Manokwari Tour

Orchids in Manokwari

2013-05-15T21:02:00.002-07:00

I guided 3 Australian and 1 Dutch tourists in Manokwari on a full day city tour yesterday. We explored Reremi area that was once a housing complex of Dutch people until 1962. We continued our trip to Manggoapi to see the magnificent scenery of this coastal city. I managed to take a picture of Manokwari from Manggoapi using Canon Powershot G1X.

Then we continued the tour to Amban where the State University of Papua is located. We didn't spend much time in the complex of the university. We continued our trip to Litbang area at the back of Table Mountain. There we met a Dutch man whose house is surrounded by orchids. His name is James. His wife was the one who grows the orchids. There are several species of orchids in the front and side yards of the house. Some has yellow and brown colors whereas others have pink, white and purple colors. The family also has got an oil painting of orchid flowers in the living room of the house created by an Indonesian artist. The house was built near the tropical jungle that covers the Table Mountain. It has got a very relaxing atmosphere. While the tourists were busy talking with the house owner, I spent my time taking pictures of the orchids, hibiscus flowers and golden trumpet that grow around the house. After spending around 1 hour conversation with James, we continued our trip to Pasir Putih beach. by Charles Roring

White Flowers in Arfak Mountains

2013-04-13T03:05:00.001-07:00

When I accompany tourists during their trekking tours in Arfak mountains, I often see various flowers that grow in the jungle. They are so colorful but there are some that are only or mostly white. The one that I saw in the elevation of approximately 2,010 meters above sea level was called Rhododendron Konori. The following photograph is the flower that I mean.

I also saw another species of flower plant that was growing on the trunk of a tree at an elevation of around 1,400 meters. I found some white flowers on the ground below the tree where the orchid grows. They were fragrant but I am not sure whether they fell from the same orchid plant.

I took the picture of this orchid while I was trekking with four Thai tourists. We watched bowerbird, and saw some birdwing butterflies. If you know its English and Latin name, please, inform me by email to peace4wp@gmail.com

Nuni Beach

2013-04-13T02:27:00.001-07:00

I posted a photograph of Nuni beach in my Manokwari Ecotourism Facebook page this afternoon. My friends who saw the picture asked where it was. Nuni is located in the north coast of Manokwari city. It is a nice place for travelers who want to enjoy wave surfing during December to March. Across from the beach is a small tropical islet called Pulau Kaki. I visited the islet several times. It is a great place to enjoy snorkeling over the coral reef that thrive in the south of the islet. Visitors can rent a motorized boat from the nearby village to go to Pulau Kaki. The price is around 400 thousand rupiahs or approximately 51 US dollars. Visitors who goes to the island and enjoy snorkeling have to observe the water current that flows between the island and an a sand dune in its southeast waters particularly during the transition from low to high tide or its reverse. If it is too strong, the boat has to escort the snorkeler.

Most of the villagers work as farmers. They grow cacao trees to harvest their beans, they also have bananas, other fruit trees and vegetables. Some of the villagers work as fishermen. by Charles Roring

Paradise Birds in Arfak Mountains

2013-03-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

Located in the eastern part of the bird's head region of New Guinea, Arfak mountains can be considered as one of the best birding and trekking destinations in Indonesia. Several tour operators offer birding trip to the range which is only a 2-hour car trip from Manokwari city. Warmarway village that is located on the east coast of Arfak is a recommended place for watching Lesser Birds of Paradise (Paradisaea minor). The tree where the birds like to gather stands on a steep slope around 400 meters above sea level. Birdwatchers have to cross a small river, walk up steep trails to reach the tree. A pair of binoculars, or a camera with telephoto lens is needed see or photograph the birds.

Other lowland birds that can be seen flying over the canopy of the rainforest are Blyth's hornbill, Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus); Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua Galerita) and various kingfishers.

The male Magnificent Birds of Paradise (Cicinnurus magnificus) that expands his feather and swings his blue antennas to impress female birds can be seen in the mornings in upper montane forest of Arfak range. People in Arfak mountains call it as knang bird. Villagers of Kwau and Syioubri have built blinds for visitors who want to watch the courtship show of the birds. Before the morning or afternoon shows, male Magnificent BOP has to clear the ground from fallen leaves or twigs.
There are several blinds in Kwau that have been built for visitors who want to watch the Magnificent BOP. To increase the chance of sighting the birds, villagers put a red fruit (Pandanus conoideus) on a branch of a tree above the dancing ground of the birds. Birds of paradise like the fruit very much. It is not only the birds that eat the fruit but also humans. Some researchers even say that red oil that is extracted from the fruit can be used to treat various kinds of diseases including cancer, HIV. Villagers in Papua have consumed red fruit oils for years. They add the oil to the vegetables that they cook and eat them with pork, or chicken and sweet potatoes. In recent years, the demand for the fruits is rising due to its medicinal merit.

As a tour guide, I have accompanied a lot of tourists on many birding trips to Arfak mountains and the North Coast of Manokwari. One day, I guided 2 Finish tourists. When they were sitting in a blind waiting for the male Magnificent BOP to come, suddenly they saw a female Lesser Birds of Paradise. It is a surprise for all of us to see her perching near red fruit. It was the usual dancing ground of the Magnificent BOP but then a Lesser birds of paradise showed up. The red fruit that the villager had put could attract the bird. The photographer, Marko Laakonen, used a D-SLR camera that is powered with a telephoto lens to shoot the bird.
Besides Warmarway village, another destination which birdwatchers can choose to watch birds of paradise is the Senopi village. It is quite far from Manokwari city. Located between Sorong and Manokwari, Senopi can be reached by car or airplane. I arranged several trips for European tourists last year and I can do the same for anybody who wants to go there this year too.

