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Raja Ampat Islands
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Raja Ampat is a regency that is
located in the north west of Bird's head peninsula of New Guinea island. Raja
Ampat islands are now a favorite destination for tourists who love snorkeling, scuba diving
and birdwatching. Some diving resorts and liveaborads operated
by foreign companies have opened their businesses in Raja Ampat islands. They offer
luxurious accommodation and sleek liveaboard diving tours throughout Raja Ampat
islands.
The coral reef in this region is still in pristine condition. Based on a number of
surveys conducted by marine biologists, there are more than 1,000 species of
fish in the coral reef especially near Kri island, Misool and Waigeo. In other words, the
biodiversity in the area is very high and is considered as a very important
natural world heritage that
we have to preserve together. The beauty of the underwater marine environment in
Raja Ampat is not only presented by scuba divers in various printed and
electronic forms such as photographs and videos but also by Papuan artists in a church
in the form of paintings as shown above. Under the leadership of
a senior artist of Manokwari - the late Mr. Tony (Tonci) Mansiraken Krey, some Papuan
artists decorated the wall of a GKI church with beautiful paintings of the Raja
Ampat coral reef.
Coral Reef as the Main Attraction for Foreign Tourists
Since the publication of the beauty of underwater world of Raja Ampat islands by
scuba divers and marine biologists in various mass media, a lot of businessmen
in the tourism industry have seen this region as their target for expanding
their businesses. Diving resorts have been opened in various islands of the
regency to serve recreational divers who are increasingly visiting the Raja
Ampat islands. The local government of course support the development of making
Raja Ampat as a tourist destination particularly for marine sports.
The sudden increase in the number of tourists to Raja Ampat encourages the
economic and trade activities of the region which was formerly part of Sorong
regency. Besides the good things which I have mentioned above, there are some
matters which have become my main concern. The cost of living, in the islands
which have become destination for foreign tourists, is increasing. There are
tourists who complain that the diving package offered by several diving centers
in Raja Ampat as expensive. Budget travelers cannot afford for such expensive
rates. In my opinion, marine tourism does not always have to be expensive. We
can still preserve the coral reef by providing diving or snorkeling services
with more affordable prices. The most important thing is that the indigenous
people who live in the islands in Raja Ampat can enjoy the direct benefits of
the ecotourism industry which are now being aggressively promoted by diving
resorts in the region.
Manokwari as an alternative location for snorkeling with much cheaper cost
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If you find that diving or snorkeling in Raja Ampat is very expensive, you can try the nearby destination which is Manokwari.
To visit Manokwari, take an international flight from your country to one of the major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Denpasar, Manado. Then, take a domestic flight served by Batavia Air, Express Air or Sriwijaya Air to Manokwari city - the capital of West Papua province. When you have arrived, don't forget to contact me via email peace4wp@gmail.com or cell phone +6281332245180. I will be happy to arrange your snorkeling in the coral reef around Manokwari, and hiking trip in Arfak mountains.
Where is Manokwari?
Look at the following map:
For foreign tourists who want to see the beauty of the underwater world of Papua with cheaper price, the tropical islands near Manokwari is the destinations that I recommend. Tourists need to fly to Manokwari city (the capital of the Province of West Papua in the Republic of Indonesia). Here tourits can enjoy the beauty of the coral reef in the islands of Mansinam, Lemon and Raimuti as well as Kaki. The cost which tourists need to spend to reach these islands is less then 10 US dollars if they go by public transportation, called "taksi air" (water taxi). Tourists will deal directly with the indigenous Papuan who provide boats for them. Another island that is located not too far from Manokwari is Numfor. In Numfor island, besides tourists can go snorkeling around its beautiful waters, they can watch various birds that are endemic species of Papua. Numfor island can be reached by ferry boat. The duration from Manokwari is around 5 hours. Snorkeling trip to Numfor island can be arranged from Manokwari. Bring your own snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit) if you want to see the beautiful coral reef around the Dorey bay and the Northern coast of Manokwari . If you are interested in visiting Manokwari, please contact me - Charles Roring - via email: peace4wp@gmail.com. I'll be happy to arrange your trip and be your guide when you travel around the region.
Also read: Raja Ampat Art and Cultural Festival
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
