How to Get to Raja Ampat Islands, Papua?

Raja Ampat is an exotic destination in Papua, Indonesia. These islands have a very special natural beauty. Travelers who interested to visiting Raja Ampat can be started from Jakarta or other big cities to the airport Domine Eduard Osok, Sorong, West Papua. Flight from Jakarta to Sorong usually transit at Makassar or Manado. From Domine Eduard Osok Airport at Sorong, travelers can get to the Raja Ampat using marine transport.

Waisai is the capital of Raja Ampat. Waisai is Located on Waigeo island. The city is considered as the gateway to Raja Ampat. Ships from Sorong also has routes to most of Waisai daipada other islands in the Raja Ampat.

To go to Waisai, there are two alternative marine transport. First, the ferry from the Port of Sorong. For using ferry, the cost is 200.000 rupiah. Second, you can rent a speed boat with a capacity of 10-30 people from the Port of Mina Enterprises at a cost of about 5 million rupiah or more for round trip. If the waves calm, Sorong-Waisai trips can be taken about 1.5-2 hours.

Raja Ampat is a paradise for divers and snorkeling. Raja Ampat has approximately 600 kind of coral reefs, it's 75% of all known coral species in the world. At Raja Ampat visitors can do diving, snorkeling and trekking. For trekking and hunting photos, views of the coral island is an amazing sight.

Diving spots at Kakaban island

Kakaban Island located in Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan Province of Indonesia. The marine around Kakaban Island known as marine parks. On this island there is a wide variety of marine life such as squid, lobster, ghostpipe fish, octopus, nudibranchs, seahorses, ribbon eels and scorpion fishes. On the rocks at a depth of ten meters, there are coral known as "Blue Trigger Wall", on the reef with a length of 18 meters there are plenty of red-toothed trigger fishes. However, not only for diving, visitor can also enjoy the beautiful marine park by snorkeling in the waters of the outer side of the Kakaban island. There are several diving points in Kakaban island, for example Barracuda Point, Blue Light Cave, The Drift, Cabbage Patch, Diver's Delight, The Plateau, The North Face, The Wall and Rainbow Run.

Diving spots at Kakaban island

Barracuda Point is a steep wall, where the current brings large pelagics like whitetip barracuda, sharks, leopard sharks, snapper, jack and tuna. Drift diving can be done with the help of a grab line permanently secured at 24 metres (79 ft) across a relatively flat area on the upcurrent side of the point.

Trekking in Manusela National Park

Manusela National Park is a tourist attraction located on Seram island in Maluku Province of Indonesia. The national park was established in 1997, to protect an area of 1,890 km², representing 11% of the land area of Seram island. In this park there is Mount Binaiya, with altitude 3.027 meters. It is the highest of the park's six mountains.

Moluccan Cockatoo also known
as Salmon-crested Cockatoo

In the local language Manusela means "bird of freedom". The park is habitats for many species of birds. There are approximately 117 species of birds in this park, 14 of them endemic, such as Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Moluccan Cockatoo), Eclectus Parrot, Sacred Kingfisher, Lazuli Kingfisher, Grey-necked Friarbird, Black-chinned Monarch, Purple-naped Lory, Bicoloured White-eye and Moluccan King Parrot.

Manusela National Park is also habitats for cuscus (Phalanger orientalis orientalis), Timor deer (Cervus timorensis moluccensis), water-hagedis dragon (Hydrosaurus amboinensis), wild pig (Sus celebensis), marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata), giant skink (Tiliqua gigas gigas), dugong (Dugong dugon), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), and various species of butterfly.

The park is made up of coastal forest, swamp forest, lowland and montane rainforest ecosystem types. Plants that grow in this park such as Alstonia scholaris, Avicennia, Dryobalanops and Pandanus species, Bruguiera sexangula, Terminalia catappa, Shorea selanica, Rhizophora acuminata, Pometia pinnata, Melaleuca leucadendra and various species of orchid.

The best time to visit the park is on May to October. The number one reason to go to Manusela National Park is for trekking. Another attraction of tourists to do in this park that is exploring the forest, mountain climbing, observing animals and plants. Cultural attractions outside the park, such as the Masohi Festival in November, kora-kora (rowing) races in April, and Darwin-Ambon International Yacht race in July, in Ambon.

How to get to the Manusela National Park?

Manusela National Park can be reached either from the north coast (Sawai and Wahai), or the south coast (Tehoru and Moso). First, visitors have to go to Ambon. Ambon holds the nearest big airport for accessing the region. Numerous regular flight available from Jakarta or other city in Indonesia. From Ambon to Masohi by ferry (daily) take about 8 hours, continued to Saka by car for about 2 hours, then to Wahai using speed boat about 2 hours. Alternatively, from Ambon to Wahai by ship takes about 24 hours (3 times a week). There are a flight from Ambon to Wahai once a week. Other route from Masohi to Tehoru by motor boat takes about 9 hours, then to Moso and Saunulu village.

Trekking and Seeing Orangutans in Mount Leuser National Park

Mount Leuser National Park is one of the nature conservation areas in Indonesia, covering an area of 1,094,692 hectares which is located in North Sumatra and Aceh Provinces of Indonesia. The national park takes its name from Mount Leuser with a height of 3.404 meters above sea level in Aceh. This national park includes the original ecosystem of the coast to high mountains covered by dense typical tropical rain forest, managed by the zoning system used for the purpose of research, science, education, culture, tourism, and recreation.

