Diving in Lembeh or Bunaken? (NORTHERN SULAWESI)

Well, since you've got two whole weeks, why not split your trip between both places. I've done this in the past, though now I just go straight to Lembeh and stay there, LOL.

Go first to the lodging of your choice at Bunaken for the reefs and walls (you'll find plenty of little stuff there, too), and then top it off with Lembeh. You'll leave happy.

There are some coral reefs at Lembeh. But the biggest shark I have seen was a bamboo shark.... a baby! I would talk to Bastianos if you can split and chose on site which you want to extend. They are quite flexible. Taht being said, Lembeh is not for everyone. But to say the truth, you know that north sulawesi is not really a place for big things? Bunaken has good coral reefs, a lot of reef live, but except reef sharks, every other shark is just a very lucky punch.

Safety: I didn't dive with Bastianos. But with the brother of a guide of Bastianos. the task of the guide is to show you fish you wouldn't have found without him/her. It is not his task to educate you in terms of diving. so, there is some oxygen on the boat, next Chamber is in Manado.

Lembeh: it is not really a beginners destination because you have to have a good buoyancy because the critters are very small and you have to dive very close to the ground. But it is an extremly bad idea to touch the ground... it is highly probable that you touch some poisonous fish (long suit needed!). That is why I would suggest to go to Bunaken for 5 days and then to Lembeh.

have fun

What's all the fuss about. In two weeks you can do both places.