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If your interest in snorkeling is not limited to spectacular underwater scenery brimming with coral, then Liang Beach is a spot to potentially include in your Bunaken itinerary. On the seagrass beds, mixed zones and slopes of this shore access location, you can easily spot Ocellaris clownfish, a variety of starfish, shrimp, lionfish and turtles.

Blue starfish at Liang Beach jetty
A Blue starfish fixed on one of the pillars of the jetty.

How to get to Liang Beach snorkeling spot?

Liang Beach is not a sandy beach per se, but rather a shore area on the south coast of Bunaken Island.

This spot can be reached from the main road, either via the path alongside the Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort and Spa (access 1 on the map) or via the path leading to the south jetty at the Rental Mercy store (access 2/jetty 3 on the map).

The location can also be reached from nearby hotels, including the Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort and Spa, the Happy Gecko Dive Resort and the Bastianos Bunaken Dive Resort.

Liang Beach snorkeling map, Bunaken Island
Liang Beach snorkeling map, Bunaken Island.

Water entrance for snorkeling Liang Beach

The recommended water entrance is from the beach, at the northernmost jetty (jetty 1 on the map). Underwater visibility is rarely excellent at Liang Beach.

Liang Beach snorkeling exploration tips

In terms of coral health, Liang Beach is nowhere near the level of other snorkeling sites on the island, particularly Bunaken Timur. But its mangroves, seagrass beds, pontoons, and reef slopes are home to equally exciting underwater life.

Highfin fangblenny on a mooring line at Liang Beach
The Highfin fangblenny is frequently encountered on the mooring lines.

A large part of the Liang Beach snorkeling area is made up of shallow flats (↕2-6 feet/0.5-2m). These are partly covered with seagrass (especially in the western part of the snorkeling area) and partly by areas with a mix of sand, small corals, and seagrass.

At the edge of the flat, reef slopes gradually descend to deeper areas (↕6-20 feet/2-6 meters), but their coral is in average condition.

Ocellaris anemonefih at Liang Beach
The Ocellaris anemonefish is easy to spot at Liang Beach, including at very shallow depths.

Mertens’ anemones, with their very short tentacles, can be seen in the sand or the seagrass beds. These are usually inhabited by communities of Ocellaris clownfish or Orange-skunk clownfish.

Lionfish gather in numbers around the jetties’ structures, while large starfish of several species (see list at the bottom of the page) lie on the bottom. If you have a keen eye, you may spot small Thor amboinensis shrimps in the anemones or corals.

The reef slope at Liang Beach
The reef slope at Liang Beach features decent coral.

The reef slopes are richer in colorful fish, attracting a dozen different butterflyfish, triggerfish and schools of damselfish. Small green turtles are not uncommon in this area.

Restaurants and accommodations nearby

Liang Beach features a choice of accommodations. The most important are the Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort and Spa, the Happy Gecko Dive Resort and the Bastianos Bunaken Dive Resort.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth20 feet/6 meters
  • Water entranceFrom a beach or jetties
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersLow
  • Access costsFree from the shore
  • Restaurants nearbyYes

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.