Another important species of birds of paradise that can be seen in Arfak mountains is the Western Parotia. To attract females, a male Western Parotia has to perform a courtship dance. It looks like a classical ballet. He will shape his feather like a petticoat before dancing and shaking his head that is decorated with 6 antennas. His throat has got a glowing shield that reflects black, yellow and turquoise. His nose to forehead area is white. It looks contrast to his black feather. Its eyes are clear black with strong ring of blue around them. In Latin, it is called Parotia sefilata.

Other birds from Arfak Mountains
In addition to birds of paradise, birdwatchers can also see other species of birds such as Black Fantail, Hooded Pitohui, Feline Owlet-nightjar when they go trekking in the jungle.

Feline Owlet-nightjar in Kwau forest of Arfak range

Black Fantail in Kwau forest of Arfak range

There are still more species that we can see in Arfak mountains. To see them, we need to explore the jungle. Wear a good pair of sport or trekking shoes while walking in Arfak. Apply mosquito repellent lotion.

How to get to Arfak mountains?
You need to fly from your country to Jakarta - the capital of Indonesia. Then you can fly to Manokwari. There are several airlines that fly between Jakarta and Manokwari. They are the Lion Air, Express Air and Sriwijaya Air. When you arrive in Manokwari, I can meet you at the airport to arrange your trip to Arfak. For itineraries and prices, please contact me: Charles Roring/ E-mail: peace4wp@gmail.com; Cell Phone: (+6281332245180).

Trekking in Arfak

2013-03-14T04:32:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of nature lovers go to Arfak mountains every year. They go trekking in the jungle to watch birds of paradise or see various species of plants including Rhododendron flowers, bamboo, palms and a lot big trees. There are several villages that tourists can visit. For birdwatchers, the villages of Kwau and Syioubri should be their destination. Lesser birds of paradise can be seen in Warmarway which is only 1 hour by car to the southeast region of Manokwari city. For those who prefer sight-seeing, the road from Mokwam to Anggi will give them the most magnificent natural scenery of the mountains. Although I have written a lot of articles about Arfak, I still receive emails from tourists who request detailed information about how to get there and how much. Villages in Mokwam, Minyambouw and Anggi can only be reached by 4WD pick up truck.

Warmarway village is a coastal village that is located on the east of the mountain range. Visitors can go there by mountain bike, motorcycle or car. Public transportation that goes to the area is available at Wosi market. Because lesser birds of paradise in the jungle of Warmarway usually dance in the mornings and in the afternoons, visitors should stay there for at least one night to watch the birds twice. Sleeping bag and mosquito net is needed. Before leaving for Warmarway, don't forget to buy food at local market.
Papuan people are friendly. They will welcome you with smile and will do their best to serve you during your trip in Arfak mountains.
After spending one or two nights in Arfak mountains, visitors will go back to the city. If they still want to see the natural beauty of Manokwari, they can enjoy snorkeling at various places in the Dore bay. My recommendation will be the Angresi beach. Striped surgeon fish, damselfish and butterfly fish can be found among the table and leghorn corals. Several species of clown fish can be seen in Manokwari too. by Charles Roring/ E-mail: peace4wp@gmail.com

Wave Surfing at Abasi Beach of Manokwari

2013-02-26T12:58:00.001-08:00

The waves along the north coast of Manokwari are big now. So, it is a perfect time to go surfing. Surfers from several foreign countries have visited Manokwari since December when strong winds from the North East begin to hit Manokwari coasts especially in the mornings and in the afternoons. This month, we can see some local and foreign surfers at Abasi and Bakaro beach. For foreign surfers, it is an opportunity to explore new surfing sites in the Pacific. Some of them are several experienced surfers from an international team that has traveled around the world. On the other hand, local youths who go to the sea with the international surfers see it as a chance to learn new techniques from their more experienced counterparts.

Papuan surfers in Manokwari have formed a small club called Abasi Klub Surfing. This local initiative is a trying to promote Manokwari as an alternative destination for foreign surfers who want to explore new surfing sites in Indonesia. As the largest tropical island in the world, Papua has got hundreds of kilometers of coastline that has got surfing and marine sports potentials. Members of Abasi Klub Surfing regularly practice surfing at Abasi beach and the Pantura (meaning North Coast). Most of their activities in the form of photographs and videos have been uploaded to the club's blog at abasiklubsurfing.blogspot.com. This blog attracts the attention of foreign travelers and surfing enthusiasts to visit Manokwari as their next destination. In addition to surfing, other outdoor activities that visitors like to do in Manokwari are trekking, birdwatching, snorkeling and mountain biking.
If you are interested in traveling to and need more info about Manokwari, please contact me by e-mail to peace4wp@gmail.com. I will be happy to arrange your trips and provide guiding service during your stay in this regency.

