LIKUPANG GOING UNDER

Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Likupang is just as breathtaking below the water as it is above. Local diver Sunario Ramenaung tells us about the world beneath the waves

- Sunario Ramenaung

Sunario Ramenaung

DIVE GUIDE, PULISAN RESORT, LIKUPANG, NORTH SULAWESI

What was it that attracted you to a career as a dive guide?

From a very young age, I was fascinated by the world beneath the waves. My home, Likupang, is in the heart of the Coral Triangle, where 76% of the world’s coral species and 37% of its coral reef fi sh species are found. I wanted to experience this natural beauty at a deeper level, learn more about the captivating creatures and share the wonder of the marine biodiversity with visitors to the region.

What can divers discover in Likupang’s waters?

Pulisan Diving is located at the heart of three distinct dive regions: the Lembeh Strait, Pulau Bangka and the North Sulawesi Cap. From whitetip sharks and pygmy seahorses to eagle rays and fl amboyant cuttlefi sh, our dive sites are home to a remarkable array of marine life, both large and small. At Pantai Silar, there are several natural hot springs bubbling beneath the surface, while there’s an abundance of schooling fi sh at Sahaung. At Batu Mandi, meanwhile, one of the highlights is the incredible variety of vibrant, healthy corals. These are just a few of the 100-plus dive sites in our region.

How can travellers reduce their environmental impact?