The city of Bitung is
located approximately 47 km from Manado. Bitung is a significant commercial
port in Eastern Indonesia. The port is well equipped with a pier capable of
accommodating modern cruise ships. The town itself has a quaint provincial
charm and is distinguished by its 12m replica of Eiffel Tower at one of the
roundabout intersections leading into town. A major asset for
Bitung is Lembeh Straits and Lembeh Island which act as a natural shield
protecting Bitung from wind and rough sea. A 12 km long Strait separating
Lembeh Island and the mainland, this pristine section of water in North
Sulawesi is home to many unique sea animals which include the pygmy seahorse,
mimic octopus, ghost pipefish, and other larger species. Lembeh has fast
developed a reputation as being the place for muck.
This sound disgusting, the
straits form a kind of bottleneck in the surrounding sea, which has led to an
abundance of plankton. However, it becomes a fantastic dive area for underwater
photographers and the diversity of smaller critters ensures many memorable
photo opportunities. This muck diving is not for beginners thanks to strong
currents.
