Traveling to Roon Island

Roon is a big island in Wondama Bay Regency. It is an important destination for visitors who like to see beautiful nature both on land and at sea. Villages in Roon island include: Indai, Syabes, Yende, Mena, Niap, Menarbu, and Saryai. The capital of District Roon is Yende. 

Roon Island in Wondama Regency of West Papua - Indonesia

Isna Jedi Church complex in Roon island

Population

With an area of 1,890 square kilometers or 12.64% of the territory of Wondama regency, Roon has got a population of 1,963 people. Most of them work as fishermen with annual fish catch of 1,200 metric tonne (Source:  Kabupaten Teluk Wondama Dalam Angka: 2021).

Roon island and the National Park of Cendrawasih Bay

Roon inside the territory of the National Park of Cendrawasih Bay whose overall area is 1.5 million hectares. This is the largest national marine park in Indonesia. According to Diving Indonesia's Bird's Head Seascape, 2011, which was written by Burt Jones and Maurine Shimlock, in Cendrawasih Bay, there are 962 species of Reef Fishes, 469 species of Hard Corals, and 39 species of Mantis Shrimps. 

The Cendrawasih Bay, together with Raja Ampat and Fakfak to Triton Bay, has got the highest marine biodiversity in the world. The position of Roon, and its satellite islets, which is in the middle of the national park has made it as an important region due to the very high biodiversity it has got both in the coral reef areas, at sea and on land especially in the forest. 

Environmentally friendly tourism is one of the ways to increase the income of local people with continuous commitment to preserve the environment.

In addition to its tremendous wealth of flora and fauna, Roon has got an interesting history especially on the works of evangelisation. On page 7 and 8 of Ajaib Di Mata Kita III, written by Dr. F.C. Kamma, it is said that in 1866, R. Beyer stayed in Roon but he was not there long. In 1878, Jens visited Roon and wrote, "Among all people of Irian whom I have seen, it was people from Roon who gave me good impression both in their physical appearance, and their way of thinking." Zending began their missionary works from Yende village when Bink and Van Ballen, with 16 freed men, landed on 2 April 1884. They built church and named it Isna Jedi meaning I am the light. The old church still stands and villagers still use it. 

Tourist Attractions

Roon island itself is surrounded by around 15 islets. Roon and these islets have got coral reef sites that are the natural habitat of a lot of species of marine animals including hundreds of hard corals, soft corals, barracuda, long-nosed butterflyfish, surgeonfish, fusilier, giant trevally, Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, wunderpus octopus, seafans, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, squids, shrimps, giant clams and a lot more. They are very important attractions for visitors who like swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. For those who are interested in studying marine biology, Roon and its satellite islets are beautiful heaven for them. There are no dive centers in Roon island at the moment. Visitors need to bring their own snorkeling gear such as mask, snorkel and fins. Wearing these gear, they will be able to enjoy the beautiful coral reef and its marine life when they swim or do snorkeling.

Tourists can travel to Roon island by fast passenger ferry or speedboats from Wasior town. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours ride from Wasior to Yende village by speedboat depending on the size, number, and power of the boats and their engines.

Roon island is still covered by pristine tropical rainforest which is the natural habitat of various species of plants and animals. Visitors who like trekking can go hiking to the ridges and then walk down to the other side of the island. Birds such as White-bellied Sea Eagle, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Palm Cockatoo, Eclectus Parrot, Black-capped Lory can be seen there. There are also possums, monitor lizards, bandicoot, beetles, butterflies that live in the forest.

Accommodation

There are homestays in the villages which visitors can choose to stay. Visitors can interact with local people to see how they do spear fishing at night, or how they process their daily catch to make dried salted fish. 

The uninhabited Rariyau island with 3 bungalows for tourists who are interested in staying there during their holiday in Wondama regency

Separate accommodations for visitors are also available in Rariyau island. No one lives in the island. Its white sandy beach, crystal clear water and pristine coral reef is a highly recommended destination for all snorkeling enthusiasts. In Niap village where there are sago trees, visitors can see how local people process the pith of sago to extract starch for making sago flour. 

