Sangihe and Talaud, North Sulawesi : Dwelling of The Gods

On the Pacific Ocean, between the islands of Sulawesi and Mindanao, small islands are lining up. Among those small islands Sangihe and Talaud. Due to a land expansion in 2000, Sangihe and Talaud separated each became regency of the North Sulawesi Province.


Still, underneath the blue sea of Sangihe and Talaud astonishing habitats of corals and diverse range of fish remain. Not only that, divers can also experience the touch of a submarine volcano. In the water of Mahagetang Island, about eight meters down the surface, divers can race with the bubbles bursting out of the crater rocks.

The sea is home two volcanic peaks, evident by the warm, 37 - 38 degree celcius water. The Sangihe locals call the volcano Banua Wuhu.  They believe that Banua is the dwelling of the Gods, who will be wrathful if human damage the sea. Therefore, a traditional ceremony is held annually at the end of January, where local elder will dive into the sea, presenting it with gold which they place in a long underwater tunnel.

Since this islands are located at the crossing of the Indian Ocean and the volcanic lane, divers are advised to dive between april and november to avoid the west wind which blows between december and march. The best wind stir an underwater current causing swift water surface.

 The Sangihe islands can be reached by speedboat from Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, the ride will take approximately 10 hours