The island of Bunaken in North Sulawesi may get all the hype, but the nearby isle of Bangka has fewer crowds and plenty to offer. The spectacular coral gardens around the southern tip play host to marine life of all sorts. I’ll let the pictures of some of my favorite critters from my latest snorkeling adventure (including one night snorkel) speak for themselves.

Anemones

Nudibranchs

Sea Fans

Sea Cucumbers

Jellyfish

Giant Clams

Clownfish

Corals

Blue-Spotted Rays

Sea Urchins

Pufferfish

Sea Stars

… and one lonely sea star (Linckia multifora) arm:

Juvenile Sweetlips

Lionfish

Fish That Lie on Rocks (Lizardfish)

Banded Sea Snakes

Feather Stars

Frogfish

Batfish

Crocodilefish

Shrimpfish

Goatfish

Dory (Royal Blue Tang) Asleep in the Coral

Sponges — Plus Unidentified Items That Look Like Pine Cones

Sea Squirts

As Yet Unidentified — But Very Cool — Sea Objects!

If you can get to Bangka, the sea will not disappoint …

… and neither will the beach!