Trekking tour through rainforest across the Roon island from one village to another can be done upon special arrangement. The duration of this hiking tour can be as short as 4 hours to one village on the other side of the hill or as long as 5 days to several villages around the island. During the tour in the jungle, visitors will be able to see various kinds of tropical plants and animals. Therefore, visitors who want to go hiking in the forest of Roon island are advised to bring binoculars, spotting scope with tripod (optional) and camera with telephoto lens.

How to get there?

Please, see the following map. If you are interested in traveling to Roon. 

Flight route from major cities in Indonesia to Roon island

Sea Route to Yende village in Roon island of Wondama regency served by fast passenger ferry KM. Express Bahari 9E

Fast Passenger Fery KM EXPRESS BAHARI 9E

Roon island is part of the territory of Teluk Wondama regency. 

• From your country, please, take an international flight to Jakarta or Denpasar Bali. 
• After that, continue your trip to Manokwari which is the capital of Papua Barat province. 
• Susi Air operates small aircraft such as Cessna Caravan 208 that flies several times a week between Manokwari city and Wasior town. The plane can carry around 10 passengers with maximum free luggage weight of 10 kilograms. From Wasior, you could take speedboat or motorized boat to any villages that you would like to see. 

A guide with special interest in Geo-Tour: Lois Taran +6282198278148 (WA)

Roon island and the whole islands in Cendrawasih bay are unique. There are a lot of geosites in this region. Some of them include the unique form of Roon island,  hot stream in Roswar island, and the beautiful karst of Purup. Wondama has got a lot of beaches with white sand which is an indication of the existence of coral reef. However, Wondama regency also has got beaches with black/ iron sand which is washed by the river to the sea. It is an indication of the existence of ancient volcano.

Visitors who need guides to take a tour around Wondama, please, contact:

The Indonesian Tourist Guide Association (HPI) of Wondama regency

• Rio Suabey +6282198694761
• Eky Sawaki: +62 812 4893 1154
• Amsal Tinoring: +6282197937120

Or

Department of Culture and Tourism

Wondama Bay Regency

Address:

Jalan Raya Rasiei Kompleks Perkantoran

RASIEI, TELUK WONDAMA

West Papua Province, Indonesia

E-mail: disparbudtelukwondama.info@gmail.com

This article was written by Charles Roring +6281332245180.

Ecotourism Attractions of Wondama Regency

Wondama regency in West Papua province of Indonesia is a very important destination for anyone who is interested in seeing the wealth of biodiversity of rainforest and coral reef of New Guinea. 

Wondama is a regency in West Papua province

Tropical Forest

Nature lovers who travel to Wondama are able to visit a lot of places to watch wildlife in the forest or see colorful fish and unique corals and marine creatures. While walking in the forest, visitors will be able to see such birds as Eclectus Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Black-capped Lory, Red-cheeked Parrot, Coconut Lorikeet, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Common Paradise Kingfisher, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Pinon Imperial Pigeon, Blyth's Hornbill, Grey Crow, Lowland Peltop, Red Myzomela, and a lot of other birds in the forest.  

The rainforest of Wondama is also the natural habitat of soa-soa monitor lizard, snakes, wild boar, cuscus possum, butterfly, beetle, and etc.

Marine Life 

 As a maritime regency, Wondama has got a lot of islands and coastal areas. Pristine coral reef ecosystem thrive in Wondama. We can enjoy swimming and snorkeling over it to see various species of tropical fish and marine creatures. Anemonefish, moorish idol, sweetlips, grouper, butterflyfish, have got unique shapes and colours that attract the attention of snorkelers. Bringing waterproof underwater camera will be useful for taking pictures of these beautiful fish. Sea star, sea cucumber, christmas tree worm can also be seen in Wondama's waters.