The entrance of Gunung Leuser National Park

Mount Leuser National Park has three functions: First, protection of life support systems. Second, preserving species diversity of plants and animals and their ecosystems. Third, sustainable use of biological resources and ecosystems.

Almost the entire area are covered by Dipterocarpaceae forest with several rivers and waterfalls. In this national park there are several rare plants such as Raflesia flower (Rafflesia atjehensis and Rafflesia micropylora), giant umbrella leaves (Johannesteijsmannia altifrons) and Rhizanthes zippelnii which is the largest flower with a diameter of 1,5 meters.

In this national park there are also several endangered and protected animals such as gibbon (Hylobates syndactylus syndactylus), introspect / orangutan (Pongo abelii), Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus), Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Sumatran rhinoceros (sumatrensis sumatrensis Dicerorhinus), sambar deer (Cervus unicolor), forest goat (Capricornis sumatraensis), forest cats (Prionailurus sumatrana bengalensis) and hornbills (Buceros bicornis).

One of the tourist attractions in Mount Leuser National Park is observation center for Sumatran Orangutan at Bukit Lawang, Langkat regency, North Sumatra. Seeing the orangutans is a magical experience. In Bukit Lawang, you can usually see them near the rehabilitation centre and at the feeding platform during the morning and afternoon feeding sessions. Feedings are daily at 8.00AM and 3.00PM. Attending the feeding costs Rp 20,000. The proceeds are used to keep the project running.

The best experience is an encounter in the jungle where there are many semi-wild and wild animals. The wild orangutan can be difficult to spot unless you go deep into the jungle. There are also white and black gibbons that make an amazing noise calling out to each other, and Thomas Leaf monkeys. If you are lucky, you may be able to see hornbills, toucans, moon snakes, monitor lizards. Since there are very few still alive, it is very improbable that either the Sumatran Tiger or the Sumatran Rhinoceros will be encountered, although footprints and droppings have been reported. For elephants, go to Tangkahan or near Ketambe you can trek further into the jungle to try and spot wild elephants.

The best time to visit the park is on June to October. There are several tourist attraction that can be done in the park, such as: mountain climbing, hiking, trekking through coastal forest, observing plants and animals, kayaking/canoeing and camping.

The number one reason to go to Gunung Leuser National Park is for a trek, whether that is mountain trekking or trekking to spot wildlife. A wide range of treks into the jungle looking for wildlife are available in Bukit Lawang, Ketembe and Tangkahan. There are many tours from 1 to 3 days (sleeping in the jungle) but more or less can probably be arranged too. For montain climbing or hiking, there are all multi-day treks to Gunung Leuser and Gunung Kemiri.

How to get to the park?

From Medan to Kutacane by car takes about 8 hours (240 km). From Kutacane to Gurah or Ketambe by car take about 30 minutes (35 km). From Medan to Bohorok or Bukit Lawang take about 1 hour by car (60 km). From Medan to Sei Betung or Sekundur take about 2 hours by car (150 km). From Medan to Tapaktuan takes about 10 hours by car (260 km).

For more information, please read How to get to Gunung Leuser National Park?.

How to get to Gunung Leuser National Park?

As previously has been reviewed in Trekking and Seeing Orangutans in Mount Leuser National Park, Gunung Leuser has the beauty of flora and fauna that are very interesting. Gunung Leuser National Park is the habitats for Sumatran Orangutans, Sumatran Elephant, Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, Siamang, Mainland Serow, Sambar deer, and Leopard Cat.

To reach the park, visitor should make a trip to Medan. Medan holds the nearest big airport for accessing the region. Numerous regular flight available from Jakarta or other city in Indonesia. If you have plan to hiking Gunung Leuser, you could fly to Kutacane from Medan, takes about 30 minutes.

From Medan to Bukit Lawang, can be reached by bus. Non air conditioned buses from Medan (Pinang Baris Bus Terminal) to Bukit Lawang was Rp 10,000/person (in October 2008), takes about 3-4 hours. There should be buses every 30 minutes. Back to Medan from Bukit Lawang, you can take a minibus (cost Rp 12,000/person (October 2008)) or a large bus (cost Rp 10,000, but they might ask for more). They alternate every 15 minutes from Bukit Lawang Bus Terminal.

From Medan to Kutacane, BTN and Karsima run several public minibuses that serve the traveling to and from both cities. The cost was Rp. 50.000 (January 2011). The journey takes about 7 hours. They leave from their ticket offices. They usually go via Berastagi where you can flag them down or hop off if you wish to make the detour.

From Kutacane to Ketambe, take a local mobil from the station by the market in Kutacane. The cost is Rp 10,000 (January 2011). The journey takes about 1 hour.

If you prefer the convenience of an air-conditioned transfer, a private car can be arranged for Polonia Airport or your Medan hotel pick-up. Many Bukit Lawang hotels will arrange this service for you in conjunction with an accommodation booking. As an alternative, car rentals are also available in Medan for approximately Rp. 350,000 a day.

