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The province of West Papua chiefly comprises two large peninsulas – the Vogelkop (also known as Bird’s Head, Kepala Burung and Semdoberai) and the more southerly Bomberai Peninsula – and several hundred offshore islands. The attractions here are primarily natural – above all the world-class diving and gorgeous island scenery of the Raja Ampat Islands. Sorong and Manokwari are well-provided urban bases from which to launch your explorations.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout West Papua.
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These small, uninhabited and incredibly picturesque islands, 30km beyond Waigeo, feature heavily in Raja Ampat promotional material. It’s mainly liveaboards that dive here, but Wayag also attracts nondivers for its scenery, snorkelling and the challenge of scaling its highest peak, Pindito, also known as Wayag I. A second, slightly lower peak (referred to as Wayag II) offers equally breathtaking views.
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Often referred to as Little Wayag, this scenic overlook offers the famous striking views of the jagged Fam Islands poking out of calm, turquoise waters. Getting here is relatively cheap, fast and simple compared to Wayag, as many of the region's accommodation is within an hour or two of the site by speedboat. Also, the hike is a breeze thanks to stairs and a viewing platform. Nearby, a second, slightly more challenging climb offers views of the lovely Star Lagoon.
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Two German missionaries settled on Mansinam Island off Manokwari in 1855 and became the first to spread Christianity in Papua. The picturesque, rainforest-covered island is home to a small village, a none-too-subtle church, and a wannabe Rio de Janeiro statue of Christ. There’s also a pleasant beach along its western and southern shores. The coral reef off the southern end offers good snorkelling.
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About 5km southeast of town, this 600m curve of clean white sand and clear water is good for swimming, and snorkelling if you have your own gear. It’s generally quiet – except on the weekends when half of Manokwari invades.