Wondama has got plenty of beautiful places
for visitors to see

Dutch Influence

During early 1900s, the Dutch built the first teachers training school in Aitumieri hill in Wondama Bay to provide education for the indigenous Papuan people. The buildings of the school could still be seen by visitors who go to the hill. 

The People of Wondama and their Livelihood

The people of Wondama live as farmers, and fishermen. They also depend on the natural resources from the sea and the forest to get their food, and materials for their working tools, kitchen equipment and wooden boats and house constructions. The staple food of the indigenous people in Wondama is sago flour which they cook to make papeda. Papeda is eaten with fish soup and vegetables. Sago paste can also be baked so it can last for longer period of time. People bring them when they want to travel to other towns, remote villages or islands. This baked sago is hard and will become soft when dipped in hot tea or coffee. So, it can be eaten like biscuits.

How to get there?

1. You need to take international flight from your country to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia), or Denpasar Bali (a tourism hub in Indonesia).
2. Take a domestic flight to Manokwari city. Airlines such as Batik, Sriwijaya Air and Lion Air provide regular daily flight service between Manokwari and major cities in Indonesia.
3. We could meet you at a hotel or at the airport of Manokwari and organize your trip by passenger boat or by small passenger plane to Wondama.

Flight Route from Jakarta and Denpasar to Manokwari city and then to Wondama regency

If you are interested in spending your holiday time in Wondama and want us to organize your tour and guide you, you could contact:

The Indonesian Tourist Guide Association of Wondama regency

• Rio Suabey
• Eky Sawaki: +62 812 4893 1154
• Amsal Tinoring: +6282197937120

Or

Department of Culture and Tourism

Wondama Bay Regency

Address:

Jalan Raya Rasiei Kompleks Perkantoran

RASIEI, TELUK WONDAMA

West Papua Province, Indonesia

E-mail: disparbudtelukwondama.info@gmail.com

This article was written by Charles Roring +6281332245180.

Yoga Exercise at Sea

There is a Yoga Club in Wondama regency of Indonesia. Its name is Yogis Wondama. Visitors who take their vacation to Wondama town can exercise with members of this club. Yoga can harmonize our physical, mental and spiritual condition so that we will always above positive energy when we face challenges in our life. Yoga can calm the mind and strengthen the body of the person who exercises regularly.

In addition to practicing yoga, visitors can explore the tropical rainforest of Wondama Bay to see its unique plants and animals. There are orchid flowers, giant tropical trees, various bamboo plants, hibiscus flowers, a lot of species of birds, insects, and reptiles.

The beach and coral reef in Wondama Bay

The beaches in Wondama have got pristine coral reef that is teeming with beautiful marine life. Various species of fish such as anemonefish, parrotfish, wrasse, grouper, and butterflyfish can be seen while visitors enjoy swimming and snorkeling. 

It is important to bring snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and swimming fins), camera, and binoculars if visitors want to see the wealth of biodiversity of coral reef and rainforest of Wondama regency. 

Wondama is an important destination for tourists who are nature lovers. And I highly recommend it for anyone who plans to visit West Papua province of Indonesia.  A tour package with customized itinerary and cost can be prepared for you.

Flight Route to Rasiei (the capital of Wondama regency)

Domestic flights to Manokwari city are offered by such airlines as Batik, Lion Air and Sriwijaya. Local guides in Manokwari city can meet and organize your trip to Wondama by a small Cessna caravan passenger plane or by a passenger boat. For more info, please, contact us by using form on the right side of this website or by sending message to DPC HPI TELUK WONDAMA

Eky Sawaki: +62 812 4893 1154

Amsal Tinoring: +6282197937120

Also read: 

• How to go to Wondama regency?
• Wondama - A Beautiful Destination for Nature Lovers

Traditional Extraction of Sago Starch in Wondama Bay

Sago the Staple Food of the Indigenous People in Wondama Bay which is an important tourist destination in West Papua province of Indonesia.

