Destinations

West Papua’s capital is located at a splendid bay. Manokwari, ‘old village’ in local language Numforese, is better known as the ‘fruit city’. Its people (population 130.000) predominantly live of the trade in fish, wood and fruit.

The exquisite nature of Manokwari’s direct surroundings and the proximity of the Arfak Mountains, the Anggi Lakes and the Kebar Valley, make Manokwari the ideal destination for nature lovers and adventurers. Divers and snorkelers will appreciate the surrounding clear blue waters of the Pacific and the islands of Lemon, Raimuti and Mansinam. There are plenty of coral reef sites that stretch from the northern coast, along the Dore bay and the southern coast to Cendrawasih bay. We recommend checking out the website of Abasi Surfing Club if you would like to go snorkelling or (free)diving. Don’t forget to bring your own snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel and fins)!

Manokwari is also the gateway for trekkings to areas like the Arfak Mountains, Kebar Valley and the Tambrauw regency. From Manokwari’s main harbour, you can also take ferries or fastboats to Numfor and Biak. Manokwari has an airport that frequented daily by several Indonesian air carriers.

For up-to-date information about birding trips around Manokwari, we highly recommend checking out Charles Roring’s blog birdingbird.com.

The Raja Ampat (‘Four Kings’) archipelago is nothing less than paradise: covered in bright green rainforest and lined with white sandy beaches. The island group is often mentioned because of the discovery of several new fish species in its colorful tropical waters.

The “Raja Ampat Marine Park” nature reserve offers excellent opportunities to divers and snorkelers to admire the marine life; dolphins, turtles, manta rays, pilot whales and so much more. At Mansuar, a neighboring island to Gam, you can arrange scuba diving or snorkeling trips with a respected dive center.

By arranging your overnight stays through our Microtourism Raja Ampat or Stay Raja Ampat partners, you will support the local community based holiday concept that lets local Papuan people benefit from their own efforts.

Trips to the islands, including meals, transport, accommodation and local guide can be arranged and customized according to your wishes.

For avid explorers anxious to roam the jungle for a longer period of time, the Anggi lakes in the Arfak mountains are an excellent destination to travel to. Trekkings here from Manokwari take around four days (one way). Two-day trekkings can be arranged by driving to Ransiki from Manokwari and starting the walk to the Anggi lakes from there. The local mountain climate is cool, making warm clothes and a comfortable sleeping bag essential.

The Anggi lakes offer dense, ancient rainforests with a broad diversity in wildlife and plants, including many types of orchids, butterflies and birds, amongst which the Bower birds. Several trails cross the surrounding villages. Endurance, willingness to accept extremes and an adventurous spirit are key requirements for travelers in this rugged area. Never travel without a guide. If you are keen to stay up to speed with the local guides, we recommend you to hire a porter. Ask your guide for details.

Tambrauw regency is located at the north of the Bird’s Head province and can be reached from both Sorong and Manokwari, but chartering a 4WD from Sorong is the easiest and quickest way.

Although Fef is the capital town of the regency, most activities are concentrated at Sausapor, a small town on the northern coast.

The area is famous for its variety in birdspecies and while hiking along the Syugrar river, through Ases valley or along the Cuan river you will definitely spot a lot of birdspecies and probably also cuscus possums, birdwing butterflies, deers, wild pigs, cassowary birds and colorful beetles.

Our eco-tourism network partner Charles Roring can act as your guide while visiting this area. More photos and travel info can be found on his website www.naturelifewatch.com.

Klasow valley, located in the Sorong regency, is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. During your trip to the valley, you can spot Lesser Birds of Paradise, Twelve Wired Birds of Paradise, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, Blyth’s hornbills, Spotted Goshawks, Golden Myna’s and other tropical birds that have Klasow as their natural habitat.

From Sorong, it takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the valley by a 4WD car followed by 2 hours on foot to reach the guesthouse that is in the middle of the jungle in the village of Malagufuk.

Our eco-tourism network partner Charles Roring can act as your guide while visiting this area. More photos and travel info can be found on his website www.naturelifewatch.com.

Between Manokwari and the island of Biak lies the beautiful and unspoiled island of Numfor. Few tourists have visited this tropical and hospitable island. Surrounded by corals and tropical waters, the indigenous Papuan people live primarily off fishery and the cultivation of coconuts. The Numfor inlands show pristine jungle where you can discover birds of paradise, reptiles and tree kangaroos. This is also the habitat of the very rare Paradise Kingfisher!

It is also possible to travel through the extended mangrove forests and local guides are happy to take you on a daytrip to the uninhabited island of Manem. Trips to Numfor, including transport, meals, accommodation, guide and excursions can be arranged and customized according to your wishes by our eco-tourism network partners.

Wondama Bay Regency is a hidden paradise and a unique remote destination for anyone who is interested in seeing the wealth of biodiversity of rainforests and coral reefs of New Guinea. This region, located in the southern part of the Cenderawasih Marine Reserve, offers a breathtaking Ridge to Reef experience. The mountainous Wondama peninsula with Wondiwoi National Park is surrounded by unique coral reefs, beautiful islands and beaches.

See the video postcard from the people of Aisandami to get an impression of the customs and culture of the Wondama Bay people and their impressive landscape.

Find out more about ecotourism attractions in the Wondama Tourism Blog.

You can reach Wondama from Manokwari. Our eco-tourism network partners could meet you at a hotel or at the airport of Manokwari and organize your trip by passenger boat or by small passenger plane to Wondama.