Pulau Bunaken: The Underwater Paradise of Indonesia

• HelloHalo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [seh-lah-maht ting-gahl]
• YesYa
  [yah]
• NoTidak
  [tee-dahk]
• Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [see-lah-kahn]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [teh-ree-mah kah-see]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-ahf]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [ah-pah kah-bahr]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Bagaimana denganmu?
  [bah-eek. bah-gah-ee-mah-nah dehng-gahn-moo]
• Do you speak English?Apakah kamu bisa berbahasa Inggris?
  [ah-pah-kah kah-moo bee-sah behr-bah-hah-sah eeng-grees]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sah-yah tee-dahk meng-gehr-tee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, tolong
  [sah-yah een-geen meh-lee-haht meh-noo toh-lohng]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-yahng]
• Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [seh-lah-maht mee-noom]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, tolong
  [sah-yah een-geen mehm-bah-yahr toh-lohng]

• Help!Tolong!
  [toh-lohng]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [pehr-gee]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pahng-geel poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pahng-geel dohk-tehr]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sah-yah tehr-seh-saht]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sah-yah sah-keet]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sah-yah een-geen mehm-bell-ee]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat
  [sah-yah hyahn-yah meh-lee-haht]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [beh-rah-pah har-gahn-yah]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too tehr-lah-loo mah-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Bisa kurangi harganya?
  [bee-sah koo-rahn-gee har-gahn-yah]

• What time is it?Sekarang jam berapa?
  [seh-kah-rahng jahm beh-rah-pah]
• It's one o'clockSekarang pukul satu
  [seh-kah-rahng poo-kool sah-too]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [seh-tehn-gah (seh-poo-loo)]
• MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
• AfternoonSore
  [soh-reh]
• EveningMalam
  [mah-lahm]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [keh-mah-rehn]
• TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
• TomorrowBesok
  [beh-sohk]
• 1Satu
  [sah-too]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
• 4Empat
  [em-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enam
  [eh-nahm]
• 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
• 8Delapan
  [deh-lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [seh-poo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana ada/ada...
  [dee-mah-nah ah-dah/ah-dah]
• What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [ah-pah ah-lah-maht-nyah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisa tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [bee-sah toon-jook-kahn sah-yah (dee peh-tah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bus)?
  [kah-pahn yahng beh-ree-koot-nyah (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Satu tiket (ke ....)
  [sah-too tee-keht (keh ....)]

Pulau Bunaken, located in the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The island was initially settled by indigenous tribes who relied on the sea for their livelihood. These early communities were adept at fishing and maritime trade, establishing the roots of Bunaken's long-standing maritime culture.

The arrival of European colonizers in the 16th century brought significant changes to Bunaken. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to explore the region, followed by the Dutch who eventually established control over North Sulawesi. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) set up trading posts and introduced new trade routes that connected Bunaken with other parts of the archipelago and beyond. This period saw a blend of local and European cultures, influencing the island’s architecture, language, and customs.

During World War II, Bunaken and the surrounding areas were occupied by Japanese forces. The island's strategic location made it an important military outpost. The local population experienced harsh conditions and were often coerced into labor for the Japanese military. The end of the war and subsequent Japanese surrender brought relief to the inhabitants and marked the beginning of a new era for Bunaken.

After Indonesia gained independence in 1945, Bunaken gradually transformed from a sleepy fishing island into a renowned tourist destination. The 1970s saw the beginning of organized tourism, driven by the island’s stunning marine biodiversity. The establishment of Bunaken National Marine Park in 1991 marked a significant milestone, highlighting the island’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The park's creation has helped protect the coral reefs and marine life, attracting divers and researchers from around the world.

Despite the influx of tourists, Bunaken has managed to preserve its unique cultural heritage. Traditional music, dance, and rituals are still an integral part of island life. The local Minahasan and Sangir-Talaud communities maintain their ancestral customs, from elaborate wedding ceremonies to the annual Tulude festival, which celebrates the end of the agricultural year. Visitors to Bunaken can immerse themselves in these vibrant traditions, gaining a deeper understanding of the island’s cultural tapestry.

Pulau Bunaken is located in the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia. The nearest international airport is Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado. From Manado, you can take a taxi or arrange a shuttle to the Manado Harbor. From the harbor, you can catch a public boat or hire a private boat to Bunaken Island. The boat ride typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes.

On Pulau Bunaken, transportation options are limited due to its small size and focus on marine activities. Walking is the most common way to get around the island. For trips to nearby islands or diving spots, local boats can be hired. If you plan to explore the mainland, you can take a boat back to Manado and use taxis, rental cars, or public buses for further travel.

The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and dive resorts on Bunaken, but it is advisable to carry cash for other transactions, especially in smaller establishments and local markets. There are no ATMs on Bunaken Island, so make sure to withdraw sufficient cash in Manado before your trip.

Pulau Bunaken is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure your safety. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious when walking alone at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, contact local authorities or your accommodation staff for assistance. For medical emergencies, the nearest major hospital is in Manado. It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Keep the contact information for your embassy or consulate handy in case of serious incidents.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering homes and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using local boats. Don't litter or pollute the marine environment. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a nod. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Pulau Bunaken like a local, visit the traditional fish markets and try freshly caught seafood. Engage with local fishermen and dive guides to learn about their way of life and the island's marine biodiversity. Don't miss out on snorkeling or diving in the Bunaken Marine Park, which is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. For a unique experience, join a local boat tour to explore the neighboring islands and hidden beaches.