The indigenous people who live in the islands and along the coastal region have got staple food locally called sagu (English: sago). Actually sago is the staple food of the Papuan people who live in lowland regions where sago palm trees grow. 

How the sago starch was extracted from its pith using traditional tools

Traditionally sago starch is extracted from the pith inside the trunk of an adult sago tree which is ready to be harvested. Usually, a family who is going to harvest sago will prepare tools such as machete, axe, bucket, filter, and hoe pounder, or sago pith chopper to rasp the sago pith. 

Most of the families in Wondama regency have replaced the traditional hoe or pith chopper with grating machine.

The area around the sago tree will be cleared. The trunk will also be cleaned. After a simple prayer to praise God and ask for protection during the sago processing works, the tree is cut and felled. The trunk is cleaned from vines, spikes, and leaves. The trunk is split lengthwise. The pith can be rasped by using the traditional hoe pounder or by a grating machine. 

Girls from Rumberpon island were performing traditional dance to visitors

The rasped pith is then kneaded and washed with water where sago starch is removed from its coarse fiber. The water containing sago starch will pass through a screen and channeled to a settling container where the sago starch is collected and the excess water is removed.

Sago starch in the container made of leaves will be carried home. Some is sold in the market, and given to relatives. Some is used for family consumption. Sago starch as staple food is cooked to make papeda or baked to make bread and biscuits. Dried sago flour can be kept for longer period of time and transported to other villages and towns. 

Visitors who are interested in seeing and participating in the process of the extraction of sago starch can go to Wondama regency. They can try rasping the sago pith using traditional hoe pounder and kneading the rasped pith to extract the starch as well as working in the kitchen to make papeda, and any kind of cakes made of sago flour.

Ecotourism attractions in Wondama regency (its capital is Rasiei)

In addition to seeing the extraction of sago starch, visitors can also enjoy other ecotourism activities while traveling in Wondama regency. They can enjoy swimming, snorkeling to see the beautiful marine life or do hiking in the forest to see its unique plants and animals. Hiking and camping, birdwatching and wildlife watching along the sides of a river can also be organized. 

The Indonesian Tourist Guide Association of Wondama regency

• Rio Suabey: +62 821 9869 4761
• Eky Sawaki: +62 812 4893 1154
• Amsal Tinoring: +6282197937120

Or

Department of Culture and Tourism

Wondama Bay Regency

Address:

Jalan Raya Rasiei Kompleks Perkantoran

RASIEI, TELUK WONDAMA

West Papua Province, Indonesia

E-mail: disparbudtelukwondama.info@gmail.com

If you are interested in taking an ecotour to Wondama regency, you can contact us by sending email to wondamatourism@gmail.com or by using contact form on the right side of this website.

Wisata Budaya Pemrosesan Sagu di Teluk Wondama

Teluk Wondama adalah salah satu destinasi wisata budaya yang penting di Tanah Papua. Masyarakat di sepanjang pesisir dan pulau-pulau di kabupaten tersebut memiliki makanan pokok yang khas yakni sagu. Sebenarnya, sagu adalah makanan pokok masyarakat Papua terutama yang tinggal di daerah dataran rendah yang banyak ditumbuhi hutan sagu. 

Aktivitas Pemrosesan Sagu

Secara tradisional, tepung sagu diekstraksi dari batang pohon sagu dewasa yang telah siap dipanen. Keluarga yang akan memanen sagu biasanya melakukan persiapan peralatan seperti parang, alat tokok, ember dan lain sebagainya. Sebelum pohon sagu ditebang, ada doa-doa yang diucapkan kepada Sang Pencipta berisikan ucapan syukur atas berkat yang sudah diberikan dengan permohonan agar selalu dilindungi supaya terhindar dari kecelakaan atau kesialan ketika mereka sedang bekerja. 

