Nestled in the northern of Sulawesi, specifically in Tinutuan City, Manado. Bunaken Island leaves a lasting impression, where Moana feels united in me. Moana is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Disney animated movie Moana. She is a Polynesian teenager who embarks on a journey across the ocean to save her island and people. She is known as adventurous, brave, and never giving up, with a strong connection to her heritage and the ocean. Disney is the company which released the movie Moana and made Moana as the main character. The movie Moana was released in 2016 which was produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. The producers were Osnat Shurer and John Musker, while the directors were Ron Clements and John Musker as well.
Seven miles away from the city, far from all the deadlines. It offers a serene escape from the pressures of daily life and romanticizes my dream of becoming Moana. Bunaken Island gives me the opportunity to embrace it all—the beautiful waves, the sandy shores, the vibrant sea creatures. It truly feels like Moana’s home. The Gradation of the water entices me to run and dive in, just like Moana who desires to touch the sea. Although I’ve always been afraid of the vastness, Bunaken Island has completely changed my perspective. Previously, I saw the ocean, especially the vastness, as something that wanted to pull me in—the deep blue color seemed to want to catch and hide me, that’s why I was afraid of the ocean before.
I like Moana because of her self-confidence that when she believes, somehow she will. In the movie, despite all the rumours beyond the reef, she maintains her belief that there is a positive that will benefit her island and people. That’s exactly why I dream of becoming Moana on Bunaken Island—because Moana teaches me to face my fears and do it anyway, to romanticize the island without being afraid.
Vibing the Sailing with Manado Tua Mountain View
Starting the journey from Manado City to Bunaken Island with seven miles distance, I boarded a long boat—delightful facility for the open trip I had chosen. As the boat began to sail, something big and beautiful appeared in the vast. Manado Tua Mountain shows itself to me from the long boat, much like Te Fiti (The goddess who sleeps and becomes a mountain in the Moana movie) making the island even more beautiful.
Manado Tua Mountain is an inactive volcanic mountain, standing 655 meters above sea level. Tourists often hike this mountain, as the view from the top offers a stunning panorama of Bunaken and the surrounding islands. There are local people who live at the foot of Manado Tua Mountain, as well as public places like worship places, resorts, and more.
I truly enjoyed my moment in the long boat with that breathtaking view before arrived at Bunaken Tourist Harbor. Like Moana, who left her home behind with a boat to discover what lies beyond, I was eager to explore the wonders that awaited me beyond the horizon.
Left to right: The tringular building at the entrance of the harbor, the diving statue as photo spot, and one of the souvenir vendors/Aurelifa Haninta
Pulling Over the Boat to Bunaken Tourist Harbor
The boat started to slow down and stopped, signaling that I had arrived at the first destination: Bunaken Tourist Harbor. The gradation of the seawater welcomed me as I entered the harbor. The tour guide asked me to get off from the boat and begin exploring the resort. A triangular building stood at the entrance of the harbor, adorned with pictures showcasing the beauty of Bunaken Island.
As I passed the building, I came across a diving statue and a large “Bunaken” sign, which tourists often use as a photo spot. The harbor is lined with numerous souvenir vendors selling shirts, accessories, fridge magnets and all sorts of Bunaken-themed items. There are also restaurants and homestays, allowing tourists to stay for extended periods to fully enjoy the harbor. The harbor itself is very comfortable and well-suitable for tourists before continuing to the next destination.
Grab the Moment at Liang Beach
The tour guide asked me to board the boat and begin the journey from Bunaken Tourist Harbor to Liang Beach. Upon arriving at Liang Beach, I discovered a popular photo spot that tourists often use before heading to the restaurants behind it. The design of the spot featured a map of Bunaken Island beneath the large word “Bunaken”.
As I step down from the boat, a sea star lies in the sand as if welcoming me. It has a pink body and spiky horns on its back— a thorny star. I quickly pick it up from the sand and place it in the palm of my hand.
The beach makes my heart melt. The color of the water shifts from deep blue to crystal clear. The sound of the waves is relaxing as the wind gently blows. The soft, smooth sand entices me to quickly take off my sandals, letting the grains cling to my feet.
In addition to food, the restaurants offered souvenirs similar to those sold at the harbor. I thoroughly enjoyed my moments there, purchasing some souvenirs and taking photos at the Bunaken sign. Afterward, the tour guide asked me to quickly change into my snorkeling gear and board the boat to continue my journey to the next destination: Bunaken Seagarden.
Snorkeling the Glistening Wonders of Bunaken Seagarden
The boat ride from Liang Beach to Bunaken Seagarden took about 30 minutes. Upon arriving at the Seagarden spot, the tour guide provided me with a snorkeling mask and fins. I told the tour guide that I wasn’t the best swimmer, so he gave me a life jacket to help me float in the ocean. One of the guides accompanied me, snorkeling alongside and teaching me how to swim and breathe on the surface before we ventured deeper.
As I started snorkeling, I opened my eyes and was amazed by the clearest blue water I had ever seen. As I am living in an area with the powerful waves of the southern sea, I don’t have the opportunity to go diving and experience the water’s clarity. Snorkeling at Bunaken Island was my first time snorkeling in the ocean, and I couldn’t believe the vibrant coral beneath me. There were also countless small fish swimming near the surface, adding to the beauty of the experience.
The tour guide asked me to dive deeper and leave the ocean’s surface. I have thalassophobia and wasn’t sure if I could dive deeper, but with the guide’s help, I descended into the depths.
As I went deeper, the color of the ocean shifted to a deep blue, and I could feel the cold of water seeping into my bones. The deeper I went, the more beautiful sea creatures I discovered, including larger fish than those near the surface and long coral formations extending even farther down.
All my fear melted away, and I found myself wanting to stay in the depths of the ocean for as long as possible. I managed to hold my breath while diving deeper because the Seagarden truly felt mesmerizing. The tour guide signaled that it was time to return to the surface, as we had spent time diving. I swam back up and boarded the boat, bringing an end to an unforgettable experience
Living Out the Moana Dreams
I can honestly say that diving at Bunaken Seagarden felt like I was in Lalotai (the home of legendary demons and monsters of Moana Movie, but have a magical underworld of wondrous beauty). At first, I felt fear and doubt about diving deeper, but those feelings disappeared as soon as I witnessed the beauty of the Seagarden.
It reminded me of what Maui (Moana’s adventurous friend) said “Don’t worry, it’s a lot farther down than it looks”, that’s how Bunaken Seagarden is. As I passed beyond the reef, I encountered an underworld of beauty I had never seen before.
Bunaken Island gave me an insight that the world is much bigger than I expected. I felt as though the ocean had chosen me to show that the underworld is not as scary as I imagined, and there are so much marine life to discover.
In Moana’s life, the ocean chose her, and I can say that the ocean called me to experience its beauty. Just like Moana, who ventured beyond the ocean to find a brighter, shining and better life, I did the same! I found my own sense of wonder and discovery on Bunaken Island.
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