let’s see if i can get those photos from our trip to indonesia online within a reasonable amount of time…
part one is about the first of just over 5 weeks (roughly 4 weeks on sulawesi and 1 week in lombok), in which we visited the island of bunaken and the cities of manado and tomohon.
as we found out, bunaken is one of the top diving spots in the world – and there’s a reason for it: we enjoyed some splendid reefscapes (both diving and snorkelling) and incredible drop-off walls up to 50+ meters deep. the corals were some of the most beautiful i’ve ever seen (which isn’t really to say that i’ve seen that many). apart from nudibranches, which always enthuse me, we saw a wide variety of wildlife, including green turtles (chelonia mydas, pictures) and the undescribable mandarinfish (synchiropus splendidus, pictures).
back on the main island (sulawesi), another must-see place was the market in tomohon. the local minahasan people are said to eat “everything with 4 legs, escept for the tables and chairs”, and what we found at the market was gross at the least (you may want to skip some photos at the end if you’re feeling sensitive).
regarding accommodation, we stayed both at the worst hotel that i’ve ever, EVER seen, and at one of the nicest ones of our entire trip:
manado:
- hotel new angkasa: seriously terrible. it was dirty, even the fresh water smelled really bad, and there was a big rat living in the space leading to all the rooms. the owner didn’t seemed very happy to be left alone. we only stayed there because we arrived late at night.
- rex hotel: – better, cleaner, and with friendly staff. however, the rooms facing the street, so don’t expect to sleep very sound.
- hotel angkasa indah: the best of the three. it’s a very good idea to bring plenty of insect repellent!
pulau bunaken:
- bunaken kuskus resort: they’re not the cheapest, but it’s a great value stay. staff were extremely friendly, the food was good and plenty. there were only 4 cottages, so it’s a quiet place. there are a maximum of 3 divers per guide.
warning: there are some very graphic images depicting dead animals near the end of the gallery!
a gallery with german descriptions is available here.
![ready, set, go!. 2011-08-19 11:50:15, DSC-F828. ready, set, go!. 2011-08-19 11:50:15, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110819-095015-128x96.jpg)
ready, set, go!
![on board a bajaj - typical jakartan mini-taxis. 2011-08-19 01:47:33, DSC-F828. on board a bajaj - typical jakartan mini-taxis. 2011-08-19 01:47:33, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110819-114733-128x96.jpg)
on board a bajaj – typical jakartan mini-taxis
![hotel new angkasa in manado (sulawesi). it definitely looks better in the pictures.. 2011-08-21 11:43:43, DSC-F828. hotel new angkasa in manado (sulawesi). it definitely looks better in the pictures.. 2011-08-21 11:43:43, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110821-094343-128x96.jpg)
hotel new angkasa in manado (sulawesi). it definitely looks better in the pictures.
![our friendly neighbour at new angkasa. 2011-08-21 02:26:27, DSC-F828. our friendly neighbour at new angkasa. 2011-08-21 02:26:27, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110821-094344-110821-002627-128x96.jpg)
our friendly neighbour at new angkasa
![feels like time-travel. 2011-08-21 12:52:20, DSC-F828. feels like time-travel. 2011-08-21 12:52:20, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110821-105220-96x128.jpg)
feels like time-travel
![panorama: manado harbour. 2011-08-21 01:11:08, DSC-F828. panorama: manado harbour. 2011-08-21 01:11:08, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110821-111108-pano-128x65.jpg)
panorama: manado harbour
![fruit market. 2011-08-21 01:32:32, DSC-F828. fruit market. 2011-08-21 01:32:32, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110821-113232-128x96.jpg)
fruit market
![change of hotels: rex in manado. was much better, but the pictures still don't do it justice. the rat was replaced by an enormous cockroach in the bathroom.. 2011-08-21 02:32:36, DSC-F828. change of hotels: rex in manado. was much better, but the pictures still don't do it justice. the rat was replaced by an enormous cockroach in the bathroom.. 2011-08-21 02:32:36, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110821-123236-128x96.jpg)
change of hotels: rex in manado. was much better, but the pictures still don’t do it justice. the rat was replaced by an enormous cockroach in the bathroom.
![the market: fish section. 2011-08-21 07:05:57, DSC-F828. the market: fish section. 2011-08-21 07:05:57, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110821-170557-1-96x128.jpg)
the market: fish section
![instead of cutting filets or sharpening his knife, he just used a piece of wood to slam the blade through its spine.. 2011-08-21 07:05:57, DSC-F828. instead of cutting filets or sharpening his knife, he just used a piece of wood to slam the blade through its spine.. 2011-08-21 07:05:57, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110821-170557-2-96x128.jpg)
instead of cutting filets or sharpening his knife, he just used a piece of wood to slam the blade through its spine.