Watching Lesser Birds of Paradise in Arfak mountains

2013-02-23T07:18:00.001-08:00

A male between two female birds of paradise - photo by Charles Roring

Lesser birds of paradise (paradisaea minor) is perhaps the most popular birds in the avian world. The male bird has got beautiful brown, yellow, white and green feather that he displays during a courtship dance. The usual times for the show is in the mornings and in the evenings. Birders who want to watch the lesser birds of paradise can fly to Manokwari city - the capital of West Papua province in the Republic of Indonesia. An approximately 1 hour car ride will bring visitors to a village called Warmarway. After that, the journey will be continued on foot to ascend a steep forest to a level of around 400 meters above sea level.
In addition to watching the birds of paradise, visitors can see various species of tropical plants in Arfak mountains. At night, nocturnal animals such as cuscus will come out for mating.
Another place in Manokwari that is also a nice birding site is Asai. Birdwatchers can along along a river that divides the jungle. Tropical birds such as sulphur crested cockatoo, hornbills and various species of doves often fly over the river.
Please, contact me by e-mail: peace4wp@gmail.com if you are interested in watching these birds in their natural habitat. by Charles Roring

Surfing in Manokwari

2013-02-22T03:35:00.000-08:00

From December to early March, Manokwari is experiencing strong wind in its north coast. Big waves land on the beach making it as a favorite destination for wave surfers. There are a lot of places in Manokwari where surfers can enjoy their sports. Yesterday, I made some movies about how Papuan boys play with the waves. I upload some of them in Youtube. Here is the video that shows three boys surf simultaneously. Actually, this is dangerous because they many collide while riding the surfboards.

Another surfing spot where big waves can be experienced all year round is near Abasi beach. Surfers can fly to Manokwari and enjoy surfing in any month they choose. So, if you want to surf in Manokwari, please, contact me by e-mail to peace4wp@gmail.com

Birds of Paradise watching trip in Manokwari

2013-01-26T05:37:00.000-08:00

There are 39 species of birds of paradise in the world and most of them can be found in New Guinea. This tropical island is divided into 2 territories. The eastern region is the independent state of Papua New Guinea and the western one is West Papua that is under the rule of the Republic of Indonesia. There are 2 provinces in West Papua, i.e. Papua and Papua Barat. The capital of Papua is Jayapura and the capital of Papua Barat is Manokwari.

Manokwari is a beautiful coastal city that has been considered as the best destination for birdwatchers. This town is not far from the mountain range of Arfak. Located in the south of the city, Arfak mountains are covered by dense tropical rainforest that are home to various species of birds of paradise.

I personally have arranged tours and guided tourists in the mountains. We saw Magnificent Birds of Paradise, Western Parotia, Lesser Birds of Paradise as well as mammals and reptiles that live in the jungle of Manokwari.

Another destination that I highly recommend for watching birds of paradise is Senopi village. You need to take a long car trip from Manokwari to the village.
Traveling to Manokwari

It is not difficult to visit Manokwari. Fly to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. After that, take a domestic flight that is offered by Lion Air or Express Air to Manokwari. The next morning, you can continue your trip to the mountain range of Arfak to watch birds of paradise. You need to be physically fit to go trekking in Manokwari. The slopes are steep. So, wear a good pair of trekking boots.
In addition to watching birds of paradise in Manokwari, there are a wide range of activities which tourists can enjoy from trekking and camping in the jungle, cycling and mountain biking, to snorkeling and wave surfing. Send a message to my e-mail: peace4wp@gmail.com for further information about itineraries and cost of traveling in Manokwari.

Cycing and Mountain Biking in Manokwari

2012-12-18T16:17:00.000-08:00

Manokwari has been a famous destination for people who are interested in hiking or trekking in Arfak mountains and the lowland forest of Pantura. As a matter of fact, this town is also a recommended place for cycling and mountain biking. As a tour guide, I have guided cycling enthusiasts from the United Kingdom, Finland, the United States and the Netherlands on various mountain biking and cycling tours across this tropical regency. Tourists like to take a cycling tour because they can explore the suburban areas of the capital of West Papua province at their own pace economically.

My recommendations for elderly cyclists are the coastal villages of Manokwari such as Arowi, Abasi and Bakaro. For youngsters, more challenging routes in the jungle with more slopes will be an interesting option. We have a lot of mountain biking routes in this town and its surrounding forests that can be explored by ordinary cyclists and mountain bikers.

I personally have completed a long route between Bintuni town (in the south of the bird's head region) and Manokwari (in the north of the bird's head region) covering a distance of approximately 300 kilometers. This is a trip that can be accomplished in 3 to 4 days. Experienced mountain bikers can try District Senopi as their destination.

Because I am a member of MTB Manokwari, it is easy for me to find more bicycles for your cycling tours in Manokwari. Members of the club will lend you their bicycles and can accompany you to explore this beautiful town.

For a one or two day cycling tour in Manokwari, visitors can ride bicycles to Asai or even the Yonsoribo beach and meet local people there. An alternative destination that provides you with scenic view of the coastal villages are cycling routes to Ransiki. For further information, please, read more articles of this blog and contact me. by Charles Roring/ E-mail: peace4wp@gmail.com

Rainforest Trekking in Manokwari

2012-12-17T03:06:00.000-08:00

by Charles Roring

The tropical rainforest in Manokwari is rich of bio-diversity. Birds, insects, reptiles and mammals live in the jungle of Arfak mountains. Tourists who go trekking in Arfak can watch birds of paradise, and cuscus which are the most popular attractions. Several species of birdwing butterflies can be found in the jungle too. There are several trekking destinations in Manokwari. Some that I recommend are the villages of Warmarway, Kwau, Senopi and Inggramui. Use a good pair of trekking boots, and sleeping bag for exploring the jungle of Manokwari.

A camp for tourists has been built in Warmarway. It is not easy to reach the camp. Visitors need to walk up steep slopes of Arfak mountains for approximately one hour. Cooking and eating utensils have been prepared by local people to serve the visitors. So, they don't need to bring their own cooking gear. Early in the morning when all the people in Manokwari town are still sleeping, visitors have to wake up to start their journey into the jungle to watch the lesser birds of paradise. They usually start to dance at around 5.45. Trekking route to the dancing site is quite difficult. It is steep and slippery. Visitors need to walk through several small streams of mountainous water that flow down through the granite rocks of Arfak.

