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    Lembeh Strait
    Natural Area

    Lembeh Strait

    The Lembeh Strait, between the port city of Bitung and Lembeh Island, is considered one of the world's best sites for macro diving. On dark volcanic sand live octopus species, frogfish, and nudibranchs that are rarely seen elsewhere.

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    9. Lembeh Strait
    The Lembeh Strait, between the port city of Bitung and Lembeh Island, is considered one of the world's best sites for macro diving. On dark volcanic sand live octopus species, frogfish, and nudibranchs that are rarely seen elsewhere.
    The Lembeh Strait separates Lembeh Island from the mainland near Bitung on North Sulawesi's east coast. Underwater, there are few classic coral reefs, but rather dark sand slopes of volcanic origin. Exactly there live unusual small creatures like frogfish, mimic octopuses, seahorses, and many nudibranchs. This form of diving is called Muck Diving and primarily attracts underwater photographers. The dive resorts are located on the coast near Bitung and on Lembeh Island.

    Sights in Lembeh Strait

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Batu Angus
    Attraction

    Batu Angus

    Protected area with a solidified black lava field on the coast north of Bitung.
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    Tugu Trikora
    Attraction

    Tugu Trikora

    A monument in Bitung with views across the Lembeh Strait to the opposite island.
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    Sights in Lembeh Strait

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Batu Angus
    Attraction

    1Batu Angus

    Protected area with a solidified black lava field on the coast north of Bitung.
    Open in Google Maps
    Tugu Trikora
    Attraction

    2Tugu Trikora

    A monument in Bitung with views across the Lembeh Strait to the opposite island.
    Open in Google Maps

    Restaurants in Lembeh Strait

    Food & Beverages

    The Tuna from Bitung

    Fresh tuna and bonito, grilled or with Rica-sauce.

    Resort Dining

    The majority of dive resorts offer full board.

    Culture

    Bitung is a port and industrial city, known for tuna fishing and fish processing. The population, like in all of Minahasa, is predominantly Christian. On Lembeh are small fishing villages.

    Getting There & Around

    Getting ThereFrom Manado, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Bitung, then a 15-minute boat ride to Lembeh. Most resorts offer guest pick-up.On SiteResorts transport guests to dive sites by boat.

    Day trips

    Tangkoko

    Nature reserve with tarsiers and crested macaques, approximately 30 minutes away.

    Batu Angus

    Frozen lava field at the foot of Volcano Dua Saudara.

    Accommodations in Lembeh Strait

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    Nearby

    North Sulawesi

    North Sulawesi

    North Sulawesi is primarily a diver's paradise: Bunaken's sheer walls and the macrofauna-rich Lembeh Strait are among Southeast Asia's best-known dive sites. Inland, volcanoes and the Tangkoko Rainforest lure with tarsiers and crested macaques.
    Manado
    Sakurai Midori / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0

    Manado

    Manado is the capital of North Sulawesi and a gateway to Bunaken, Lembeh, and the Minahasa Highlands. The predominantly Christian city is known for its spicy cuisine and views of Manado Tua volcano.
    Tomohon

    Tomohon

    Tomohon is located in the Minahasa Highlands between the Lokon and Mahawu volcanoes. This small town is cooler than Manado, famous for its floriculture and a base for crater hikes and Lake Linow.
    Bunaken
    Niek van Son / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

    Bunaken

    Bunaken is a small island off Manado and the core of the Bunaken Marine National Park. The coral walls drop steeply into the deep offshore; turtles and reef fish are already seen while snorkeling.
    Wayag-Inseln

    Wayag-Inseln

    The Wayag Islands in the northwest of Raja Ampat are a labyrinth of forested karst cones in turquoise lagoons. The view from the summit of one of the rocks is the iconic view of Raja Ampat.