Friday, August 12, 2016

Trekking and Watching Wild Animals in the Jungle of Arfak Mountains

I have received several emails from tourists who want to go trekking in Arfak range of Manokwari. Watching wild animals in their own natural habitat is sometimes easy but more often difficult. I used to guide some tourists on a night walk in the jungle to see Cuscus Possum. Early in the mornings, Lesser Birds of Paradise are usually active. In the afternoon, birds such as Papuan hornbills, or Sulphur Crested Cockatoo can be seen flying in the sky.

Destinations:
There are 2 trekking destinations which you could choose:

Susnguakti Forest
One of the destinations that I really like is Warmarway. It is located in the south of Manokwari at the foot of Arfak mountains. I have guided a lot of tourists in the jungle to see cuscus, birds, butterflies, and tropical plants.
Local people who own the land/ miuntains always help me. If we want to stay for a few days, we need to bring food, tents, mattrasses, cooking and eating utensils and flash lights.

Dopi River
Another destination for rainforest tour is the lowland forest of Dopi river in the west of Manokwari. It is not in Arfak mountains. Here, visitors will be able to watch Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Western Crowned Pigeon, and various colorful butterflies. Deers, wild pigs, and wallaby also live there.
Hiking and birding in Susnguakti forest of Arfak range of Manokwari
Taking a break after watching birds

Food: because we will go trekking in the jungle, meals that are prepared will be the simple ones such as bread, cheese, peanut butter, biscuits, rice, stir fried vegetables, smoked fried fish and canned fish, noodle, omelette, fruits; tea and coffee.
Tents: In places such as Warmarway and Dopi river, camping gear, eating and cooking utensils will be provided by tour guide.

Duration
On the average, visitors stay for 3 to 4 days, sometimes more.

How to get there?
It is easy to come here.
Fly from your country to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia
After that fly to Manokwari by domestic airlines such as Garuda, Sriwijaya, and Express Air.
I will meet you at the airport and organize your trip to Arfak mountains or the lowland forest of Manokwari.
Prices: Mupi Gunung is the most expensive destination. It may cost you 600 Euros for 5 days trekking in the jungle. The most affordable location is Warmarway and Dopi River which is around 300 Euros for 4 days/ 3 nights. I highly suggest that you travel in a group of at least 2 to 4 people or even more to share the cost.
Booking, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com if you are interested in taking a rainforest tour in Manokwari.

Merchandise

Please, support this blog by buying art drawings and illustrations of wild animals and plants in the form of prints on various products as follows:

Watercolour Sketch of Bird

Watercolour Sketch of Bird
Fruit Dove from Tropical Rainforest

Vector Art Drawing in Inkscape

Vector Art Drawing in Inkscape
Swimming with Whaleshark

Vector art illustration in Inkscape

Vector art illustration in Inkscape
Baby leatherback turtle was reaching for the sea

Drawing of Paradise Bird

Drawing of Paradise Bird
Lesser Birds of Paradise art print on classic T-shirt

Digital Drawing in Autodesk Sketchbook

Digital Drawing in Autodesk Sketchbook
A Couple of Red Bird of Paradise