Cendrawasih Bay National Park is in the area of Manokwari regency, West Papua, and Paniai Regency, Papua Province, Indonesia.
Cendrawasih Bay National Park is located in the provinces of Papua and is the largest
marine national park in Indonesia.
National Park which was inaugurated by the Minister of Forestry in 1993, has an area of 1,453,500 ha, consists of inland and coastal (0.9%), mainland islands (3.8%), coral reefs (5.5% ), and ocean waters (89.8%).
Cendrawasih Bay has 14 species of protected flora. Most consist of casuarina tree species. In addition, in this national park also has 36 species of birds, in which 18 of which are protected. There are also 196 species of molluscs, 209 species of fish, and some turtles (hawksbill, green, leatherback, and hawksbill apparent). This region is also a place that's convenient for whales and
dolphins. Both types of animals can live in peace here because there is no hunting whales or dolphins, and is still an abundance of food provided Cendrawasih Bay for them.
What can do :
Tourists can enjoy a variety of interesting objects scattered around
Cendrawasih Bay National Park. If you want to do
marine tourism, Island Nusrowi, Yoop Island, and Island Mioswaar can become an attractive option. In the waters of these islands. Tourists also can enjoy the underwater beauty of the colorful and rich in objects that seduce the eye with a dive. In addition, Tourist also can observe the behavior of whales and
dolphins.
If tourists want to explore the cave, just visit Mioswaar Island. Here there are natural caves and ancient relics are also hot springs that contain sulfur without salinity. This cave is a historic cave because in it there is a framework Wandau ethnic ancestry. Perhaps, they first group of people who come to this island. Numfor Island, also there is a cave that contains a human skull and antique plates and coffin-like engraved. If tourists want a little different, try to come to Cape Mangguar. Here, there are caves in the water with a depth of 100 feet.
In addition, there are still Rumberpon Island which offers a variety of interesting experiences. On this island, tourists can make
observations of birds, deer breeding,
marine tourism, and also can see the framework of a sunken
Japanese fighter planes during World War II.
Transportation :
Cendrawasih Bay National Park can be reached via Manokwari or from Nabire (Capital District Paniai). From Manokwari to the location of the
National Park which is about 95 km can be reached in several ways. First, tourists can use a motor boat which came three times a week with 2.5 hours long journey. Second, Tourists also can use with outboard motors time about 6-10 hours, or using a vessel with a long pioneer Pelni travel between 18-20 hours. Pelni ships usually stop by to this park once a month. Third, tourists can also ride the Twin Otter aircraft owned by Merpati Nusantara Cesna owned or MAF. However, after
air travel, travel must proceed further with outboard motors suit 3-4 hours.
In the meantime, if through Nabire, visitors will
travel a distance of 38 km to reach the Cendrawasih Bay National Park. From here, tourists can use a motor boat and takes about 2-6 hours (depending on the type of boat motors).
