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Mountain Bike Tour in Manokwari
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As a tourist guide I am now considering of providing a tour package for tourists who are interested in cycling around Manokwari city and to several interesting destinations outside the city. Mountain biking as a hobby among the city dwellers of Manokwari is getting popular these days. Every time I ride my Polygon Cozmic DX 2.0 in the afternoons, I often see some people ride their bikes too. Most of them use bicycles manufactured by polygon a famous bike maker in Indonesia whose base is in Sidoardjo - a satellite town of Surabaya city in East Java province. Polygon has a wide range of bikes for children up to adult cyclists.
For my mountain bike tour project, the areas that I want to promote to tourists can be divided into several interesting destinations:
Manokwari city
The best time to ride around this city is in the mornings when there are fewer cars and motorcycles. Reremi, Bumi Marina, Fanindi Dalam, Brawijaya, Sarinah, Kampung Ambon Atas are good to be explored with mountain bike.
Eastern Coast
This is my favorite cycling destination. I usually ride my bike from Misi area to Kampung Ambon, Kwawi, Pasir Putih, Arowi, Abasi, and then to Bakaro. The terrain is quite flat with some slopes between near the cemetery areas near Pasir Putih beach. If you go there on Sundays, you will see that the beach is crowded with people from the city. Pasir Putih beach is the most popular recreational area in Manokwari - the capital of West Papua province. On Sundays, the number of beach goers can reach more than 1,000 people. You can stop your bike there for eating rujak (fruit salad) or coconut juice before continuing your mountain bike tour to Abasi beach. Don't forget to give enough lubrication to the front and rear gears of your mountain bike to protect them from corrosive environment of the tropical beaches along the Eastern Coast of Manokwari city.
The Table Mountain
This is the closest mountain to Manokwari city. It is covered by tropical rainforest. I like traveling along the road of this forest both alone or with some foreign tourists. I sometimes ride my mountain bike through the rainforest in the afternoons. The sounds released by insects and birds really make me feel closer to this beautiful nature that provides fresh air for my body. The Table Mountain can be reached from Manokwari city within twenty minutes cycling. However because of the steep slope that cyclists have to overcome after passing the Sarinah area, please, make sure that the gears are in good condition before you begin cycling to the Table Mountain. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water. When you are inside the mountain, you can take a rest at Japanese War Memorial Monument by turning left on a road junction inside the Table Mountain. This mountain has been listed as tourist destination in Lonely Planet Travel Guide book. However, there are some city dwellers who irresponsibly throw their domestic wastes into this beautiful forest. The local government of Manokwari regency must take serious actions in stopping such practices that are harmful to the environment.
The Northern Coast
The northern coast of Manokwari regency is often called in bahasa Indonesia language as Pantura (pantai utara). Pantai means beach and utara - north. The best place for wave surfing during November to March. I believe that this route is good for mountain bikers who want to ride along the flat road that is still quite and far from heavy traffic in the city. The route is moderate with high quality asphalt pavement. Because it is not mountainous, bikers will often have to cross rivers. But don't worry, all of them have good bridges.
The South-Eastern Coast
The Prafi Valley
The Arfak mountains
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