Proses tokok, pemerasan serat sagu yang berisi tepung serta pengendapannya di kontainer-kontainer yang terbuat dari daun bisa berlangsung hingga beberapa hari lamanya. Sagu yang dihasilkan kemudian dipikul ke kampung. Sebagian dijual di pasar, dibagikan ke sanak keluarga serta disimpan untuk dikonsumsi sendiri oleh pihak keluarga. 

Sagu umumnya dihidangkan di meja makan dalam bentuk papeda. Biasanya papeda dimakan dengan sup ikan kuah kuning serta sayur-sayur lainnya. Ada juga sagu yang dibakar di cetakan berbentuk persegi dengan ketebalan sekitar 1 - 1,5 centimeter. Sagu bakar ini bisa dicampur dengan kelapa dan gula merah. Rasanya enak sekali ketika dihidangkan di pagi maupun sore hari dengan kopi susu atau teh manis.

Tanaman sagu memiliki banyak sekali manfaat bagi masyarakat setempat di Kabupaten Teluk Wondama. Daun sagu digunakan untuk atap rumah atau pondok tempat berteduh baik di kebun maupun di pinggir pantai. 

Wisatawan yang berkunjung ke Wondama bisa melihat bagaimana sagu diproses mulai dari penokokan di dusun sagu hingga pemasakan serta penyajiannya di meja makan. 

Adik-adik perempuan dari Rumberpon sedang mementaskan tarian tradisional di hadapan wisatawan Eropa

Untuk berkunjung ke Wondama, wisatawan perlu terbang ke Manokwari (ibu kota Provinsi Papua Barat). Lion Air, Batik, Wings, dan Sriwijaya adalah maskapai yang menyediakan layanan terbang dari sejumlah kota besar dan kecil di Indonesia ke Manokwari. Setelah tiba di Manokwari, wisatawan bisa melanjutkan perjalanan ke Wondama dengan naik kapal atau naik pesawat penumpang kecil yang dioperasikan oleh Susi Air. 

Di Wondama ada hotel/ penginapan, restoran, bank, apotik, rumah sakit, serta toko-toko yang menyediakan berbagai barang kebutuhan sehari-hari. 

Selain wisata budaya pemrosesan sagu, wisatawan bisa menikmati keindahan alam di Teluk Wondama baik yang di laut maupun di darat. Ada pantai-pantai indah dengab terumbu karang yang berwarna-warni. Wisatawan bisa mandi di pantai sambil menikmati aktivitas snorkeling untuk melihat tumbuhan dan hewan laut yang unik. Ada juga kampung-kampung di pinggir hutan yang bisa dikunjungi oleh wisatawan. Wisatawan bisa tinggal selama beberapa hari dan melihat dari dekat kehidupan masyarakat sehari-hari yang kebanyakan hidup sebagai nelayan atau petani. Hutan di pinggir kampung adalah habitat alami bagi burung kakaktua putih, kakaktua raja, taun-taun, serta Cendrawasih. Ada juga soa-soa, kuskus dan kupu-kupu sayap burung. 

Wisatawan perlu membawa peralatan seperti masker snorkeling, pipa naps (snorkel), dan kaki bebek jika ingin menikmati wisata snorkeling di pantai dan pulau-pulau di Kabupaten Teluk Wondama. Bagi wisatawan yang lebih tertarik dengab ekosistem hutan, tentu saja teropong (binocular), spotting scope, laser pointer hijau serta kamera dengan telelens.

Info wisata lebih terperinci, silahkan menghubungi:

Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan Teluk Wondama, alamat: Jalan Raya Rasie Kompleks Perkantoran, RASIEI, TELUK WONDAMA -Province of Papua Barat, Republik Indonesia

E-mail: disparbudtelukwondama.info@gmail.com

Di Teluk Wondama sudah ada Dewan Pimpinan Cabang Himpunan Pramuwisata Indonesia (HPI). Ini adalah organisasi yang menjadi wadah berhimpunnya para pemandu wisata. Para wisatawan yang hendak berkunjung ke Wondama bisa menggunakan jasa pemandu jika ingin berkunjung ke kampung-kampung, pantai serta kawasan hutan yang ada di Kabupaten Teluk Wondama. HPI Teluk Wondama bisa dihubungi lewat nomor kontak berikut:

