The Sulawesi Bear Cuscus Encounter at Bastianos Bangka

Today, nature gave us another surprise at Bastianos Bangka!

Near the path leading to our jetty, we spotted a Sulawesi bear cuscus (Ailurops ursinus) moving among the trees and thick branches in the forest. Watching this unique animal climbing and exploring its natural surroundings was a wonderful reminder of how much wildlife lives right here on our island.

Unlike the bears we might imagine from the name, the bear cuscus is not a bear at all. It is a marsupial, a group of mammals that includes kangaroos and koalas.

Encounters like this remind us that Bangka is not only a beautiful destination for diving, but also a home to fascinating wildlife on land. Beyond the stunning underwater world, our island's forests hold their own natural treasures, waiting to be discovered.

At Bastianos Bangka, we feel lucky to share this special environment with the wildlife that calls it home. Sometimes, the most memorable moments of the day happen before we even reach the boat!

Nature has its own way of surprising us — both above and below the water.