South Bukit Barisan National Park, Exploring the Tropical Rainforest of Sumatra

South Bukit Barisan National Park is a national park aimed at protecting the biodiversity and the natural wealth in tropical rainforests of Sumatra island. South Bukit Barisan declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1935 and became a National Park in 1982. UNESCO made the South Bukit Barisan National Park as a World Heritage. At first the size of the park is 356,800 hectares, but the area of the park at this time is calculated by using GIS for approximately 324,000 hectares.

Bukit Barisan

It is located at the tip of the southwestern region of Sumatra. Seventy percent of the park (249,552 hectares) is included in the administrative areas of West Lampung and Tanggamus region, where both are part of Lampung province. The other part of the park covers 74,822 hectares are in the area of Kaur which is in the province of Bengkulu.

Among the plant species that can be found in the Park are Rafflesia Arnorldi, pidada (Sonneratia sp.), Casuarina Equisetifolia, Nypa Fruticans, Pandanus sp., meranti (Shorea sp.), Anisoptera Curtisii, Michelia Champaka, ramin (Gonystylus bancanus), rattan (Calamus sp.), Dipterocarpus sp., and damar (Agathis sp.). Characteristic of the Park are tall carrion flower (Amorphophallus decus-silvae), which can reach a height of more than 2 metres, giant carrion flower (A. titanum), and giant orchid / sugarcane (Grammatophylum speciosum). The park has some lowland forests in Sumatra's last protected. Very rich in biodiversity and it is home to three species of the most endangered large mammal in the world: Sumatran elephant (less than 2000 survived current), Sumatran rhino (total global population: 300 individuals and drastically diminishing in number) and the Sumatran tiger (the entire global population of around 400 individuals).

South Bukit Barisan National Park included in the Global 200 Ecoregions, namely ranking terrestrial habitats, freshwater and sea on earth the most striking from the biological point of view created by the WWF. The park is highlighted as a priority area for Sumatran rhino conservation through the Asian Rhino and Elephant Action Strategy (AREAS) of the WWF. In addition, IUCN, WCS and WWF have identified the park as a Tiger Conservation Unit, which is the most important forest areas for tiger conservation in the world. Finally, in 2002, UNESCO has chosen this area to be proposed as a World Heritage Cluster and Mountainous Areas together with Mount Leuser National Park and the Kerinci Seblat.

Tourist attraction that can be done in the park are exploring the forest, marine tours, swimming, boating, observing plants (rafflesia, carrion flower), observing animal (Sumatran rhinoceros and elephant), camping, and kayaking/canoeing. The best time to visit the park is on January to August.

How to get to the South Bukit Barisan National Park?

Map of South Bukit Barisan

There are several route to reach the park. Teluk Betung - Tanjung Karang - Kota Agung - Tampang by motor boat takes about 6 hours. Kota Agung - Banjarnegoro - Sukaraja Atas/Suwoh, takes about 4 hours by bus. Kota Agung - Kubu Perahu, about 7 hours by car.

How To Get To Taka Bonerate National Park?

To get to Taka Bonerate National Park, visitors should make a trip to Makassar. Numerous regular flight available from Jakarta and Bali to Makassar. Then continue the trip from Makassar to Benteng, the main town in Selayar Islands Regency. There are several transportation choice to go from Makassar to Benteng:

• By plane, from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport (Makassar) toward H. Aeropala Airport (Selayar). Flight schedules of SMAC (Sabang Merauke Raya Air Charter) which is every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, the ticket price is Rp.200.000-300.000, flights takes about 45 minutes. While Express Airlines flights every Monday, Tuesday and Saturday with a ticket price of Rp.400.000-450.000, flights takes about 20 minutes.

• By bus, from Sultan Hasannudin Airport visitor can use taxi (cost around Rp 100.000) to Malengkeri Bus Terminal (Makassar). Regular air conditioned bus are available every day at Malengkeri Terminal (Makassar), the ticket price is Rp.100.000/person. Bus without air conditioner are available with a cheaper price. The air conditioned bus leaving at 08.00 WITA, takes around 5 hours to Bira Port (Bulukumba). From Bira Port proceed with the cross using the ferry for 2 hours to Pamatata Port (Selayar), then proceed to the Benteng city in approximately 1.5 hours.

• By boat, from Sultan Hasannudin Airport visitor can use taxi (cost around Rp 100.000) to Malengkeri Bus Terminal (Makassar) and continue to Lappe Port (Bulukumba) by public transport (ticket price Rp.50.000-Rp.60.000). Daily ship (fiber boat) from Lappee Port to Benteng Port usually depart at 15.30 WITA with 2 hours long journey. The ticket price of the boat is around Rp.70.000.

From Benteng the trip continues to Port Pattumbukan using rental car within 1,5 hours. Then, sea travel to the Tinabo island from Port Pattumbukan can be done using Jolloro (wooden ship) that takes about 4-5 hours or by speed boat (cost Rp.1,5-2 milions) that takes about 1,5-2 hours.

Map to Taka Bonerate National Park. Source: tntakabonerate.com

Diving at Taka Bonerate National Park, the Biggest Atoll in Indonesia

Taka Bonerate National Park is located in the Taka Bonerate District, Selayar regency, South Sulawesi Province in Indonesia. There are 15 islands in Taka Bonerate National Park where visitors can enjoy diving, snorkeling and marine tours. To commemorate the anniversary of Islands Selayar every year the festival was held, entitled Sail Taka Bonerate or previously called Takabonerate Island Expedition (TIE).

