygmy seahorse seen while scuba diving Bangka Island, Sulawesi
A pygmy seahorse seen while scuba diving Bangka Island, Sulawesi

Best dive sites around Bangka Island

Sahaung

Arguably the most famous dive site at Bangka Island, Sahaung consists of several underwater boulders and pinnacles decorated with colourful corals and sea fans. The site is particularly rich in biodiversity. Huge schools of blue-line snappers, butterflyfish and redtooth triggers are regularly spotted, along with white-tip reef sharks and eagle rays.

Batu Goso

Featuring several steep pinnacles, Batu Goso is notable for its spectacular topography and ranges in depth from 5 to 35 metres. While strong currents are often present, there are several sheltered spots where you can relax and watch the passing sharks, turtles and groupers. 

Busa Bora

Located off the west coast of Bangka Island, this impressive wall dive is not particularly deep. However, it offers the chance to get up close to an incredible array of marine life. Keep an eye out for crocodilefish, stonefish and frogfish camouflaged amongst the coral formations. 

Peter’s Sponge

This sandy slope is peppered with coral bommies that provide a habitat for a variety of reef fish and macro critters. Aside from being a popular muck diving site, it’s also a favourite place for spotting dugongs resting in the shallows. 

Sharks seen while diving with a Bangka Island dive resort
Sharks seen while diving with a Bangka Island dive resort (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Eco-friendly dive resorts on Bangka Island 

Coral Eye Resort

Initially set up as a marine research outpost, Coral Eye is now an eco-friendly dive resort on Bangka Island. Beyond its outstanding diving amenities, the resort is thoughtfully crafted to encourage interaction and connection among guests who love the ocean.

It offers beautifully designed rooms and villas, along with a kitchen that showcases the best of Indonesian and Mediterranean cuisines. Coral Eye is also a founding member of the Bangka Conservation Fund, dedicated to fight illegal mining and support conservation initiatives on the island.

“Best holiday experience we have ever had.” – Joris (read more reviews here)

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Gangga Island Resort & Spa

Located on Gangga Island (just west of Bangka), this sustainably built dive resort features 30 wooden bungalows overlooking a blissful beach. The PADI Five Star Dive Center is run by international instructors and qualified local divemasters. Plus, there are three purpose-built boats for diving.

Aside from using solar power as a renewable energy source, this eco-friendly Bangka dive resort actively participates in coral reef restoration projects.

“Awesome location, peaceful and great diving.” – Götz (read more reviews here)

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One of the beautifully appointed rooms at Gangga Island Resort & Spa
One of the beautifully appointed rooms at Gangga Island Resort & Spa (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Nomad Divers Bangka

Built using locally sourced materials (and with help from the local community), this eco-friendly Bangka dive resort overlooks a small bay on the island’s southeast coast. It features a handful of traditional Minahasan wooden bungalows, some on the beachfront and others in the jungle.

Aside from daily dives, a full range of PADI courses are available if you’re just starting out or wanting to further your scuba skills. Together with Coral Eye Resort, Nomad Divers is one of the founding members of the Bangka Conservation Fund. 

“Island paradise.” – Fiona (read more reviews here)

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Murex Bangka Dive Resort

Overlooking a palm-fringed beach, Murex Bangka features both oceanfront and hillside cottages offering wonderful views across the water. It’s a popular choice for families and groups, with duplex accommodations that share a common space.

This eco-friendly Bangka dive resort is a great option if you also want to explore Bunaken National Marine Park and Lembeh Strait. Multi-destination packages ARE available at its sister Murex resorts. 

“Wonderful dive resort.” – Maschag (read more reviews here)

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The beachfront setting of an eco-friendly dive resort in Sulawesi
The beachfront setting of Murex Bangka Dive Resort in North Sulawesi (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Diving Bunaken National Marine Park and Lembeh Strait from Bangka Island

Bangka Island is strategically positioned between Bunaken National Marine Park (to the southwest) and Lembeh Strait (to the southeast), two of the most spectacular dive destinations in Indonesia.