To capture the fleeting moment of the dancing birds, visitors need to bring telephoto D-SLR camera. Today, Nikon have developed super zoom digital camera that is more affordable to travelers. The latest type is the Coolpix P510. It is a telephoto device that sports 42x optical zoom, equivalent to 1,000 mm in 35 mm lens format. Canon also has manufactured a bridge camera with specifications that are higher than the P510. Canon Powershot SX50 has got 50x optical zoom that is equivalent to 1200 mm in 35 mm lens format.
Trekking in Senopi
The toughest destination is District Senopi. The district is located between Manokwari and Sorong. Visitors need to buy enough food, and bring cooking gear if they want to go trekking in District Senopi. The best trekking route in District Senopi is the walking path to Aiwatar hill where visitors can see hundreds of species of birds. Mammals such as deers, and wild pigs and cows can be seen in the jungle. Buy a bottle of mosquito repellent lotion and waterproof tent if you want to stay for several nights in the jungle. Local villagers will be happy to accompany and guide you to Aiwatar.

If you are interested in taking a trekking trip in Manokwari, please, contact me by e-mail: peace4wp@gmail.com. I will be happy to arrange your transportation and accommodation as well as the hiking trip by contacting local people in the mountains to serve you.

Flowers in the Rainforest of West Papua

2012-12-07T02:47:00.001-08:00

There are a lot of flowers that we can see while hiking in the jungle of Manokwari. Some have fragrant smell whereas others release stink smell. One species that attracts my attention is the Faradaya splendida. This plant grows on the bank of Dopi river. It has got abundant flowers whose color is white. Anybody who is interested in growing it outside his or her house must provide a lot of water for this plant. I think that the flowers from Faradaya splendida vine can be used as raw material for extracting its essential oil that is good for aroma therapy.

Another species that is commonly seen along the edges of the tropical rainforest is the blue bell vine (Thunbergia grandiflora). The vines of blue bell flowers hang on the branches and twigs of trees that are exposed to sunlight. Sometimes they can be found hanging on the twigs of bamboo shrubs that grow near a river.

For coastal region, the most common species that can be seen is hibiscus. They have got white, red, yellow and pink colors. There is another one that is quite unique called Barringtonia asiatica. This hairy flower will develop itself into a seed that is poisonous. Local fishermen use the seed of Barringtonia asiatica to poison fish. Before frying the fish, they will take out its gills and intestines. Barringtonia asiatica flowers come from a big tree that can be found near at the beach along the coastal region of Manokwari.

In the high elevation region such as the Arfak mountains, passion fruit flower vines climb the shrubs and trees that are not far from the local villages. This passion flower whose photograph is shown below is not a native plant from this mountain. Its fruit has got sweet taste. I heard that it was introduced by missionary and local people who went to Wamena (in the Central Mountains of West Papua) and returned to Arfak mountains with the plant.

Below is the picture of Medinilla flowers. I saw these flowers while hiking in the jungle of Arfak mountains particularly on 1400 meters above sea level. The flower species found around this elevation are totally different from the species that usually grow in lowland or coastal region of West Papua.

In addition to Medinilla, some other flowers that attract the attention of visitors are the Rhododendrons. A few months ago, a student from the United Kingdom visited Arfak mountains to see several species of Rhododendrons. The one that is shown below has got very fragrant smell. Its physical appearance is similar to the above Faradaya splendida. This rhododendron can be found at the top of Mount Syoti (which is part of Arfak mountains and located in Kwau village).

In addition to the above flowers, visitors can also see various kinds of orchid that grow on the branches of big trees of the tropical rainforest of Manokwari. Some of them have got medicinal merit and are used by the indigenous people to cure their diseases or wounds. by Charles Roring

River Tour in the Wetland Forest of West Papua

2012-11-02T09:53:00.001-07:00

by Charles Roring
The southern region of West Papua is dominated by wetland. Early this year, I made an exploratory trip to Kais village in South Sorong regency. I went there by boat from Teminabuan town. It took more than 6 hours to reach the village. Most of the trees that grow on both sides of the rivers are nypa palm, mangroves and other plants that can live in the swampy areas. It was nice to be there. I could feel that I was very closed to nature.

No tourists have reached Kais village and I plan to put it into my list of rainforest tour destinations that I regularly promote on the internet. Anybody who is interested in traveling to Kais has to be able to adapt to the living condition that he or she will experience in the village. In other words, he or she has to be an adventurous person. There is no toilet. Tourist need to go into the bush for that purpose.

Abundant wildlife

Birds such as pigeons, cockatoo, hornbills, eagles, kingfisher can easily be seen in the morning whereas deers and boars live in the dry land in the jungle. Visitors will beautiful birds during your river tour from Teminabuan to Kais. A good pair of binoculars is recommended if you want to watch them. Although you can swim in the waters near the village, you MUST NOT swim in the rivers that are far from the village because of there are crocodiles.

Things to Bring

Here are essential things that every tourist needs to bring before traveling to Kais village: food, medicines, bottled water, anti insect repellent lotion, GPS, torch or flash, sleeping bag, photographic/ digiscoping equipment with some extra batteries. You also need ziplock to cover your electronic devices while you walk in the jungle or have a river tour. Don't forget to buy extra gasoline for the boat when you are still in Sorong town. The availability of gasoline is very important for your trip to Kais. If you buy it in Teminabuan the price will be double.

