Numfor is a beautiful island in Cendrawasih bay of West Papua. It is surrounded by coral reef that is the natural habitat of hundreds of species of marine plants and animals. Numfor is a good destination for visitors who like swimming, snorkeling and fishing.
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| Dutch visitors at Amberimasi beach of Numfor island |
Mangrove trees grow in tidal area of the island. They become shelter for small fish that are being chased by their bigger predator. Mangrove seedlings are planted by villagers to protect their villages from big waves. These newly formed mangrove forests increase fish population in the island.
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| Numfor island |
Various species of sea birds can be seen in Numfor. They include White-bellied Sea Eagle, Eastern Osprey, Common Tern, Frigatebird, Pacific Swallow, Little Egret, Little Pied Cormorant, Beach Kingfisher, and a lot more. In the forest, typical birds of New Guinea such as Blyth's Hornbill, Eclectus Parrot, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, and Sacred kingfisher. Willie Wagtail and Torresian Crow are common in the island. Numfor Paradise Kingfisher can easily be found in the island. Most of the land is flat. So, it is easy to enjoy birdwatching in the island.
Most of the villages in Numfor island are located along its coast. Visitors can travel to the island by ferry boat from Manokwari city to a harbor in Saribi village of the island. Villagers can also go by small passenger plane of Susi Air from Manokwari to Numfor island to enjoy their holiday there. There are two flights every week on Thursday and Saturday. The ticket price is around 319,000 rupiahs per person. Ticket can be bought at the airport.
During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Forces built their military base in the island. However, they were defeated by the Allied Forces. Visitors could still see some old broken weapons and helmets of the Japanese and American forces in Numfor. Some villagers keep them for house decoration.
Where to go and where to stay
Amberimasi village is the recommended place for visitors. It is located in a bay in the east of Numfor island. There is an islet in front of it making the sea calm all year round inside the bay. Its name is Numpuri. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the bay. During low tide, visitors could walk to Numpuri. The nearby Warido village is also a good place to visit. Visitors can stay in the houses that belong to the villagers.
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| Natural tourist attractions in Numfor |
Yemburwo village, located in the north of the island, is also an interesting place to go. Small passenger aircraft operated by Susi Air lands at an airstrip in this village. Regular flights between Numfor and Manokwari city are available several times a week.
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| Cessna Caravan 208 Susi Air |
Visitors can go by passenger ferry that goest between Manokwari and Numfor. It takes around five hours to reach the island.
Visitors can stay at small inns in this village. There are groups who can perform some traditional dances for visitors.
.png "ecotourism in West Papua") |
| Flight Route to Numfor island |
| If you are interested in taking a holiday in Numfor and need a guide, please, contact Matias Rumbruren by whatsapp to: +62 812-4464-1370. |
This article was written by Charles Roring
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