Friday, January 8, 2010,
Cenderawasih Bay Marine National Park (Taman Nasional Laut Teluk Cenderawasih) consists of 18 islands and 500km of coastline, and at 14,300 sq km is the largest of its kind in Indonesia. It is home to endangered species of giant clams, turtle and dugong, and offers some of the best trekking, diving and bird watching. With 130 types of coral and 150 bird species.
Like most Papua, however exploration is severely hindered by government travel regulations and lack of transport.
The larger inhabited islands in the area are Rumberpon, Mioswar, Roon and Anggrameous. You can explore the coastline or islands by speedboat from either Nabire or Ransiki or base your self on Rumberpon Island or Wasior, thoughneither is strictly within the park. Otherwise, organize a tour with Arfak Paradigalla Tours and Travel in Manaokwari.
Before venturing into the reserve independently, permission and advise should be obtained from the Cendrawasih Marine National Park Office in Jl Rendani Manokwari, Papua.
To get to Merauke, Merpati Airline flies daily from Jayapura. Every four weeks PT Pelniliner Kelimutu Boat links Merauke with Timika, while the Tatamailau sails from Merauke to Timika. Perintis Boat are the best next option. Other uncomfortable wooden boats also make fortnightly runs up anf down the coast to Kiman, Bade, Agats and as far inland as Tanahmerah.
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