Recommended Bridge Camera

For those who want to take pictures of nature and the wildlife using a light but powerful camera, I suggest that they buy Nikon Coolpix P510 or Canon SX 50HS. They are powerful bridge camera that are affordable to most travelers. Serious photographers will choose more expensive D-SLR photographic device.
How to get there?

First, fly from your country to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia
Second, take a domestic flight served by one of these Indonesian airlines (Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air, Express Air, and Batavia Air) to Sorong city.
Bring Go to the 4WD pick up truck terminal in the town whose trucks regularly go to Teminabuan
Then you can go to Kais village by boat. The local government of South Sorong regency is planning to construct road from Teminabuan to Kais. Hopefully, in the next few years, visitors can go there by car.

Local guide

Sometimes, organizing trips can be difficult for you I can arrange your trip from Sorong to Kais and contact local people to provide such services as driving the boat, and preparing villager's house for accommodation. I can also guide you to the village if you are willing to pay for my service. Here is my e-mail: peace4wp@gmail.com

Hiking in the tropical rainforest

2012-10-31T03:23:00.002-07:00

Are you interested in hiking in tropical rainforest? If yes, then you need to read this post. I have guided a lot of tourists to various places in the jungle of New Guinea. I live in Manokwari, the capital of West Papua province. It is a recommended town for anybody who wants to explore the rainforest of this tropical island. New Guinea is the largest tropical island in the world. Its rainforest is the natural habitat of such animals as birds of paradise, tree kangaroo and deers.
Hiking and Camping Destinations

Senopi - This village is located between Manokwari and Sorong regencies. Now, it is a district in Tambrauw mountains. This is a highly recommended destination for visitors who want to go hiking and camping in the tropical rainforest. Birds of Paradise, Goliath Cockatoo, Deers and Cuscus are the animals that visitors may see while walking in the jungle of Senopi. When I and Wim (a Belgium tourist) along Kamundan river, we saw deers running into the woods. It was a fantastic experience for us after watching birds in Aiwatar hill.
Asai - This is a relatively new destination for hikers. Located in the north coast of Manokwari, Asai river is a nice place to watch Blyth's hornbills, and Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. Bring a tent if you want to stay in the jungle. Asai is also a nice place for tourists who want to do some snorkeling over its coral reef area.

Warmarway - Lesser Birds of Paradise live in the tropical rainforest of Warmarway. This is a small village that is located in the eastern coast of Arfak mountains. You can go there by public transporation. The slopes are quite steep so, you need to be physically fit to go there. Tents and cooking equipment have been prepared for tourists. So, you only need to buy food for you and the guides and porters for your hiking trip in the jungle.
Dopi river
This is a hiking destination that is not far from Manokwari. Visitors can do day trips and do not need to stay in the jungle. Apply insect repellent lotion all over your body before walking in the jungle.
Guides
I work as guide who arrange trips (including transportation, accommodation, food, and indigenous people as local guides) for tourists who want to go hiking in the tropical rainforest of West Papua. If I am not available for servicing you, I can contact other guides to accompany you traveling in Manokwari.

How to get there?
It's not difficult to go to Manokwari. First, you need to fly from your town or city to Jakarta. Then you can take a flight to Manokwari. Airlines that provide flight service between Jakarta and Manokwari are Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air and Express Air.

What I need to bring and wear?
Bring binoculars or digiscoping device if you want to watch birds or other animals that live in the trees. A GPS is also needed if you want to explore the jungle for several days. Wear sport shoes or hiking boots that are resistant to water. Put all your clothes and photographic equipment in a bagpack.

Travel Permit
Prepare photocopy of passport, visa and 2 pcs of recent photographs. You need them to get a surat jalan (or travel permit) from the local police in Manokwari.
Here is my e-mail: peace4wp@gmail.com if you want to make a hiking trip in the tropical rainforest of Manokwari.

Rainforest Animals in Manokwari

2012-10-26T10:28:00.003-07:00

There are a lot of animals that we can see while hiking and camping in the tropical rainforest of Manokwari. Deer, cuscus, bandicoot, and kangaroo are mammals that have been hunted by the indigenous Papuan people. Since they are nocturnal, they usually go out a night to find food. Most of these animals are the source of food for the indigenous Papuan who live in the coastal and interior regions. Hunters usually kill them by using traditional weapons such as bow and arrows, spears and machete.

There are two kinds of hunting techniques which the hunters use to catch the animals. First, by going into the jungle and search the animals in every possible place that they can find them. When they are able to approach the animal, for instance: a deer, they will shoot it with a bow and arrow. Then, they will cut it into smaller pieces and bring them back to their village. The second technique is by setting up traps. Papuan hunters are experts in setting up traps. They can make tens of traps in certain areas of the jungle. Then they will leave them for 2 or 3 days. When they return to the forest again, they will check the traps one by one. They often see that the caught animal is still alive. So, they have to kill it.
Besides mammals, other animals that live in the jungle are birds, snakes, lizards, and colorful insects such as birdwing butterflies and eupholus beetles.
Nowadays, animals are facing extinction not because of the traditional hunting but the deforestation. Huge acres of Papuan forest are being cut and converted into monoculture-plantation. This kind of practice, pose more threats to the whole ecosystem of rainforest than traditional hunting. Therefore, the cutting of tropical ranforest has to be stopped now! If it is not stopped, this precious ecosystem will severely be destroyed and damaged. Animals will not be able to find food and die. By preserving rainforest, the bio-diversity in the jungle will be protected and it is able to supply food and medicines to the indigenous Papuan people depend on it. by Charles Roring

Rainforest Tour in Dopi River of Manokwari

2012-10-19T03:16:00.004-07:00

I have written some articles about rainforest tour in West Papua especially in Manokwari regency. This time, I want to talk about tours in Dopi. It is a river around 2 hour on foot from Manokwari city. Tropical trees and shrubs that grow on both sides of river are the natural habitat for various species of birds including pygmy parrots, lesser birds of paradise, hornbills and hawk.