Taka Bonerate meaning "coral islands over sand" is the biggest atoll in Indonesia. It is third biggest atoll in the world after Kwajifein in the Marshall islands and Suvadiva in the Moldiva islands. The total area of the atoll is about 220,000 hectares with coral reefs spreading over 500 km².

Topography of the area is very unique and interesting. The atoll is composed of a chain of islands of dry coral and a large flat sunken reef, forming a large number of islands. The coral islands are interspersed by narrow, deep, sheer-walled straits. While on the surface of the reef there are many small pools are surrounded by coral reefs, where at low tide would seem like a dry land punctuated by puddles that formed small pools. On the outside of the atoll, surrounded by dark blue water which is deep enough waters (over 1,500 meters).

The atoll is of major ecological importance, with rich marine and bird life. The national park is considered to contain some of the world's highest marine biodiversity. There are about 295 species of coral fish like grouper (Epinephelus spp.), skipjack (Katsuwonus spp.), napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and surgeonfish (Acanthurus sp.). There are also 244 species of mollusc are the top shell (Trochus niloticus), horned helmet (Cassis cornuta), trumpet triton (Charonia tritonis), green shell (Turbo marmoratus), fluted giant clam (Tridacna squamosa), and pearly-chambered nautili (Nautilus pompillius). The types of turtles are listed including the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Pacific ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), and green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Among the more than 261 identified species of coral are Pocillopora eydouxi, Montipora danae, Acropora palifera, Porites cylindrica, Pavona clavus, Fungia concinna, etc. Most of the corals have formed either atolls (barrier reefs) or fringing reefs. Everything is beautiful coral reefs and relatively intact.

The best season to visit the Park is on April to June and October to December each year. Visitors can enjoy various adventure and underwater activity like snorkeling, diving, boating, canoeing, sailing, water skiing, cruising, jet skiing, fishing, and swimming.

How to get to the Park?

The Park can be reached by bus from Makassar to Bulukumba (153 Km) and takes about 5 hours, then to the Pamatata Port of Selayar Islands District crossing by ferry about 2 hours, which continued into the Benteng city of about 1,5 hours. By using air services transportation can be directly from Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport at Makassar to H. Aroeppala Airport at Selayar Islands. From Benteng city to the nearest town that is Rajuni using wooden ship about 5 hours.

For detail information, please read this article How to get to Taka Bonerate National Park?

Mountain Climbing at Mount Rinjani National Park

Mount Rinjani National Park is located on the island of Lombok, Indonesia in the North Lombok Regency. The park represents a range of Nusa Tenggara's ecosystem types, from sub-montane rain forest to montane forest and savanna. In 2008, the Indonesian government proposed to UNESCO that Mount Rinjani be one of the world's official geoparks. If this was approved by UNESCO, Mount Rinjani would become the first such geological park in Indonesia.

View from the northwest Calder Arand on the summit of Gunung Rinjani (3726m),
Gunung Baru smaller (2351m) and Segara Anak lake. Source: wikipedia.org

This national park covers about 41.330 hectares and it has a variety of flora, such as: Nettles (Laportea stimulant), Dedurenan (Aglaea argentea), Bayur (Pterospermum Javanicum), Banyan (Ficus Benjamina), Jambu-jambuan (Syzygium sp), keruing (Dipterocarpus Hasseltii), Rerau (D. imbricatus), Mountain Pine (Casuarina junghuniana), Eidelweis (Anaphalis Javanica) and several kinds of orchids that is endemic forest such as P.Lombokensis and Perisstylus Rinjaniensis. While the variety of fauna in Mount Rinjani National Park, such as: Weasel Rinjani (Paradoxurus Hemaprhoditus Rinjanicus), Deer (Muntiacus muntjak Nainggolani), ebony leaf monkey (Trachypithecus auratus Kohlbruggei), Pangolin (Manis javanicus), Horn Cikukua bird (Philemon Buceroides Neglectus), Dawah Forest (Ducula Lacernulata Sasakensis), black nape orioles (Oriolus Chinensis Broderipii) and some types of reptiles, plus a number of freshwater fish species that live in the Segara Anak lake. The lower and mid levels of the mountain are quite heavily forested. Above the tree line though the slopes are barren and rugged scree slopes and volcanic rock. The views of the crater lake are quite breath-taking from the caldera rim, as is the sunrise. From the absolute peak you can see Bali to the west and Sumbawa to the east.

Mount Rinjani view from Sembalun side.

Mount Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia with an altitude of 3726 m above sea level and is located at latitude 8º25' S and 116º28' E is a favorite for mountain climbers because of the beauty of the landscape. The park is popular for mountain climbing and trekking. It’s represents an important nature reserve and water catchement area. Mount Rinjani is best climbed during the April-November dry season. It is possible to climb during the rainy season as well but treks are often cancelled at short notice if the rain is heavy. It gets very cold on the mountain above 2,000 m and nears freezing at the summit. Warm clothing is an absolute must.