Bunaken is famed for its dramatic coral walls while Lembeh Strait has earned a reputation as the “Critter Capital of the World”. Lembeh’s unique muck diving sites harbour a staggering diversity of bizarre and captivating marine life, including frogfish, mimic octopuses and intricately patterned nudibranchs. 

Bangka’s location between these two premier dive destinations makes it an ideal base. From a Bangka dive resort, you can embark on day trips to both Bunaken National Marine Park and Lembeh Strait. Most dive resorts in Bangka Island can arrange full-day trips to explore further afield, with three dives at either location. 

Discover everything you need to know about planning a sustainable dive vacation to Lembeh here. Heading to Bunaken? Check out our detailed article here.

An aerial view of an eco-friendly dive resort on Bangka Island, North Sulawesi
An aerial view of an eco-friendly dive resort on Bangka Island, North Sulawesi (photo courtesy of Expedia)

Best time to dive Bangka Island

The best times to dive around Bangka Island are from March through June and September to October when the weather and sea conditions are at their best. During Bangka’s peak dive seasons, the water is relatively calm and the visibility is exceptional, often stretching for 30 metres (100 feet) or more.

In contrast, the wetter months from November through March can sometimes result in reduced visibility and rougher seas. However, there are still plenty of sheltered dive sites that remain accessible.

The windiest time of year, from July through August, may expose some dive locations to larger swells. That being said, most dive operators are skilled at finding calmer, more protected areas to ensure safe and enjoyable dives throughout the year.

How to get to Bangka Island, North Sulawesi

The nearest airport to Bangka Island for international and domestic travel is Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado. It offers regular flights from Singapore and Guangzhou, as well as domestic connections from Jakarta, Makassar and Bali.

Once you arrive in Manado, it takes a little over an hour by car to reach the north coast of Sulawesi, followed by a 20-minute boat ride to Bangka Island. Transfers from the airport to Bangka Island can easily be arranged with your chosen dive resort. 

A dugong seen feeding on seagrass while scuba diving Bangka Island, Sulawesi
A dugong seen feeding on seagrass while scuba diving Bangka Island, Sulawesi

FAQs about diving around Bangka Island, North Sulawesi

When is the best season to dive in Sulawesi?

While you can dive year-round in Sulawesi, the wet season from November through April usually sees increased rainfall and potentially stronger currents.

The dry season from May to October brings drier conditions and calmer seas, making for especially pleasant diving conditions. That being said, the tropical climate of Sulawesi means that some precipitation is always a possibility, no matter the time of year. 

It’s important to keep in mind that strong winds that can pick up around July and August. During these months, more exposed dive sites around Bangka and Gangga may see choppier surface conditions. This could impact the overall experience and accessibility.

Lembeh usually experiences a longer wet season. But as the strait is sheltered, this only really affects access to the outer reef sites. 

What is the water temperature in North Sulawesi?

North Sulawesi experiences a tropical climate with water temperatures ranging from 28 to 30 degrees Celsius (82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the year.

For most divers, a 3mm wetsuit is adequate. However, it’s worth bringing an extra skin if you’re visiting between October and December when cooler thermoclines can be expected.

How do you get to North Sulawesi?

There are regular domestic flight connections to Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado from various Indonesian airports, including Jakarta, Bali and Makassar. The only international flights to Manado are currently from Singapore (Scoot Airlines) and Guangzhou (China Southern Airlines). 

Can you dive Bunaken and Lembeh from Bangka Island?

Bangka is perfectly situated between Bunaken National Marine Park and Lembeh Strait – two of the most popular dive destinations in North Sulawesi.

Most dive resorts on Bangka Island offer full-day excursions that include three dives at either of these locations. Alternatively, you can arrange a multi-destination dive trip to stay in all three. 

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About the authors

We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.

Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.  

Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans. 

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