Because Dopi is quite close from but untouched by city dwellers of Manokwari, it is a nice destination for budget travellers who want to experience or see the ecosytem of tropical rainforest by staying in the jungle for several nights. On my efforts to reduce the hunting of endangered animals, I try to recruit the indigenous Papuan to work as guides and porters. They know every corner of the jungle so they can give you accurate information about the time when hornbills fly back to trees where they usually sleep in.
From my previous tours in Dopi river, I saw birds of paradise dancing on the branches of trees and snake moving on the ground. Insect lovers will find that Dopi river is a must see place to photograph colorful butterflies, beetles or cicada. Male cicada is a unique insect that creates noisy sounds to attract female cicada for mating. His mating sound can be heard from several hundreds away.

The tropical rainforest near Dopi river is also the natural habitat of tikus tanah (literally mean ground mouse). But scientifically, it is called bandicoot. The marsupial animal like to eat small fruits that come out of the roots of a tree trunk just above the ground. Birds such as the beautiful fruit dove also like the fruits.

Visitors who plan to go hiking in the rainforest of Dopi river must wear proper hiking boots that are light, comfortable and strong enough for walking for at least four hours. Two camps have been built for tourists who want to stay for several nights. Here is my email: peace4wp@gmail.com or cell phone: +6281332245180 if you are interested in taking a hiking tour in Camp Dopi . by Charles Roring
Map:

Dopi is the tributary of Pami river. The river flows to the north coast of Manokwari. So, it is important to keep the rivers clean while trekking through the rivers by not throwing any plastic wastes into the water to protect the coral reef in the region.
Related article Hiking and Birdwatching in Dopi river

Rainforest Preservation through Ecotourism

2012-10-14T04:50:00.002-07:00

Rainforest is an important ecosystem that we must preserve. It is home to thousands of species of plants and animals. Rainforest is also the source of food and firewood for villagers or indigenous people. All of us depend on the rainforest for its function in absorbing CO2 gases and releasing Oxygen. We can get fresher air and cleaner drinking water if our forests are in good condition.

I have been working on the preservation of tropical rainforest in West Papua through ecotourism since 2010. This ecotourism program is aiming at providing alternative jobs to the indigenous people in Manokwari. To reduce the hunting of birds of paradise, I hire hunters to work as hiking and birding guide. When birdwatchers come to Manokwari to see lesser birds of paradise, they will be guided by these hunters. Other eco-tourism activities that attractive to foreign tourists are hiking and snorkeling. These activities can be combined in a one week tour program in Manokwari regency.

Since the number of tourists who come to Manokwari town is still low, promotional articles like the ones in this blog will be useful to introduce this eco-tourism scheme to anybody who reads them. There are a lot of things that I must do to improve our services in supporting tourists while they go hiking and birding in the tropical rainforest of Manokwari. Some of them are providing basic English course and guiding etiquette.
I also hope that the local government will support this ecotourism innitiative by helping us build better accommodation for visitors and building better roads to all of the hiking and birding destinations.
Contact me if you want to take a rainforest tour in Manokwari.
For further information about eco-tourism, please buy the following books:

Amazon.com Widgets

Mangrove Forest in South Sorong Regency

2012-10-06T07:01:00.003-07:00

I made an exploratory rainforest tour in Kais village of South Sorong regency early this year. My initial intention was to assess whether the region is a suitable destination for rainforest tour program. I went to Kais village. It was quite expensive to go there but I did not regret of going to Kais. I went there by boat. The wetland of South Sorong regency was covered with hundreds of kilometers of mangrove forest and hundreds of big and small rivers. I saw a lot of birds including the Blyth's hornbills, brahminy kite, fruit doves, and sulphur crested cockatoo. I saw bats hanging in the leaves of nipa palm trees. The bio-diversity of this mangrove forest is very high. Shrimp is abundant in the river. It was much easier to catch them than fish. The mangrove forest in South Sorong regency of West Papua province is perhaps the largest mangrove eco-sytem in South East Asia. The dry land of Kais is also covered with pristine rainforest. Visitors can go hiking in the jungle guided by the villagers. I asked the villagers in Kais whether some tourists or birdwatchers had visited the area or not. They said, "no."

District Kais is a small village. Its population was less than 500 people. I stayed there for 2 nights and returned to Teminabuan early in the morning. On the way back to the town, I saw a bird that I could not identify. I usually use Birds of New Guinea to match the name of bird with the picture that I took from my rainforest trips.

Please, look at the following Google Earth Map which I have modified by adding the names of towns. District Kais is the one below Teminabuan town with small red dot.

The best way to explore the mangrove forest and see the wildlife is by traveling with boats. I suggest that visitors go there in a group of 3 or 4 people to share the cost of transportation, food and accommodation. If you are interested in visiting Kais, please, contact me by email to peace4wp@gmail.com
Mangrove is an important part of coastal marine environment especially in tropical region. Coral reef that is near mangrove area will have higher fish stock than the one that is far from the mangrove forest. Here are some books that are related to mangrove:

3 Hiking and Camping Trip Destinations in West Papua

2012-09-27T02:27:00.002-07:00

As a tour guide, I have accompanied a lot of tourists on various hiking and camping trips in West Papua. From all of the outdoor adventure trips destinations that I have done, there are three places that I like the most.

