Teluk Cendrawasih National Park
Teluk Cendrawasih National Park combines coral reef ecosystems,
coastal ecosystems, mangrove ecosystems and an island terrestrial
tropical forest ecosystem, altogether covering a total area of
1,453,500 hectares.
The Park area includes the largest marine national park in
Indonesia, consisting of land and coastal areas (0.9%), islands
(3.8%), coral reefs (5.5%), and marine waters (89.8%).
Some 46 species of plant have been recorded on the islands,
dominated by bakau (Bruguiera sp.), api-api (Avicennia sp.), nipah (Nypa
fruticans), sago (Metroxylon sago), cemara laut (Casuarina
equisetifolia), and ketapang (Terminalia catappa).
One hundred and fifty species of coral have been recorded in the
Park, consisting of 15 families and distributed on the shores of 18
large and small islands. The percentage of live coral coverage
varies from between 30-40% to 64-65%.
In general, the coral reef ecosystem is divided into two zones: the
reef flat zone and the reef slope zone. Among the species of coral
that can be seen are colonies of blue coral (Heliopora coerulea),
black coral (Antipathes sp.), Leptoseris sp., Mycedium elephantotus,
and soft corals.
The Park is famed for its wealth of fish species. About 209 species
inhabit this Park, among them butterfly fish, angelfish, damselfish,
parrotfish, rabbitfish and anemone fish. Species of mollusc include
cowries (Cypraea spp.), strombidae (Lambis spp.), cone shell (Conus
spp.), trumpet triton (Charonia tritonis), and great clam (Tridacna
gigas).
There are four species of turtle that are quite often seen in this
Park. They are the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), common
green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Pacific ridley turtle (Lepidochelys
olivacea), and leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Dugong
(Dugong dugon), coconut crab (Birgus latro), blue whale (Balaenoptera
musculus), dolphin, and shark are other frequent visitors to these
waters.
There is a natural cave with ancient remains, thermal springs
containing sulphur without salt on Mioswaar island, and an
underwater cave with a depth of 100 feet in Tanjung Mangguar.
Remains from the 18th century can still be found in several places,
such as Wendesi, Wasior, and Yomber. Many Christians visit the
church in Yende village (Roon Island) to have a look at a bible
which dates from 1898.
Interesting locations/attractions:
Rumberpon Island: observing birds and deer, marine tours, diving
and snorkelling. The wreck of a sunken military aircraft lies on the
sea bed.
Nusrowi Island: diving and snorkelling, marine tours, and animal
observation.
Mioswaar Island: thermal springs, waterfalls, diving and snorkelling,
animal observation, and sites of cultural interest.
Yoop Island and Windesi waters: whale and dolphin watching.
Roon Island: bird watching, diving and snorkelling, waterfalls,
cultural interest, and an old church.
Best time of year to visit: May to October.
How to reach the Park: from Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Ujung
Pandang, Jayapura, Honolulu and Darwin by direct flight to Biak;
from Biak to Manokwari or Nabire by plane.
From Jakarta, Surabaya, Ujung Pandang and Jayapura by plane directly
to Manokwari or Nabire. From Manokwari to the Park (Rumberpon
Island) by longboat, 5.5 hours, or from Manokwari to Ransiki
subdistrict by car, about 3 hours, then a 2.5-hour trip by motor
boat.
Designated Minister of Forestry SK.No. 448 / Menhut-VI/90,
a total area of 1,453,500 hectares
Location Regencies: Manokwari and Paniai
(Province of West Papua)
Temperature 21° - 33° C
Rainfall 1,200 - 3,700 mm/year
Humidity 82 - 83%
Wind speed 3.5 - 9.0 knot and 22 - 23 knot
Park Office: Jl. Trikora Wosi Rendani, PO Box 229
Manokwari 98312, West Papua
Tel. : +62-986-212212
Fax. : +62-986-212437
Related resources
National park in Maluku and Papua:
- National Parks in Indonesia
- Manusela National Park - Masohi, Maluku
- Wasur National Park - Merauke, West Papua
-
Lorentz National Park - Jayapura, Papua