![a bendi (horse/pony carriage) loaded with 4 people and 2 12 kilogram backpacks. we wanted to walk, but were picked up by a friendly hotel employee.. 2011-08-22 03:09:39, DSC-F828. a bendi (horse/pony carriage) loaded with 4 people and 2 12 kilogram backpacks. we wanted to walk, but were picked up by a friendly hotel employee.. 2011-08-22 03:09:39, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-130939-128x96.jpg)
a bendi (horse/pony carriage) loaded with 4 people and 2 12 kilogram backpacks. we wanted to walk, but were picked up by a friendly hotel employee.
![on our way to pulau bunaken, north of mainland sulawesi.. 2011-08-22 03:31:33, DSC-F828. on our way to pulau bunaken, north of mainland sulawesi.. 2011-08-22 03:31:33, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-133133-128x96.jpg)
on our way to pulau bunaken, north of mainland sulawesi.
![bunaken kuskus resort - the garden really is as lush as described in the travel guides.. 2011-08-23 09:44:00, PENTAX Optio W60. bunaken kuskus resort - the garden really is as lush as described in the travel guides.. 2011-08-23 09:44:00, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-143056-110823-074400-128x96.jpg)
bunaken kuskus resort – the garden really is as lush as described in the travel guides.
![*very* nice and clean cottages at bunaken kuskus resort.. 2011-08-22 04:30:57, DSC-F828. *very* nice and clean cottages at bunaken kuskus resort.. 2011-08-22 04:30:57, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-143057-128x96.jpg)
*very* nice and clean cottages at bunaken kuskus resort.
![the beach just off bunaken kuskus. the reef starts about 30 meters in.. 2011-08-23 09:53:20, PENTAX Optio W60. the beach just off bunaken kuskus. the reef starts about 30 meters in.. 2011-08-23 09:53:20, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-143059-110823-075320-128x96.jpg)
the beach just off bunaken kuskus. the reef starts about 30 meters in.
![crystal clear water. 2011-08-23 02:03:56, PENTAX Optio W60. crystal clear water. 2011-08-23 02:03:56, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-143059-110823-120356-128x96.jpg)
crystal clear water
![knobbly sea stars (protoreaster nodosus). despite their cuddly looks, they're apparently pretty tough.. 2011-08-22 05:23:34, PENTAX Optio W60. knobbly sea stars (protoreaster nodosus). despite their cuddly looks, they're apparently pretty tough.. 2011-08-22 05:23:34, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-152334-128x96.jpg)
knobbly sea stars (protoreaster nodosus). despite their cuddly looks, they’re apparently pretty tough.
![the reefscape just in front of bunaken kuskus resort.. 2011-08-22 05:31:44, PENTAX Optio W60. the reefscape just in front of bunaken kuskus resort.. 2011-08-22 05:31:44, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-153144-128x96.jpg)
the reefscape just in front of bunaken kuskus resort.
![thousands of fish swim near the drop-off.. 2011-08-22 05:41:05, PENTAX Optio W60. thousands of fish swim near the drop-off.. 2011-08-22 05:41:05, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-154105-128x96.jpg)
thousands of fish swim near the drop-off.
![trumpetfish (aulostoma chinensis) have a very extensible mouth and use suction to capture prey.. 2011-08-22 05:44:39, PENTAX Optio W60. trumpetfish (aulostoma chinensis) have a very extensible mouth and use suction to capture prey.. 2011-08-22 05:44:39, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-154439-128x96.jpg)
trumpetfish (aulostoma chinensis) have a very extensible mouth and use suction to capture prey.
![pink stony coral (acropora sp.?). 2011-08-22 05:50:54, PENTAX Optio W60. keywords: scleractinia, hexacorallia pink stony coral (acropora sp.?). 2011-08-22 05:50:54, PENTAX Optio W60. keywords: scleractinia, hexacorallia](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-155054-128x96.jpg)
pink stony coral (acropora sp.?)
![fanworm or feather duster worm (sabellastarte indica) - they're tube-dwelling worms that filter particles from the water.. 2011-08-22 05:56:28, PENTAX Optio W60. keywords: sabellida, polychaeta fanworm or feather duster worm (sabellastarte indica) - they're tube-dwelling worms that filter particles from the water.. 2011-08-22 05:56:28, PENTAX Optio W60. keywords: sabellida, polychaeta](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-155628-128x96.jpg)
fanworm or feather duster worm (sabellastarte indica) – they’re tube-dwelling worms that filter particles from the water.
