1. Biak Island
Biak Island and Numfor Island are a unity that forms Biak Regency. The island which is located in Cenderawasih Bay has many interesting places to visit. In North Biak, there is Amol Village which is famous for its beautiful scenery. In addition, there is also the Museum of Paradise which has many collections during World War II. Don’t forget to try typical foods in the Biak area. Marapen cassava is one of them.
Cassava is processed by wrapped in banana fronds and then baked on the coals is a treat that must be enjoyed. There is also Japan lyen, a taro which is boiled without seasoning and served with spicy seasoned sea fish. One of the attractions in Biak is the Bird Park and Orchid Garden which is located in the Bosnik area. There is a collection of birds and plants that are quite diverse and complete with information. Around the Biak area, there are many interesting tourist destinations such as Bosnik beach and Wafsarak waterfalls around Biak Island.
2. Wondiwoy Nature Reserve
If we just want to take a walk or trekking calmly while enjoying the scenery, not just relaxing on the beach, then this place is the type of place for our tour.
The Wondiwoy Mountains Nature Reserve is the right place for those of us who like to walk in nature and enjoy the fresh air. Not too far from the city located 5 kilometers from the town of Manokwari the Wondiwoy Nature Reserve has 147 species of flora and fauna.
From the nature reserve, we can also enjoy the stunning views of the Cenderawasih Bay and Wandamen Bay. Even though achieving it is quite difficult because we have to board a Cessna type aircraft to reach the center of this nature reserve, the scenery and diversity of flora and fauna contained in its comparable to the journey we take.
3. Arfak Mountains
Arfak Mountains is the highest point in West Papua with a height reaching 2,940 meters above sea level. From the top of the Arfak Mountains we can see views of the city of Manokwari and sometimes in winter, the mountain peaks can be covered with snow. Although we can be accompanied by a guide but it helps us not to forget taboos when climbing a mountain.
In these mountains there are also two twin lakes. According to local stories, the two lakes were formed from a love story of two people, who enshrined themselves into two lakes. In each lake there is also said to be a male and female dragon. Therefore, based on the story of the existence of the two dragons, local residents believe that the twin lakes also have male and female sexes. Locals call the male lake Anggi Ginji and the female Anggi Gita.
4. Manokwari
In Manokwari, there’s a Japanese monument which is a memorial to the landing of Japanese troops for first time in Manokwari. There is also a unique tradition of the surrounding population, namely the calling of fish using a whistle from the reef. This tradition is still carried out on Bakaro Beach which is located on the north coast of Manokwari.
One of the special dishes of Manokwari and Papua is papeda or often also referred to as sago porridge. Papeda made from sago flour is usually eaten instead of rice and served with fish and yellow gravy made with traditional cobs and herbs. For snacks, we can try the sago plate which is usually served as a friend to drink coffee and tea.
There are many natural attractions and various types of water tourism that can be seen around the Manokwari area. One of them is the Arfak Mountains which is a protected nature reserve, it is wrong if local people want to make this place as one of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
5. Baliem Valley
The Baliem Valley is home to the Dani, Yali and Lani tribes. Located around the Jayawijaya Mountain, which is among the most beautiful mountains in Indonesia. This Valley has a low temperature but commensurate with the scenery that can be seen along the way. The journey to the Baliem Valley is difficult however we can reach it by plane from Jayapura City and head straight to the city of Wamena, the main city in the Baliem Valley area.
The scenery around the Baliem Valley depicts rock age civilizations and most places can only be accessed by bicycle or on foot. The countryside around the Valley can be a major tourist spot because we can be trekking while peering into the lives of the Balinese people who still maintain the traditional image. One that cannot escape from the Wamena area is a 400 year-old mummy in the Akim area, about 20 kilometers from Wamena.
West Papua as a province located in the West of Island of Papua, West Papua has many interesting natural and cultural attractions. Beaches, lakes, mountains and natural reserves are sight that we can find in West Papua. West Papua is also a place that has many beaches that are also one of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia, which is a shame if not visited.
