Bangka Strait
The Bangka Islands are on the northern tip of Sulawesi. They look
like chunks of the mainland broke off and fell into the sea. The
islands are rugged and sparsely populated. Japanese pearl farms
dot the water between some of the islands. A large bay with lots
of sea grasses is near Likupang on the mainland.
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Banka Island Pinnacles ,
Indonesia |
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Hard Coral & Sea
Snake |
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Tropical Sunset |
©Denise Nielsen
Tackett & Larry Tackett |
Bangka is the largest of the five islands surrounded by water
that's part of the through flow from the western Pacific Ocean
to the Indian Ocean. The water moves through the Sulawesi Sea to
the Makassar Strait, bringing with it enough nutrients to support
a large fish and marine mammal population.
Day trips between Bangka and Bunaken Manado Tua National Marine
Park or Lembeh Strait are easily arranged. Certain liveaboards
also ply this route and cover many areas from a safe and comfortable
base.
Highlight
In March/April and August/September whales migrate to and from
breeding/nursing and feeding grounds. The area around the Bangka
Islands is one of the migratory paths of these giant mammals. This
migration has only recently been studied but already the research
is turning up some fascinating information.
At least nine species of whales have been sighted in the surrounding
waters: sperm, dwarf sperm, pygmy sperm, melon-headed, pilot, Bryde's,
false killer, pygmy killer, and orcas.
The best-studied whales in the area are the sperm whales. Over
100 individuals have been photographed and identified. A resident
group of mature females and young males and females inhabit an
area near the Bangka Islands. Seasonal bulls, or mature males,
migrate to and from this mating and nursing ground occupied by
the females. The bulls grow to about 10m (33ft) in length and can
weigh up to 16 tons.
Sperm whales dive deep, 300-600m (1000-2000ft), and may go as
deep as 3000m (10000ft). The deep oceanic trenches and large exchanges
of water in the area seem to be ideal for them. One thing is certain:
if you're lucky enough to encounter a whale diving, you'll never
forget it.
Best Feature
The best feature of diving in the Bangka Islands is the pinnacle
diving and its close proximity to Bunaken and Lembeh. The pinnacles
attract lots of fishes and are covered with soft corals, sea fans,
and feather stars. Currents can be strong but you can get out of
it by staying on the lee side of the pinnacle. Away from the pinnacles
there are good coral gardens with nudibranches, leaf fishes, ribbon
eels and pygmy seahorses.
Dive Sites
Bangka Island Pinnacles
Some pinnacles here break the surface, while others are submerged.
Batfish, jacks, barracuda and tuna frequent these sites. Crevices
and overhangs harbor moray eels and macro life. When the current
is running the soft corals bloom. Lyre gorgonians inhabit the hard
sand bottoms.
Bangka Strait
This is a migratory route for whales, dolphins and manta rays
and there's a good chance of seeing them March/April or August/September.
You can dive in the Strait when the current isn't too strong.
Lihaga Island
There are good hard corals and anemones with lots of basslets
and clownfishes. Leaf fish and ribbon eels hang out among the corals.
Talisei Island
This island is known for its beautiful soft corals and gorgonians.
There are resident sea snakes, unusual nudibranches, Napoleon wrasse
and a large cavern to explore.
By Denise Nielsen Tackett & Larry Tackett
Boats visiting these areas | Ocean
Rover |
