Teluk Cendrawasih National Par

The Teluk Cendrawasih National Park (Gulf of Cendrawasih National Park) is with over 14.000 square kilometers the largest National Sea park in Indonesia and is located on the western part of the Cendrawasih Gulf in northern Papua.

The Teluk Cendrawasih Park consists of mostly water and coral but there are some islands too. In this area are about 36 different kinds of bird, 196 kinds of mollusc, 150 kinds of coral and 209 kinds of fish and many other species. You will find here also protected turtles such as the Scale Turtle, Green Turtle, and Cracked Turtle. A regular sight are dolphins and sharks

In this park are some interesting spots to visit, they are:

1. Misowaar Island : There is a source of warm water with saltless sulphur and even a waterfall. Around here you can dive, snorkel, take a cultural tour with some of the locals or just admire the animals here.

2. Rumberpon Island : This is a good place for bird watching and to visit the deer conservation area. But you can also dive or snorkel and see the crashed Japanese planes in the sea.

3. Nuswori Island : Another good place to dive or snorkeling, get on a boat and go around or just watch the animals.

4. Yoop Island and Windesi waters : This is a good spot to see the whales and dolphins who often come to the surface in this area .

5. Roon Island : There is a nice enjoying waterfall here and you can visit Yende village popular with Christian visitors to see the old 1898 bible in the local church.

6. Mangguar Cape : for the advanced divers you can go down 100 feet under water and see the natural formed cave

Best time to visit this park is in the dry season, May until October. You need a permission from the management or local government to visit but that is often just a formality.