On the mountain crater (2.800mdpl) there is a inactive crater caused by the eruption of Mount Rinjani formed a vast lake (1.100hA) with beautiful scenery. The lake is called Segara Anak Lake, of the Sasak language means roughly Small Sea. Adequately describe the area of the lake. Lake water depth is estimated around 160m – 230m. Lake water temperature varied from the other side to the other side. The water of the lake there is a very strong sulfur smell so much like a very dangerous Moffet but those that smell like mountain water. In the middle of the Segara Anak lake there is a new mountain called Barujari Mount. Mount Barujari is believed to grow taller every year. The average rainfall in this region is the location of the height of 2.000ml/tahun 550mdpl – 3.726mdpl.

There are some tourist attractions in the park, for example: At mount Rinjani tourist can do mountain climbing, trekking and camping. At Segara Anak Lake, Sebau and Gunung Baru, tourist can do research, observing animals, enjoying natural phenomena and thermal springs, exploring the forest, cultural attraction. At Otakokkoq and Kembang Kuning tourist can enjoying thermal springs and waterfalls.

How to go to Mount Rinjani?

There are a number of options to get to Mount Rinjani:

• Mataram-Selong-Sambelia-Sembalun Lawang by car, it takes about 4.5 hours (140 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, about 9 hours (25 km). 
• Mataram-Bayan-Senaru by car, about 2.5 hours (82 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, about 9 hours (25 km). 
• Mataram-Bayan-Torean, about 2.5 hours (85 km), then on foot to Segara Anak Lake, about 7.5 hours. 
• Mataram-Masbagik-Kutaraja-Tetebatu, about 1.5 hours (60 km), then on foot to Otakokkoq, about 30 minutes.

Marine Tours, Diving, and Snorkeling in Bunaken National Park

Bunaken National Park is a marine park located in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province. The location is in the Coral Triangle, providing habitat to 390 species of coral as well as many fish, mollusc, reptile and marine mammal species. Bunaken is representative of Indonesian tropical water ecosystems, coral reef, consisting of seagrass plain, and coastal ecosystems.

Bunaken Island seen from Manado Tua Island.
Source: wikipedia.org 

The Park covers a total area of 890.65 km², which 97% of it is marine habitat. The remaining 3% of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Siladen, Nain, Mantehage and Manado Tua. At the southern part of the Park covers part of the Tanjung Kelapa coast.

A very rich coral ecosystem covers most of Bunaken, dominated by fringing reef and barrier reef corals. Approximately 390 species of coral recorded in the Park. A distinct feature is a 25-50 meter vertical coral wall which is inhabited by 13 coral genus. Seaweeds that can be found here include Halimeda, Padina, and Caulerpa species. The dominant seagrasses in Montehage and Nain island are Enhallus acoroides, Thalassodendron ciliatum, and Thalassia hemprichii.

Approximately 90 species of fish live in the waters of the park, among them are the Emperor Angelfish, Almaco Jack, Spotted Seahorse, Bluestripe Snapper, Pinkish Basslet and Two-lined monocle bream. The species of mollusc include the Giant Clam (Tridacna gigas), horned helmet (Cassis cornuta), pearly-chambered nautili (Nautilus pompillius), and ascidians.

Bunaken National Park, Manado. Source: wikipedia.org

On the land, the Park are rich in species of palm, sagu, woka, silar and coconut. Among the animal species that live on the land and the beaches are black-crested macaques (Macaca nigra nigra), Timor deer (Cervus timorensis russa), and bear-cuscus (Ailurops ursinus ursinus). The mangrove forest at the Park contains Lumnitzera, Rhizophora, Bruguiera, and Sonneratia species. This forest is also rich in species of crab, lobster, mollusc, and sea birds such as gulls, herons, sea doves, and storks.

There are some tourist attractions in the park. Anniversary of Manado in July and Menulude in January are suitable for cultural attractions. Bunaken is one of Indonesia's most famous diving and snorkeling spot, it draws visitors from all over the world. Marine habitats suitable for tourists to do the marine tours, diving, and snorkeling in Bunaken. There are beginner-friendly sites too and all dive shops can arrange introduction dives and Open Water Dive courses. The best time to visit it is at May to August.

How to go to Bunaken ?

The Park can be reached from Manado harbour, the Nusantara Diving Centre Marina in Molas subdistrict, and the Blue Banter Marina. From Manado harbour by motor boat :

• to Siladen Island takes about 20 minutes, 
• to Bunaken Island takes about 30 minutes, 
• to Montehage Island takes about 50 minutes, 
• to Nain Island takes about 60 minutes. 

From Blue Banter Marina heading to the tourist attractions on Bunaken takes about 10-15 minutes by cabin cruiser. From the Nusantara Diving Centre harbour to the dive spots take about 20 minutes by speedboat.

Lorentz National Park, the Tourist Attractions in Papua

Lorentz National Park is located in the province of Papua, Indonesian. With an area of 25,056 km², the Park is the largest protected area in the Asia-Pacific region. it represents the most complete ecosystem for biodiversity in either Southeast Asia or the Pacific. It is also one of only three tropical areas in the world that has a glacier. Stretching from snow-covered peaks down to coastal waters and mangrove forest and bordering upon the Arafura Sea, this astonishing ecological spectrum ranges from alpine to lowland and wetland vegetation areas.

Puncak Jaya at the north-western edge of the Lorentz National Park.
Source: wikipedia.org

The park contains Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid), which at 4,884 metres is the tallest mountain between the Himalayas and the Andes. Puncak Jaya is surrounded by equatorial glaciers, which are rapidly retreating due to the effects of global warming. Lorentz National Park also has other unique features such as a river that disappears under the ground for several kilometres in the Baliem valley.

