TIMES PASAMAN, JAKARTA – Covered in acres of gorgeous rainforest as well as tinkling rivers, gushing waterfalls and wonderful beaches West Papua offers hundreds of amazing places to see. These places will bring you off the grid living in the middle of nowhere. Let’s check them out.

1. Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat also known by the tourists as the most beautiful island in the world. This place has top spot for those newlywed couple on their honeymoon and it is also a premium location for anyone who likes diving.

Most of the part of the island is covered in untouched rainforests and you will find wide stretches of clean sand that back on the turquoise seas teeming with marine life.

As you would expect, snorkelling, sailing, and swimming are also popular pastimes here but it is the diving that is the true star of Raja Ampat and you can expect 540 species of coral here as well as over 1,500 species of fish.

2. Cendrawasih Bay

Cenderawasih Bay Marine National park is also referred to as Taman Teluk Cenderawasih and is actually a large marine park made up of 18 different islands which stretch along an expanse of pretty coastline.

The park sprawls for 14,000 square kilometres making it one of the largest in Indonesia and many people come here for the trekking, hiking, and scuba diving where you could find a hidden cave under the sea, and if you like bird watching then this is a great place to do it.

3. Mount Arfak

If you have a passion for adventure and love nature and wildlife then this challenging trekking tour into Arfak Mountain of Papua is a perfect choice you could have. You will explore the wonderful wildlife that hides in the lush of green rain forest of West Papua including several species of birds and tree-kangaroos.

4. Pulau Mansinam

Located at Doreh Bay, 6 kilometers from Manokwari, West Papua, this island believed to be the first olace where Cristian missionaries start their missions. There is a reminiscence of a church, which was built by the first priests in West Papua Province. There is also an old well which was built to provide fresh water to local people. The fact is that the well remains in a good condition until now. This place also has a he cross monument to mark the history of the entry of Christianity in such province.

5 . Triton Bay, Kaimana

This place is known for some of the best diving in the world as it sits in the famous Coral Triangle, an area with more species of fish and coral than any other place on earth. Kaimana is often called the Kingdom of Fishes and is also a favourite with those who like macro photography.

6. Tapurarang Historical Site

This place has lots of ancient paintings that attract any historian all over the world to visit this amazing place. The locals consider Tapurarang Historical Site as a sacred tourist spot. The rumor has it. The ancient paintings were humans who got cursed by Kaborbor (the ghost of the sea). A unique story behind the cliff is quite worthy to learn. Usually, the locals would tell it to tourists. If not, visitors can take advantage of a tour guide to learn some information regarding the history of the cliff. 

7. Gunung Meja Park

Many visitors choose to come to Gunung Meja Park West Papua for the sightseeing as you can explore a range of wildlife trails. With a vast spread site this place is very suitable for hiking. You could find lots of plants and trees are grown in the rainforest. (*)