Ketua - Rio Suabey: +62 821 9869 4761

Wakil- Eky: +62 812 4893 1154

Sekretaris: Amsal Tinoring: +6282197937120

Snorkeling di Terumbu Karang Teluk Wondama

Kabupaten Teluk Wondama memiliki banyak sekali atraksi wisata alam yang menarik bagi wisatawan domestik maupun manca negara. Sebagai kabupaten bahari, Wondama memiliki banyak pantai dan terumbu karang yang layak untuk dilihat oleh para pencinta alam yang menaruh perhatian pada pelestarian keanekaragaman hayati dunia bawah laut. 

Atraksi Wisata Bahari di Kabupaten Teluk Wondama

Di daerah sekitar kota Wondama sendiri ada sejumlah spot snorkeling yang bisa dilihat oleh wisatawan yang tertarik dengan keanekaragaman hayati hewan dan tumbuhan laut. Beberapa di antaranya dijelaskan di artikel ini. 

Pantai Ketapang Lima mudah dijangkau dengan naik ojek dari hotel tempat Anda menginap. Terumbu karangnya terletak sekitar 100 meter dari pantai. Lokasi yang agak jauh dari pasir pantai menjadikan terumbu karang di sana terlindung dari aktivitas manusia yang berpotensi merusak. Ke arah luar kota, ada Pantai Sobey, Pantai Wandamui, Pantai Rowor, dan Tanjung Duari yang juga bisa dikunjungi oleh wisatawan pencinta olah raga air snorkeling.

Terumbu Karang di Kabupaten Teluk Wondama

Ada banyak spesies ikan warna-warni yang bisa kita jumpai di sana antara lain: Spinecheek Anemonefish (Premnas biaculeatus), Moorish Idol (Zanclus comutus), Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator), Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), Sunset Wrasse (Thalassoma lutescens). Ada berbagai spesies boxfish, parrotfish, scorpionfish, goby, dan lain sebagainya.

Ada baiknya jika, wisatawan membawa sendiri perlengkapan snorkeling seperti kaca mata selam (mask), pipa napas (snorkel), serta kaki bebek (swim fins). Kamera bawah air seperti GoPro, Nikon W300 atau Olympus TG-6 dapat dipakai untuk memotret berbagai jenis ikan dan tumbuhan yang hidup di terumbu karang Teluk Wondama. 

Wisatawan Indonesia dan manca-negara yang ingin berkunjung ke Kabupaten Teluk Wondama, pertama-tama, perlu terbang ke Manokwari (ibu kota Provinsi Papua Barat). Maskapai penerbangan seperti Lion Air, Batik, Sriwijaya, menyediakan layanan terbang dengan harga yang terjangkau. Setelah tiba di Manokwari, wisatawan bisa melanjutkan perjalanan dengan naik kapal ferry atau kapal penumpang kecil ke Wondama. Ada juga pesawat penumpang kecil milik Susi Air yang melayani penerbangan Manokwari - Wondama beberapa kali dalam seminggu.

Rute Penerbangan dari Jakarta ke Makasar, Manokwari dan Wondama

Selain aktivitas snorkeling, wisatawan bisa berkunjung ke berbagai tempat untuk menikmati kegiatan wisata alam lainnya seperti Kali Rowi di Rasiei untuk kegiatan hiking dan penjelajahan hutan sepanjang tepian kali, Bukit Wandamui untuk menikmati keindahan pemandangan Teluk Wandamui, Pantai Ramiki untuk melihat ekosistem Hutan Mangrove serta Bukit Aitumieri untuk menikmati aktivitas hiking, pengamatan kupu-kupu di hutan dan melihat bangunan bersejarah peninggalan Belanda yang pernah dijadikan sebagai sekolah pendidikan yang pertama bagi masyarakat asli Papua.