The forests of Lorentz encompass the traditional lands of eight indigenous ethnic groups, including the Asmat, Amungme, Dani, Sempan, and Nduga. The park contains many unmapped and unexplored areas, and is certain to contain many species of plants and animals as yet unknown to Western science.

There are 34 vegetation types that make up the forest area of the Park, including swamp forest, riparian forest, sago forest, peat forest, coastal forest, coral reef, slope/flat land rain forest, hillside rain forest, montane forest, grassy plains, and moss-covered areas. Among the species of plant that grow in this Park are Podocarpus pilgeri, Rhizophora apiculata, Pandanus julianettii, Nauclea coadunata, Nypa fruticans, and  Colocasia esculenta.

The Southern Crowned Pigeon found in Lorentz.
 Source: wikipedia.org

The Park have over 630 species of bird (around 70% of the total number of bird species in Papua) and 123 species of mammal. Birds include two species of cassowary, 31 species of cockatoo, 31 pigeon and dove species, 29 species of sunbird and 13 species of kingfisher. Six bird species are endemic to the Snow Mountains including the Snow Mountain Robin and Snow Mountain Quail, 26 species are endemic to the Central Papuan Ranges while three are endemic to the South Papuan Lowlands. Threatened species include the Pesquet's Parrot, Southern Crowned Pigeon, Macgregor's Giant Honeyeater, Southern Cassowary and Salvadori's Teal.

The mammal species include the Short-beaked echidna, Long-beaked echidna, and four species of cuscus as well as wildcats, wallabies and tree-kangaroos. Endemic to the Sudirman Range is the Dingiso, a tree kangaroo species only discovered in 1995.

The best time to visit the park is on August to December. Tourist can do cultural tourism, animal observation and mountain climbing.

How to go to the park?

From Timika, to the northern part of the Park by the local air service and to the southern part of the Park by sea from the Sawa Erma Port, then follow the trails to various locations.

Teluk Cenderawasih National Park, The Beauty of Cenderawasih Bay Papua

Teluk Cenderawasih National Park is a marine national park located in Cenderawasih Bay south-east of Bird's Head Peninsula at Papua island, Indonesia. The park includes the islands of Mioswaar, Nusrowi, Roon, Rumberpon and Yoop. With a total area of 1.453.500 hectares, it is the largest marine national park of Indonesia. It combines coral reef ecosystems, coastal ecosystems, mangrove ecosystems and an island terrestrial tropical forest ecosystem.

About 46 species of plant have been recorded from the park dominated by Bruguiera and Avicennia species, Nypa fruticans, Metroxylon sago, Casuarina equisetifolia, and Terminalia catappa. The park protects a rich marine ecosystem, with over 150 recorded coral species 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 these are colonies of Black coral, Blue coral, Mycedium elephantotus, Leptoseris species, and Alcyonacea or soft corals.

Parrotfish, one of over 200 fish species
recorded in the National Park. Source: wikipedia.org

The Park is famed for its wealth of fish species. Over 200 fish species inhabit the park, include: Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Clownfish, Damselfish, Sharks and Rabbitfish. Species of mollusc include Lambis species, Cowry, Giant clam, Strombidae and Charonia tritonis. There are four species of turtle that are quite often seen in this Park. They are the hawksbill turtle, green turtle, olive ridley turtle, and leatherback turtle. Mammals include dolphins, dugong and blue whale.

There are some tourist attractions in the park. Rumberpon Island is suitable for observing birds and deer, marine tours, diving and snorkeling. The wreck of a sunken military aircraft lies on the sea bed. Nusrowi Island is suitable for diving and snorkeling, marine tours, and animal observation. At Mioswaar Island tourist can see thermal springs, waterfalls and sites of cultural interest, also diving and snorkeling, animal observation. At Yoop Island and Windesi waters tourist can see whale and dolphin. Roon Island is suitable for bird watching, diving, snorkeling and cultural tourism. The best time to visit this park is on May to October.

How to go to the Park?

From Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makasar, Jayapura, Honolulu and Darwin by direct flight to Biak, then from Biak to Manokwari by plane. Or from Jakarta, Surabaya, Ujung Pandang and Jayapura by plane directly to Manokwari.

From Manokwari to the Park (Rumberpon Island) by longboat, it takes about 5.5 hours. Or other route, from Manokwari to Ransiki subdistrict by car, it's about 3 hours, then take 2.5 hours trip by motor boat.

For more information please contact the office of the Park: Jl. Trikora Wosi Rendani, PO Box 229 Manokwari 98312, West Papua, Indonesia. Phone: +62-986-212212. (The contact info is retrieved from http://www.dephut.go.id/INFORMASI/TN%20INDO-ENGLISH/telukcendra_NP.htm at 11 May 2010)

Cultural Tourism and Animal Observation at Wasur National Park Papua

Wasur National Park is located at 8°36'S 140°50'E in the province of Papua, Indonesia. This area is part of the largest wetlands in Papua. The high value of its biological diversity has led to the Park being dubbed the "Serengeti Papua". Approximately 70% of the total area of the Park consists of savanna, with the remaining vegetation is swamp forest, monsoon forest, coastal forest, bamboo forest, grassy plains and large stretches of sago swamp forest. The dominant plants in the forest area include mangroves, Avicennia, Bruguiera, Terminalia, and Melaleuca species.