![the small road towards bunaken village. 2011-08-22 06:44:51, DSC-F828. the small road towards bunaken village. 2011-08-22 06:44:51, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-155630-110822-164451-96x128.jpg)
the small road towards bunaken village
![even jesus likes bunaken!. 2011-08-22 06:55:16, DSC-F828. even jesus likes bunaken!. 2011-08-22 06:55:16, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-155630-110822-165516-128x96.jpg)
even jesus likes bunaken!
![beach panorama. 2011-08-22 07:11:45, DSC-F828. beach panorama. 2011-08-22 07:11:45, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-155630-110822-171145-pano-128x46.jpg)
beach panorama
![bunaken village. 2011-08-22 07:19:42, DSC-F828. bunaken village. 2011-08-22 07:19:42, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110822-155630-110822-171942-96x128.jpg)
bunaken village
![scuba diving!. 2011-08-23 11:14:47, PENTAX Optio W60. scuba diving!. 2011-08-23 11:14:47, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110823-091447-128x96.jpg)
scuba diving!
![we saw the mandarinfish (synchiropus splendidus) during a special we saw the mandarinfish (synchiropus splendidus) during a special](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110823-210321-128x96.jpg)
we saw the mandarinfish (synchiropus splendidus) during a special “mandarin dive” at nightfall. incredible!
![waters so clear that the coral was visible from the boat. 2011-08-24 11:00:51, PENTAX Optio W60. waters so clear that the coral was visible from the boat. 2011-08-24 11:00:51, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110824-090051-128x96.jpg)
waters so clear that the coral was visible from the boat
![christmas tree worms (spirobranchus giganteus). 2011-08-24 11:21:33, PENTAX Optio W60. christmas tree worms (spirobranchus giganteus). 2011-08-24 11:21:33, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110824-090052-110824-092133-96x128.jpg)
christmas tree worms (spirobranchus giganteus)
![clark's anemonefish (amphiprion clarkii) makes it clear that i'm getting too close to their anemone.. 2011-08-24 05:24:18, PENTAX Optio W60. clark's anemonefish (amphiprion clarkii) makes it clear that i'm getting too close to their anemone.. 2011-08-24 05:24:18, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110824-090052-110824-152418-95x128.jpg)
clark’s anemonefish (amphiprion clarkii) makes it clear that i’m getting too close to their anemone.
![spotted boxfish (ostracion meleagris). 2011-08-24 05:30:28, PENTAX Optio W60. spotted boxfish (ostracion meleagris). 2011-08-24 05:30:28, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110824-090052-110824-153028-128x96.jpg)
spotted boxfish (ostracion meleagris)
![fish closeup. 2011-08-24 11:11:18, PENTAX Optio W60. fish closeup. 2011-08-24 11:11:18, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110824-090053-110824-091118-128x96.jpg)
fish closeup
![deep blue. 2011-08-24 11:06:17, PENTAX Optio W60. deep blue. 2011-08-24 11:06:17, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110824-090617-128x96.jpg)
deep blue
![scuba divers. 2011-08-24 11:07:19, PENTAX Optio W60. scuba divers. 2011-08-24 11:07:19, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110824-090719-128x96.jpg)
scuba divers
![air bubbles!. 2011-08-24 11:07:32, PENTAX Optio W60. air bubbles!. 2011-08-24 11:07:32, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110824-090732-retouch-128x96.jpg)
air bubbles!
![bunaken reefscape. 2011-08-24 11:15:07, PENTAX Optio W60. bunaken reefscape. 2011-08-24 11:15:07, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110824-091507-128x96.jpg)
bunaken reefscape
![the wall: a 50+ meter drop-off. 2011-08-24 11:30:50, PENTAX Optio W60. the wall: a 50+ meter drop-off. 2011-08-24 11:30:50, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110824-093050-96x128.jpg)
the wall: a 50+ meter drop-off
![scuba divers. 2011-08-24 11:46:58, PENTAX Optio W60. scuba divers. 2011-08-24 11:46:58, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110824-094658-128x96.jpg)
scuba divers
![the wall: a 50+ meter drop-off. 2011-08-24 11:50:33, PENTAX Optio W60. the wall: a 50+ meter drop-off. 2011-08-24 11:50:33, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110824-095033-96x128.jpg)
the wall: a 50+ meter drop-off
![clark's anemonefish (amphiprion clarkii). 2011-08-24 05:27:20, PENTAX Optio W60. clark's anemonefish (amphiprion clarkii). 2011-08-24 05:27:20, PENTAX Optio W60.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110824-152720-128x96.jpg)
clark’s anemonefish (amphiprion clarkii)
![local women playing domino on the boat to manado. 2011-08-25 11:02:21, DSC-F828. local women playing domino on the boat to manado. 2011-08-25 11:02:21, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-090221-128x96.jpg)
local women playing domino on the boat to manado
![one of the usual dangers that pedestrians face in indonesia.. 2011-08-26 08:06:19, DSC-F828. one of the usual dangers that pedestrians face in indonesia.. 2011-08-26 08:06:19, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110826-060619-96x128.jpg)
one of the usual dangers that pedestrians face in indonesia.
