Top 5 Marine Animals to Spot on Your Scuba Diving Trip to Bangka

Are you planning a scuba diving trip to North Sulawesi? If so, Bangka Island is an absolute must-visit destination. This sun-kissed coral island, known for its vibrant reefs and incredible marine biodiversity, is a dream for nature lovers and underwater photographers alike.

But what marine animals should you be looking out for when you get here? In this blog, we’ll highlight five of the many beautiful and fascinating creatures that share our home. Ready for some incredible animal encounters? Let’s dive in.

For many divers and snorkelers visiting our PADI dive resort in Bangka, frogfish are top of the list of species they want to see. Members of the anglerfish family, these mesmerizing creatures come in all shapes and colors, from bright yellow to sponge-mimicking brown.

If you’re in search of frogfish on your scuba diving trip to Murex Bangka, our experienced dive guides will be able to help you search, identify, and photograph them. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one on our house reef! 

Did you know? Some frogfish have the ability to change their color by forming symbiotic relationships with algae and hydrozoa. This enables them to alter their appearance in much the same way that corals do.

Want to know more about frogfish? Check out this blog, which takes a closer look at their taxonomy, habitats, and behavior, while also sharing a few top tips for how to find them. If you’re a frogfish fanatic, we can also recommend our Ultimate Guide to the Frogfish of North Sulawesi.

The Pontohi pygmy seahorse is one of the smallest seahorses in the world, measuring just 1.5 to 2 cm long. This makes them tricky to spot, even for experienced divers.

Fun Fact: The Pontohi pygmy seahorse is named in honor of Hentje Pontoh, the Indonesian dive guide who first discovered it just around the corner from Bangka in Bunaken, North Sulawesi! 

They live in shallow reef areas, clinging to algae and hydroids. Their diminutive size and excellent camouflage make them ideal subjects for macro photography. This rare creature is one of the many reasons why snorkeling and diving in Bangka is so special.

Our top tip: Bring a macro lens that is at least 90mm (and lots of patience!) Our experienced dive guides at Murex Bangka can help you search for Pontohi pygmy seahorses during your next scuba diving trip with us.

The flamboyant cuttlefish truly lives up to its name. When threatened, it flashes neon colors like pink, red, and yellow. Their dazzling color-changing abilities make them a favorite subject for underwater videographers during Indonesia diving holidays.

Instead of swimming, flamboyant cuttlefish often ‘walk’ along the ocean floor using a combination of their arms and mantle. It is not uncommon to find them on the sandy bottom of some of the dive sites around Bangka island, particularly the muck diving sites.  

Did you know? Flambo color displays are intended to warn off predators. And it’s a good idea to heed the warning – a recent study by the Victoria Museum in Queensland found their toxins to be just as lethal as those of the blue-ringed octopus.

Closely related to seahorses, ghost pipefish are elegant and delicate creatures. They float motionlessly or drift head-down near coral and crinoids. There are several types, including the ornate, robust, and halimeda ghost pipefish.

These creatures rely on their amazing camouflage to avoid predators. They’re often spotted near reef drop-offs or coral rubble areas. Seeing ghost pipefish is always a highlight on a scuba diving Indonesia itinerary, especially for photographers and critter hunters.

Find out more: Want to see ghost pipefish in action? Check out this YouTube explainer video from our friends over at Lembeh Resort.

Melibe colemani is a rare nudibranch known for its ghost-like, leaf-shaped body. Its feeding behavior is unique, as it uses a transparent hood to scoop up tiny crustaceans. This species is so rare that it was only formally described in 2008.

Looking for rare nudibranchs in Bangka? You’re most likely to find them in the current-fed muck sites or among the seagrass beds that fringe our island. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, you’ll notice their movement is slow and graceful, almost like a jellyfish floating just above the reef.

Good to know: Bangka is one of the few places in the world where divers have spotted this elusive nudibranch in the wild.

Plan Your Scuba Diving Trip to Bangka

Whether you’re an underwater photographer, a macro diving enthusiast, or just love searching for rare and beautiful marine life, Murex Bangka offers something for everyone. Combined with excellent accommodation and facilities, knowledgeable guides, and possibly the best boats in North Sulawesi, this is what makes us one of the top scuba diving resorts in North Sulawesi.

At Murex Resorts, we offer guided dives and snorkeling trips led by expert spotters, comfortable accommodation, and customized packages for diving Bangka, diving Bunaken Marine Park, and even the Lembeh Strait. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, our PADI dive resort certification ensures you get world-class dive experiences.

Want more inspiration for your next snorkeling or scuba diving trip? Check out our latest blogs or browse our packages to start planning your scuba diving holiday in Indonesia today.