Manokwari - the Capital of West Papua Province
Manokwari is a city that is located in Dorey bay. It is the administration center of West Papua province. The city has been famous among recreational divers as the gate to Cendrawasih bay and among birdwatchers as the gate to Arfak Mountains and Tambrauw Mountains.
Nostalgic City Tour
I have just completed a tour for two Ducth tourists in Manokwari. My guests this time were Mr Janssen and his wife. We had a day tour inside the city where we visited several buildings that were used by Dutch government until 1962. The territory of West Papua was a Dutch colony. Its name was Nederlands Nieuw Guinea. Every year. Manokwari is visited by Dutch tourists who come to see their old houses or friends or enjoy snorkeling and wildlife watching.
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| Manokwari city |
Now West Papua is under the administration of the Republic of Indonesia. During the city tour we visited hotel Arfak, Governor office and woodmill and passed by shipyard of Manokwari. We also went to Sarinah (Brunnenweg) and Kampung Ambon Atas and SD Padma 1 (formerly called St. Vincentius), and Church Elim in Kwawi area of Manokwari.
Snorkeling Tour
On the second day, I guided them to Mansinam island where we enjoyed snorkeling for a few hours. During the snorkeling tour, we saw parrotfish, moorish idol, anemonefish, surgeonfish, and a lot more. In the middle of the day, we continued our trip to see Cross Monument and Museum which explains the history of the early development of Christianity in Mansinam island, Manokwari and the whole region of West Papua.
We also had a walk through the village and drank fresh coconut juice. Mr. and Mrs. Janssen were really happy with the tour.
If you are interested in visiting Manokwari to explore its city, its forest and coral reef.
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| Pinon Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pinon) |
Birding Tour
The tropical rainforests in Arfak mountains and along the northern coast of Manokwari is the natural habitat of various species of birds. A lot of birdwatchers have visited Manokwari to see the colorful birds that make our forest as therir natural habitat.
From my personal birding experience in lowland forest along Dopi river, I saw such birds as Gray Goshawk, Brahminy Kite, Blyth's hornbill, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Dollarbird, Western Crowned Pigeon, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Vulturine Parrot, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Pygmy Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, Beautiful Fruit Dove and a lot more.
Rainforest Tour
In addition to birds, the lowland tropical rainforest of Manokwari is the habitat of cuscus possum, soa-soa lizard, wallaby, deer, and wild pigs. To fully experience jungle tour and wildlife watching, I usually stay with tourists for several days in the jungle. Because there are no hotels, we use dome tents and built our camps near a river. Visitors who want to go to Manokwari need to know this so that they will be more prepared for the jungle tour.
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| Anemonefish in the waters of Manokwari city |
Typical Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Manokwari
City Tour or Jungle Walk
Day 2
Snorkeling inside Dore bay Mansinam
A visit to Mansinam village and museum
Day 3
Snorkeling in Raimuti
Snorkeling in Anggresi
Day 4
Jungle walk in lowland forest of Dopi river or
Jungle walk in Warmarway forest of Arfak mountains
Day 5
Transfer to airport
Prices: 5 million rupiahs/ person (at least 2 participants)
For customized itinerary, the cost of the tour will depend on how many days you want to spend in Manokwari and the number of participants.
How to get there?
- Fly from your country to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia)
- Fly from Jakarta to Manokwari by domestic airline such as Garuda, Xpress Air, or Sriwijaya Air
- I will be happy to meet you in this city and organize your tour.
Please, book now
If you plan to visit Manokwari, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com