![the door of the public bus wouldn't have kept shut without the blue string.. 2011-08-25 03:31:49, DSC-F828. the door of the public bus wouldn't have kept shut without the blue string.. 2011-08-25 03:31:49, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-133149-128x96.jpg)
the door of the public bus wouldn’t have kept shut without the blue string.
![tomohon market: vegetables. 2011-08-25 02:28:03, DSC-F828. tomohon market: vegetables. 2011-08-25 02:28:03, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-122803-128x96.jpg)
tomohon market: vegetables
![tomohon market: dried fish. 2011-08-25 02:28:20, DSC-F828. tomohon market: dried fish. 2011-08-25 02:28:20, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-122820-128x96.jpg)
tomohon market: dried fish
![tomohon market: dried fish. 2011-08-25 02:30:33, DSC-F828. tomohon market: dried fish. 2011-08-25 02:30:33, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-123033-128x96.jpg)
tomohon market: dried fish
![tomohon market: fresh fish.. 2011-08-25 02:32:31, DSC-F828. tomohon market: fresh fish.. 2011-08-25 02:32:31, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-123231-128x96.jpg)
tomohon market: fresh fish.
![tomohon market: vegetables (especially water spinach!). 2011-08-25 02:35:57, DSC-F828. tomohon market: vegetables (especially water spinach!). 2011-08-25 02:35:57, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-123557-128x96.jpg)
tomohon market: vegetables (especially water spinach!)
![chillis. 2011-08-25 02:50:26, DSC-F828. chillis. 2011-08-25 02:50:26, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-125026-96x128.jpg)
chillis
![](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-124512-128x96.jpg)
“i’ll have 7 onions, some chillis, and the baby, please.”
![please continue only, if you're prepared to see dead animals.. 1970-01-01 01:00:00, . please continue only, if you're prepared to see dead animals.. 1970-01-01 01:00:00, .](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-124155-graphic-128x96.jpg)
please continue only, if you’re prepared to see dead animals.
![forest rat. since it's only sold raw, we didn't get a chance to taste... (tomohon market). 2011-08-25 02:41:57, DSC-F828. forest rat. since it's only sold raw, we didn't get a chance to taste... (tomohon market). 2011-08-25 02:41:57, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-124157-128x96.jpg)
forest rat. since it’s only sold raw, we didn’t get a chance to taste… (tomohon market)
![forest rat. since it's only sold raw, we didn't get a chance to taste... (tomohon market). 2011-08-25 02:43:31, DSC-F828. forest rat. since it's only sold raw, we didn't get a chance to taste... (tomohon market). 2011-08-25 02:43:31, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-124331-128x96.jpg)
forest rat. since it’s only sold raw, we didn’t get a chance to taste… (tomohon market)
![fresh fruit bat wings... (tomohon market). 2011-08-25 02:25:48, DSC-F828. fresh fruit bat wings... (tomohon market). 2011-08-25 02:25:48, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-124337-110825-122548-128x96.jpg)
fresh fruit bat wings… (tomohon market)
![... and their previous owners. (fruit bats sold at tomohon market). 2011-08-25 02:26:04, DSC-F828. ... and their previous owners. (fruit bats sold at tomohon market). 2011-08-25 02:26:04, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-124337-110825-122604-128x96.jpg)
… and their previous owners. (fruit bats sold at tomohon market)
![this was probably the most disgusting and unsettling thing we saw in indonesia: dogs for sale at tomohon market. 2011-08-25 02:37:24, DSC-F828. this was probably the most disgusting and unsettling thing we saw in indonesia: dogs for sale at tomohon market. 2011-08-25 02:37:24, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-124337-110825-123724-128x96.jpg)
this was probably the most disgusting and unsettling thing we saw in indonesia: dogs for sale at tomohon market
![this was probably the most disgusting and unsettling thing we saw in indonesia: dogs for sale at tomohon market. 2011-08-25 02:37:43, DSC-F828. this was probably the most disgusting and unsettling thing we saw in indonesia: dogs for sale at tomohon market. 2011-08-25 02:37:43, DSC-F828.](http://www.thinkoholic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/110825-124337-110825-123743-128x96.jpg)
this was probably the most disgusting and unsettling thing we saw in indonesia: dogs for sale at tomohon market