Early morning rainbow in the Wasur National Park.
Source: wikipedia.org

The park provides habitat for a large variety of up to 358 bird species of which some 80 species are endemic to the island of Papua. Fish diversity is also high in the region with some 111 species found in the eco-region and a large number of these are recorded from Wasur. The Park's wetland provides habitat for various species of lobster and crab as well. Common fauna species include: Greater Bird of Paradise, Red Bird of Paradise, King Bird of Paradise, Blue Crowned Pigeon, Agile Wallaby, Southern Cassowary, Pesquet's Parrot, Saltwater Crocodile, and New Guinea Crocodile.

Wasur National Park is the habitat for a number of rare and endemic species. Red-listed species known to be present in viable populations are Fly River Grassbird, New Guinea Harpy Eagle, Black-necked Stork, Dusky Pademelon, Southern Crowned Pigeon and Little Curlew. Three Trans-Fly endemic bird species have been recorded, including the Grey-crowned Munia and Fly River Grassbird.

The park is suitable for animal observation, kayaking/canoeing along the rivers, fishing, and cultural tourism. The best time to visit it is at July to November.

How to go to the park ?

From Jayapura to Merauke by plane, it takes about 1.5 hours. Then from Merauke to the Park by car, it takes about 1-2 hours via the Trans Papua (Jayapura-Merauke) road.

For more information, please contact:
Office: Jl. Raya Mandala, Gang Spadem Nr. 2, PO Box 109, Merauke 99611, Papua, Indonesia
Phone: +62-971-322495 or 325406
(The contact info is retrieved from http://www.dephut.go.id/INFORMASI/TN%20INDO-ENGLISH/wasur_NP.htm at 11 May 2010)

Adventure and Diving at Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is a national park in Indonesia, located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the provinces of East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara. This national park consists of three major islands: Komodo, Rinca, and Padar, as well as several smaller islands, with a total area of 1,733 km² (603 km² of it land).

Komodo National Park. Source: wikipedia.org

In 1980 the national park was established to protect the Komodo dragon and its habitat. The hot and dry climate of the park, characterized by savannah vegetation, make it to a good habitat for the endemic Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). Other than the Komodo Dragon twelve terrestrial snake species are found on the island. Including the cobra (Naja naja sputatrix), Russel’s pit viper (Vipera russeli), and the green tree vipers (Trimeresurus albolabris). Lizards include 9 skink species (Scinidae), geckos (Gekkonidae), limbless lizards (Dibamidae), and, of course, the monitor lizards (Varanidae). Frogs include the Asian Bullfrog (Kaloula baleata), Oreophyne jeffersoniana and Oreophyne darewskyi. They are typically found at higher, moister altitudes.

There are 277 species of animal which is a mix of animals from Asia and Australia, which consists of 32 species of mammals and 128 species of birds. Mammals include the Timor deer (Cervus timorensis), the main prey of the Komodo dragon, horses (Equus sp.), water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), wild boar (Sus scrofa vittatus), long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus lehmanni), the endemic Rinca rat (Rattus rintjanus), and fruit bats. One can also find goats, dogs and domestic cats. One of the main bird species is the orange-footed scrub fowl (Megapodius reinwardti), a ground dwelling bird. In areas of savanna, 27 species were observed. Geopelia striata and Streptopelia chinensis were the most common species. In mixed deciduous habitat, 28 bird species were observed, and Philemon buceroides, Ducula aenea, and Zosterops chloris were the most common.

Kanawa Island, Komodo National Park.
Source: wikipedia.org

Cloud forests appear only in few areas above 500 metres but they provide habitat to several endemic flora. Coastal vegetaion includes mangrove forest, which generally appear in the sheltered bays of the three larger islands. The three major coastal marine plants are algae, seagrasses and mangrove trees. Algae are primitive plants, which do not have true roots, leaves or stems. An important reef-building algae is the red coralline algae, which actually secretes a hard limestone skeleton that can encrust and cement dead coral together. Seagrasses are modern plants that produce flowers, fruits and seeds for reproduction. As their name suggests, they generally look like large blades of grass growing underwater in sand near the shore. Thallasia sp. and Zastera spp. are the common species found in the Park. Mangroves trees can live in salty soil or water, and are found throughout the park. An assessment of mangrove resources identified at least 19 species of true mangroves and several more species of mangrove associates within the park's borders.

Big eye squirrelfish (Priacanthus hamrur)
being serviced by cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus)
at cleaning station in Komodo National Park.
Source: wikipedia.org

Moreover, Komodo National Park includes one of the world's richest marine environments. It consists of forams, cnidaria (includes over 260 species of reef building coral), sponges (70 species), ascidians, marine worms, mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, cartilaginous and bony fishes (over 1,000 species), marine reptiles, and marine mammals (dolphins, whales, and dugongs). Some notable species with high commercial value include sea cucumbers (Holothuria), Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and groupers. Fringing and patch coral reefs are extensive and best developed on the north-east coast of Komodo Island.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular because of the park's high marine biodiversity. You may also swim in the Flores Sea on your incoming or outgoing boat trip to one of the islands. Beware of sharp corals on the sea floor near some of the small islands.