Aiwatar hill - It is still placed on the top list of the hiking and camping trip destinations that I recommend it for you. It is located in District Senopi. To reach the hill, you need to fly to Manokwari city and continue your trip by airplane to District Kebar. After that, you can walk or hitchhike a truck to District Senopi. The next morning, if you are fit enough to walk, you can leave the village for the hill. It takes around five hours walking through the jungle and crossing rivers to get to Aiwatar. The scenery of the tropical rainforest with some big and small rivers will make you feel that you are in the middle of nowhere. During your hiking trip in the rainforest of Senopi, you may be able to see deers, birds of paradise, ornate lory, goliath cockatoo, kangaroo, and various other animals live in the region.
Asai - This hiking and camping trip destination is located in the north coast of Manokwari regency. The tropical rainforest of Asai is rich of bio diversity. It is the natural habitat of cuscus, sulphur crested cockatoo and snakes. As you walk deeper into the jungle, you will see more birds, and unique plants. You will be surrounded by green vegetation. Don't forget to bring sleeping bag and waterproof camping tent if you want to stay for several nights at the bank of Asai river. In addition to hiking, cycling from Manokwari town to Asai village is also possible to be carried out by travelers. I personally have done it twice. On the average, a cyclist needs four hours to reach Asai. Before leaving the town, the cyclist needs to check all the gear mechanism and tires of his or her bike are in good working order.
Camp Dopi of Inggramui forest - This is a hiking tour destination that is not far from Manokwari city. So, it is the cheapest place to go compared to the above destinations. I have guided European and American tourists to Dopi river. Blyth's hornbills usually fly above our heads when we walk through the stream of the river. If you spend at least one night camping at the bank of Dopi river, you will have the opportunity to go to the dancing site of the lesser birds of paradise. Monitor lizards, kangaroo and deers live in the jungle of this river too. You may see them while hiking through the rainforest of Dopi river. If you want to watch birds of paradise, don't forget to bring a pair of binoculars or telephoto camera with extra batteries.

For all of your hiking and camping trips in this tropical rainforest of West Papua, bring tent. If you take a tour from me, the tent will be provided by me. If you decide to bring your own tent, it has to be water resistant. The material should be light.

GPS device and hiking watch

In addition to tents and good backpacks, you also need to have a waterproof GPS device or hiking watch. This electronic device will help you navigate your way or track your routes while walking in the jungle. Because it can show your position in the map, you will know the fastest way to reach your destination or the best time to go to a birding spot. Some hiking watch can even measure your heart rate. If you don't know where to buy the device, you can order one of them from the following Amazon store.

Hiking and Birdwatching in Dopi river of Manokwari

2012-09-16T04:56:00.003-07:00

Dopi river is a recommended site for travelers who want to go hiking and birdwatching in Manokwari. The paths are not steep but long enough to be explored from sunrise until sunset. I have conducted several hiking, camping and birdwatching trips in Dopi river since last year. I saw white goshawk, a lot of Blyth's hornbills, sulphur crested cockatoos, beautiful fruit doves, pygmy parrots, lesser birds of paradise, dollar birds and western crowned pigeon and various other birds that I cannot mention in this post one by one.

There are two camps that have been built for tourists who want to stay for several nights in the jungle. To see birds and more wildlife of tropical rainforest, I highly recommend that you stay for at least 2 nights in our camps. Although there are abundant bird life in the rainforest around Dopi river, they are not the only animals that you can see. Snakes, deers, cuscus, kangaroos, and boars live in that jungle too. Butterflies often visit our camp when we enjoy our lunch.

The average cost for hiking and bird watching trip in Dopi river is around 85 US dollars/day. Don't forget to bring insect repellent lotion, and blanket or sleeping bag. We can provide mosquito net if you don't have one. We have got cooking utensils, and rechargeable lamps to serve you in our camps during the hiking and camping tours. We also grow bananas, vegetables around the camps to make sure that we will always have fresh ingredients in our food. Please, contact us by e-mail to peace4wp@gmail.com if you are interested in taking a hiking and camping trip in Dopi river. by Charles Roring

Here are some birwatching scopes that you can order from Amazon online store to watch birds or other wild animals in the jungle.

Amazon.com Widgets

Watching Birds of Paradise in the jungle of Arfak mountains

2012-09-12T19:05:00.002-07:00

Walking up the steep slopes of Arfak mountains was a tough experience for Simon and Sofie. That morning I picked them up at Swiss-Belhotel of Manokwari. We left the hotel at 4 a.m. It took around 1 hour by car to reach Warmarway village and another fifteen minutes to reach Warkapi beach - the starting point where we would walk up steep slopes through the tropical jungle of New Guinea to watch the lesser birds of paradise. This is perhaps the most famous species in the avian world.

Rain and slippery paths did not discourage us. We stopped several times under the canopies of the tropical trees and bamboos. Behind us was the sounds of waves from Cendrawasih bay. The waves were landing on Warkapi beach around 400 meters below us. It was 6 a.m. we still had to climb more slopes for around one hour to reach the dancing site of the birds of paradise. If the weather is good, male birds of paradise usually fly to some trees at a cliff of Warkapi to perform courtship dance and show off their beautiful feather to attract female birds of paradise.

