2. Goa Jepang
Goa Jepang means Japanese Cave in Indonesia and is located to the north of the town of Kota Biak, one of the largest and more significant towns in Papua.
It is a spot of historical interest that would have been used in the Second World War as a place for Japanese soldiers to hide, and there is even a tunnel from here which tacks 3 km to Parai which is on the coast.
Some 3,000 Japanese servicemen are said to have died here where the US military bombed the cave, and now you can go down into the large carvern and take in the scene for yourself. You will also find Japanese and American weaponry on show as well as old photographs of the cave.
Aside from the history, the cave is quite attractive to tourists due to its strategic location. It resides near to a local beach either after or before exploring the cave later. The cave is surrounded by lush trees and it features a pathway with fences. Thus, the visitors can explore the outdoor part of the cave easily.
3. Cenderawasih Bay Marine National Park
Cenderawasih Bay Marine National Park is also referred to as Tamam Teluk Cenderawasih and is located in Cenderawasih Bay. It is about 5 hours away from the capital city of West Papua, Manokwari. In addition, it is actually a large marine park made up of 18 different islands like Mioswaar island, Nusrowi, Rumberpon, Roon , Yoop and others which stretch along an expense of pretty coastline.
The park sprawls for 14,000km2 making it one of the largest in Indonesia and many people come here for the trekking, hiking and scuba diving and if you like bird watching then this is a great place to do it.
One of the most popular islands to visit in the national park include, Pulau Auri, Pulai Rumberpon and Pulau Wairondi. This tourists destination lets the visitors to swim together with the sharks, turtles, dolphins and blue whales as it has covered 90% of the sea. Mangroves, tropical forests and coral reefs become a distinct interest of this tourism object.
It is for sure that they will be accompanied by the professionals and in secure distance as well. This national park also has the ancient relics natural cave under the water. That is located in Tanjung Mangguar.
4. Have a picnic on Base G Beach
Base G Beach in Jayapura is almost 3km in length and is covered in wonderful golden sand. One of the best features of the beach is the wooden picnic platforms that you will find here, making it a great spot if you want to bring some food and spend a lazy day enjoying the vistas.
You can swim here although caution is advised as the water is lined with rocks meaning that the beach lends itself to relaxation rather than bathing. Another big draw here is the fact that you will probably find yourself alone on the beach which is secluded and only packed with locals at the weekend.
You can swim here although caution is advised as the water is lined with rocks meaning that the beach lends itself to relaxation rather than bathing. Another big draw here is the fact that you will probably find yourself alone on the beach which is secluded and only packed with locals at the weekend.
5. Fak Fak
The strangely named Fak Fak is a Dutch settlement which sits at the base of some picturesque hills and you can also enjoy sweeping vistas across the neighbouring sea.
This is not a particularly big town but it is well worth a visit, and you can walk down the main artery called Jalan Izaak Telussa and take in many of the sights from here.
This is also a good place if you want to visit the neighbouring Banda Islands and Pulau Ambon which are part of the wider Maluku Islands. You can also take day trips from Fak Fak to neighbouring Pulau Tubir Seram which is a pretty island that is covered in Sandy beaches and hiking trails.
6. Manokwari
Manokwari lies around the bay of Teuk Doreri and is place of historical significance as it would have been in Papua which is predominantly Christian in a Muslim majority country.
Many visitors choose to come here for the sightseeing as you can explore a range of wildlife trails, many of which are part of the idyllic table mountain park (called Taman Gunung Meja ) . Other local points of interest include the Japanese cave. Close to Manokwari you will find sunny Pulau Lemon (Lemon Island) where you can snorklling and swimming.
Arfak range nature reserve in the South of Manokwari is a popular tourist destination for visitors who are interested in hiking, birding and wildlife watching. Tropical rainforest that covers most of the mountains is the natural habitat of various species of animals including cuscus possum, lesser birds of paradise, common paradise kingfisher, magnificent rifledbird as well as king bird of paradise.
Susnguakti forest located in the south of the city is a popular destination for nature lovers who like camping and seeing the bio-diversity of the montane forest. Charles Roring is a tourist guide who regularly organizes birds of paradise and wildlife watching tours to Susnaguakti forest of Manokwari.
to be continued….