How to get there?

The ferry service (to and from the cities of Sape, on the eastern tip of Sumbawa, and Labuanbajo on Flores) drops off passengers on Komodo once or twice every week. There is no port on the island, so passengers are unloaded onto small vessels which take them into the island's only village. Note that not all departures have this service, check beforehand. Bima, a short drive from Sape, has an airstrip with flights to Denpasar.

Travelers coming in from Sape to the west (those traveling overland through Sumbawa and also those arriving at Bima airport) should note that the once-daily ferries from Sape can be suspended indefinitely due to bad weather, so if you want to be sure of your travel arrangements, flying to Labuanbajo is a much safer bet. If you get stranded at Sape, the best Bima airport will be able to offer is a flight back to Denpasar on Bali.

Wakatobi National Park, World's Best Dive Sites

Wakatobi beach, Indonesia.
Source: wikipedia.org

Wakatobi National Park is a marine national park, that located at the south-east of Sulawesi island in Indonesia, between 05°12’-06°10’S and 123°20’-124°39’E. The name of Wakatobi is an acronym of the four main Tukangbesi Islands: Wangi-wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. With an area of about 1.39 million hectares, this area has the potential of marine natural resources, which presents a stunning underwater panorama.

The types of vegetation found in the national park are mangrove forest, coastal forest, lowland swamp forest, riverbank vegetation, lowland rainforest, mountain rainforest and coral reefs. The Wakatobi Archipelago has 25 groups of coral reefs including fringing reefs, barrier reefs and atolls. Approximately 112 species from 13 families of coral, located at 25 points along the 600 km coastline. The types of corals are: Acropora formosa, Acropora hyacinthus, Psammocora profundasafla, Pavona cactus, Leptoseris yabei, Fungia molucensis, Lobophyllia robusta, Merulina ampliata, Platygyra versifora, Euphyllia glabrescens, Tubastraea frondes, Stylophora pistillata, Sarcophyton throchelliophorum, Sinularia species.

The park also has a variety of fish species, including: Argus Spot (Cephalopholus argus), Takhasang (Naso unicornis), Pogo-pogo (Balistoides viridescens), Napoleon fish (wrasse undulatus), Red fish (Lutjanus biguttatus), Rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus), Amphiprion melanopus, Chaetodon specullum, Chelmon rostratus, Heniochus acuminatus, Lutjanus monostigma, Caesio caerularea. Among the recorded species of seabird are the Brown Booby, Common Kingfisher and Malaysian Plover. Turtles in the park include the Hawksbill turtle, Loggerhead sea turtle, and Olive Ridley.

Coral reefs at Wakatobi. Source: wikipedia.org

For tourists who love the beauty of the underwater to do some activities in the Wakatobi National Park, such as diving, snorkeling and swimming to see the beautiful coral reef and other underwater animals and also see various cultural communities. Hoga Island, Binongko Island and Tomia Island are attractive location to visit, especially for diving, snorkeling, marine tourism, swimming, camping, and cultural tourism.

How to get to Wakatobi ?

Towards Wakatobi, there are lots of ways. But the easiest access is via Kendari. From Kendari, there are two options, by sea or air. By air, there was a plane that connects Kendari to the Matahora airport in Wanci, as the capital of Wakatobi. Susi Air is the airline, a travel distance of less than 1 hour. By sea, there are two choices as well. From Kendari through Baubau in Buton, or directly to Wanci. Baubau can be an alternative route because the waves are not strong. Voyage from Kendari to Wanci about 12 hours. Whereas voyage from Kendari towards Baubau taken within 6 hours, and then headed Wanci taken within 8 hours.

Diving at Raja Ampat Islands, The Coral Reefs Paradise

 Raja Ampat exotic destination in Papua, Indonesia.
Source:  wikitravel.org   

Raja Ampat or the Four Kings is dubbed as the Coral Reef Paradise by divers. It's located at the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula of New Guinea island, in Indonesia’s West Papua province. It is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo, and the smaller island of Kofiau.

Raja Ampat has approximately 600 kind of coral reefs, it's 75% of all known coral species in the world. This numbers is 10 times of hard coral species found in the entire Caribbean. In this area there are 5 species of endangered sea turtles, 57 species of mantis shrimp, 13 species of marine mammals, and 27 species of endemic reef fish only found in that area.

Coral Reef at Raja Ampat. Source: gorajaampat.com

This area are a truly natural phenomenon with enormous biological diversity. The conditions, high endemic level of land, sea biodiversity, coastal ecology, and local culture & tradition the islands offer more than just amazing landscapes.

How to get to Raja Ampat ?

No special ticket to enter this area. Travelers who interested in visiting Raja Ampat can be started from Jakarta or other big cities to the airport Domine Eduard Osok, Sorong, West Papua. Flight from Jakarta to Sorong usually transit at Makassar or Manado. From Domine Eduard Osok Airport at Sorong, travelers can get to the Raja Ampat using boat. There are two types of boats available: Speed Boat (40 minutes - 1 hour boat trip, carries 15 passengers and costs Rp2 million/US$208.55), Long Boat (2-3 hour boat trip and could carry 10 passengers for the cost of Rp1,2 million/ US$126). Please consider that all rates are subject to change without notice.