Informasi mengenai penginapan, tempat makan, jasa rental kendaraan serta pemandu wisata bisa dilihat di halaman Akomodasi, Restoran dan Fasilitas Pendukung.

Jika Anda tertarik untuk berwisata ke Teluk Wondama dan membutuhkan jasa pemandu wisata, silahkan menghubungi

Himpunan Pramuwisata Kabupaten Wondama dengan nomor kontak sebagai berikut:

Ketua - Rio Suabey: +62 821 9869 4761

Wakil- Eky: +62 812 4893 1154

Sekretaris: Amsal Tinoring: +6282197937120

Artikel ini ditulis oleh LCR-DPDHPIPB

Hiking Trip to Rainforest of Wondama

Tropical rainforest is an interesting ecosystem. It is the place where reptiles, insects, birds and mammals live. There are a lot of species of plants too. 

Rowi Stream - For nature lovers, a hiking trip to rainforest is an interesting activity. The following is a short video about our hiking tour along the sides of Rowi river in Rasiei of Wondama regency. 

Butterflies such as the Cruiser Butterfly (Vindula arsinoe), Silky Owl Butterfly (Taenaris catops), Blue Mountain Swallowtail (Papilio ulysses) and a lot more can be seen in the forest and along the sides of the river.

The entry point to Rowi river is the regent's office of Teluk Wondama regency. Visitors need to make preparation such as bringing binoculars, camera; and wearing hiking or sports shoes. 

The rainforest hiking tour to Rowi river can be done in the mornings, in the afternoons and at nights. Nocturnal marsupial animals such as cuscus possum, and bandicoot could be seen in the forest above Rowi river. 

As a matter of fact Wondama has got a lot of hiking sites. Some of them that are closer to Wasior town include Aitumieri, Aisandami, Kowi, Ramiki and Rasiei.

In Aitumieri Hill, visitors can see the former complex of teachers training school which was built by a Dutch Dominee Isaak Samuel Kijne. there are concrete steps which visitors can follow to reach Batu Inspirasi (meaning the Stone of Inspiration). Here, the view of Wondama bay with its blue sea and the hills on the other side can be seen easily. I heard the calls of King Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus regius) and Magnificent Riflebird (Ptiloris magnificus) in the vicinity of the stone. I used to hear the call of Yellow-billed Kingfisher (Syma torotoro) too.

Stone of Inspiration

Aisandami Village is a great place for rainforest tour. There is a road that goes through the forest that connect it with Yopanggar village. Birds, insects, reptiles, and mammals can be seen in this forest. For birdwatchers, this road is a great site to see Blyth's Hornbill, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Hooded Butcherbird, Eclectus Parrot, Lowland Peltop and etc. This is one of the most recommended sites for birdwatching in West Papua Province of Indonesia especially birds that live in lowland and lower montane forest.

Birdwatching in Aisandami forest

To reach Kowi Peak, visitors need to go hiking up steep slopes for around 2 hours. The peak overlooks the Wasior town and the blue sea of Wondama Bay. Early in the morning, visitors can watch Blyth's Hornbill, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and lorikeets fly over the canopy of the forest. From this peak, visitors can walk along the ridge, deeper into the forest to reach a stream. This is a great camping ground for visitors. 

The scenery of Wondama bay as seen from Kowi Peak

The Indonesian Tourist Guide Association of Wondama regency

• Rio Suabey: +62 821 9869 4761
• Eky Sawaki: +62 812 4893 1154
• Amsal Tinoring: +6282197937120

Or

Department of Culture and Tourism

Wondama Bay Regency

Address:

Jalan Raya Rasiei Kompleks Perkantoran

RASIEI, TELUK WONDAMA

West Papua Province, Indonesia

E-mail: disparbudtelukwondama.info@gmail.com

If you are interested in traveling to Wondama regency, please, use the contact us form on the right side of this blog.

This article was written by Charles Roring: WA+6281332245180.