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Toyota Hilux a very reliable transport vehicle
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The pickup trucks that are shown on the above picture are Toyota Hilux. They
were crossing a river in Arfak mountains whose maximum height is 2900 meters
above sea surface. The eco-tourism program in Manokwari regency of West Papua greatly relies on
Toyota Hilux pick up trucks as the most efficient transport vehicle that bring tourists to
such places as Arfak mountains, District Senopi and Bintuni. 3.0 G and E Manual
4x4 Diesel Double Cabin series are the latest types that we can see in Manokwari
regency. As a tourist guide, I always need this pickup truck whenever I want to
accompany tourists to Kwau, Mokwam village or Akmuri village. Another car that has
similar capability to Toyota Hilux is Ford Ranger. However, more people buy
Hilux pickup trucks because their fuel efficiency is excellent. In addition to Hilux, an old type of Toyota's car that is still being used to transport goods
(particularly the agricultural produce) and peoples in the mountainous region is Hardtop. Unfortunately, the fuel
efficiency and the lack of spare parts cause the operational cost of hardtop
more expensive. Toyota Hilux can carry cargoes and passengers. This transport vehicle
is able to climb steep slopes and slippery terrains. That's why this vehicle is very suitable for the
mountainous terrains in New Guinea island.
The price of a Toyota Hilux is between 350 million and 400 million rupiahs. So, it is not surprising if the cost of renting a car like this to Arfak mountains is enormously high. Tourists spend at least 2 million rupiahs (go and return) for visiting the mountains. This cost is only for transportation. They still have to spend between around 1 to 2 million rupiahs paying the accommodation, porters, food and local guides if they want to go hiking and bird watching in the mountains. Arfak is home to vogelkop bower bird and magnificent birds of paradise as well as hundreds of species of birds that are endemic to New Guinea island. The ecotourism program that I am now developing in Arfak mountains of Manokwari regency is aimed that providing jobs to local people and at the same time preserving the rainforest environment.
Operating Toyota Hilux Trucks in
Steep Terrain
Toyota
Hilux G and E series pick up trucks are vehicles that can overcome steep
terrains in Arfak mountains due to their 4WD capability and powerful engines. As
a tourist guide, I often accompany tourists to Arfak mountains to go hiking and
watch birds. I usually hire Om Ching, an experienced car driver who is also a
mechanic. For him, operating Toyota Hilux trucks in steep terrains or slopes of
the mountain range of Arfak has been his daily job. He knows the right moment to
change gears. We hardly ever find any troubles with the car when going up and
down the terrains. When I asked Om Ching's opinion about the performance of his
car compared to the Toyota Hardtop and other 4WD cars that are manufactured by
other car makers, he said that Toyota Hilux G and E series are more powerful.
They are also more efficient in consuming fuel.
Computerized car instruments
From Om Ching's explanation, I know that most of the mechanical and electronic instruments of the Toyota Hilux G Series are controlled by computer. That's the reason why ordinary mechanics cannot repair the car if there are some problems inside the car. The whole system of the car has to be diagnosed by a laptop that has been installed with special software that has been developed for Toyota Hilux trucks. All of the parts that are broken cannot easily be repaired in ordinary garages. They have to be replaced by original parts manufactured by Toyota. by Charles Roring.
Manokwari Map | Where is Manokwari? | Souvenir Shops | Travel Attractions | Accommodation in Manokwari | Professional Guide
Travel Guide Manokwari
The following articles are my recommendation, stories and experience when guiding foreign tourists who come to Manokwari of West Papua to enjoy the beauty of its natural scenery and the hospitality of the indigenous people. This website is aimed at promoting eco-tourism in the region to create jobs among the indigenous people and awareness among us about the importance of protecting and preserving tropical rainforest that is now facing extinction due to rapid deforestation.
Happy Traveling
Charles Roring (click to e-mail me)
Tourist Guide
If you want to read more stories about travel in Manokwari of West Papua, you can see my other blogs at the following addresses:
Papuan Art and Culture Stories
My personal diary on Manokwari Eco-tourism activities