We arrived at the trees at around 7.15 a.m. They had been dancing for one hour. I could see some female birds flying over our heads to chase the female birds. Some jumped from one branch to another. It was perhaps the first and the only experience which Simon and Sofie had to watch the birds of paradise in their habitat. I did not shoot the birds of paradise that morning because my telephoto camera had been broken since my last visit to Iris strait. But I still have got some pictures of these birds that I took in the same spot when I guided two Spanish tourists last year. The above picture is one of them. Birds of paradise and other tropical birds in the jungle of New Guinea play very important role in supporting the ecosystem of tropical rainforest. They disperse seeds from the fruits which they ate. Some species of smaller birds help the pollination of flowers.
Every birdwatcher needs optical devices such as digiscope, or telephoto camera to see birds or animals in high trees. Today's digiscoping system has got better performances and cheaper prices. If you haven't bought one, you can order it from Amazon online store at the following links:
This is a unique hiking and birdwatching package that I offer to tourists who want to see tropical rainforest with big trees, bamboos, palms and any plants that grow in Arfak mountains. Please, contact me by e-mail to peace4wp@gmail.com for reservation. by Charles Roring
Also read: Birdwatching in Aiwatar Hill of District Senopi

Trekking the Pami river

2012-09-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I guided three tourists on a full day trekking trip in Pami river. While walking through the river, we saw some Blyth's hornbills whose wing span can reach a length of around 1.5 meters. Their wings created fluttering sounds when they flew over the canopy of the tropical trees. We also saw sulphur crested cockatoos that quacked many times when they saw us walking up the stream.

The tour program is created to introduce the natural beauty of the tropical rainforest in Manokwari regency to anybody who wants to see or experience it. You have to be physically fit to buy this full day tour. Wear water shoes (usually used by scuba divers) to walk in the water. Please, contact me by email: peace4wp@gmail.com for detailed itinerary and rates. by Charles Roring

Adventure Tour in Triton bay of Kaimana

2012-09-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

I went to Kaimana town last week. This town is famous for its sunset. I accompanied a Canadian who wanted to see the Iris strait and Triton bay. The landscape and seascape of Triton are very beautiful. I saw various species of birds (including Blyth's hornbills, sulphur crested cockatoo, black butcher bird, bats), butterflies and fish. The waters in Bitsyari bay, Triton bay and Iris strait have got tens of sites covered with pristine coral reef and thousands of species of fish including the whale sharks and the Triton bay's endemic walking shark Hemiscyllium henryi.

Looking at these pictures, you may think that they are worth visiting. Yes, you should go there if you are planning a trip to Indonesia. You can swim at a river or at a secluded white sandy beach where no other tourists around. Or you can walk through the tropical jungle of Aiduma island. Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent lotion and tents.

You will always remember Kaimana after having a trip to the region. I highly recommend that you travel in a group at least 4 people to share the cost of traveling. As a tour guide, I offer this adventure tour of whaleshark watching to anybody who wants to see it. So, please, contact me by e-mail to peace4wp@gmail.com if you want to go there. by Charles Roring

Thai tourists Hiking in Manokwari

2012-08-08T20:58:00.001-07:00

Most of the tourists who visit Manokwari come from Europe, the United States and Australia. They usually go hiking in Arfak mountains and the northern coast of Manokwari. This month, I received some guests from Asia. From 4 to 6 August, I accompanied 4 Thai tourists.

I guided them on a 3-day land tour hiking along Asai river, Arfak mountains and Mansinam island. We watch Blyth's hornbill, bowerbird and birdwing butterflies. Birdwatching is an interesting activity. Visitors need to bring telephoto camera or a pair of binoculars to watch birds that usually perch on the branches of tall trees. The best times to watch birds are in the morning and in the afternoon. Don't forget to apply insect repellent lotion all over your body to protect you from insect bites.
After the land tour, they would continue their trip with a Komodo liveboard for diving in Cendrawasih bay. Komodo liveboard also operates in Raja Ampat. Tourists from ASEAN countries do not need VISA to enter Indonesia. ASEAN stands for the Association of South East Asian Nations. It was established in Bangkok Thailand in 1967.
I also guided 5 American tourists between 7-10 June 2012 on a 4-day/3-night trekking and camping tour in Arfak mountains. Then they continued their tour by Komodo liveboard on a diving trip in Cendrawasih bay.

While hiking in Arfak mountains we saw several species of birdwing butterflies such as the Ornithoptera rothschildi, Ornithoptera goliath, and Ornithoptera priamus. They made plenty of photographs about the butterflies. If you are interested in hiking and camping in the tropical jungle of Manokwari prior to your diving trip in Cendrawasih bay with Komodo liveboard, and need me to arrange and guide you during the tour, please, contact me by e-mail to peace4wp@gmail.com

Rainforest Flower Medinilla in Arfak mountains

2012-06-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

In Hatam language, the following rainforest flower is called Yengum flower. It is from the genus of Medinilla. This ornamental flower plant is suitable for the landscaping of houses in high elevation or mountaineous region.

I saw the shrub when I accompanied 5 American visitors on a 4-day-3-night hiking tour in Arfak mountains. On the first day, we trekked the low elevation forest of Warkapi where we stayed there for one night at Camp Mawowi. The next day, we continued our trip to Kwau village by a 4WD car. We watch a tree kangaroo, bower bird and the magnificent birds of paradise. The trails to Camp Mawowi were very steep. Some portions of them were close to ninety degrees. Trekkers need to be extra careful when ascending and descending the steep slopes of this mountain range of Arfak. As a matter of fact, Arfak is one of the best destinations in the tropical region for trekking.

This trekking tour in Arfak mountains was part of an ecotourism tour packages that I have been promoting for nearly three years. The goal of this program is to preserve the rainforest and to provide employment opportunities to the local people.

After spending 4 days trekking in Arfak mountains of Manokwari, these American trekkers would continue their trips by Komodo liveaboard to Dore and Cendrawasih bays. by Charles Roring. To book a trekking tour in Arfak mountains, please, contact me via email: peace4wp@gmail.com