The charm of natural beauty in Indonesia is never-ending. Starting from Sabang to Merauke, of course there will always be a place that is always crowded with tourists, both local and foreign.
One of the natural attractions that can be visited by tourists is Cenderawasih Bay. Cenderawasih Bay is the largest national marine park in Indonesia. With a variety of natural tourist sites that are still rarely visited by tourists and a variety of cultures that characterize the local population. The nickname of the forgotten paradise on earth is very suitable for Papua.
Famous for its beautiful underwater panorama and filled with various types of fish and coral reefs, Cenderawasih Bay has been named the best diving location in Indonesia.
This national park area is located between two provinces which are divided into five regions, namely Teluk Wondana Regency and Manokwari Regency which are located in West Papua Province. And part of this national park area is located in Nabire Regency, Yapen Regency, Waropen Regency in Papua Province.
The History of Cendrawasih Bay National Park
This area is officially a national park based on the Decree of the Minister of Forestry Number 8009/Kpts-II/2002 dated August 29, 2002 with an area of 1,453.00 ha. Its territory consists of 1,305,500 ha of sea and 68,000 ha of land with a coastline of 12,400 ha, 80,000 ha of coral reefs, and 55,800 ha of land in the form of islands.
However, previously this area had the status of a Nature Reserve based on the Decree of the Minister of Forestry Number 58/Kpts-II/1990 dated February 3, 1990. Only three years later through the Decree of the Minister of Forestry. Number 472/Kpts-II/1993 dated September 2, 1993 was designated as Cenderawasih Bay Marine National Park / Cenderawasih Bay National Park.
Cendrawasih Bay National Park is geographically located at 134°06' – 135°10' East Longitude and 01°43' – 03°22' South Latitude. While administratively located in Teluk Wondama Regency, West Papua Province, and Nabire Regency, Papua Province.
This national park area is bordered by Manci Village, Ransiki District, Manokwari Regency and the sea waters of Yapen Waropen Regency. In the south it is bordered by the mainland of the island of Papua.
Cendrawasih Bay National Park in the east is bordered by Sima Village, Yaur District, Nabire Regency and Yapen Waropen Regency. While the western part is directly adjacent to the main island of Papua. The topography of TNTC is generally hilly, mountainous, and in some parts sloping, steep, and steep.
Located between two bays, this tourist area can only be reached by plane. Head to Biak before continuing your journey using a local airline or by water boat to Manukwari or Nabire.
After arriving in this national park area, there are several places that tourists can visit. Starting from the beach which has different attractions, such as Roon Island. On this island, they can also visit an old building which is a church with an ancient architectural design, perfect for capturing photos and uploading them to social media.
As the main attraction of this tourist area, this National Park is often used as a recreational dive site. This is due to the beauty of the diverse underwater ecosystem. From the composition of unspoiled coral reefs and also more than 200 types of fish that occupy this marine paradise. One of the species that is often the subject of discussion and tourist attraction is the tame whale shark, which often swims with tourists if you are lucky.
Cenderawasih Bay National Park still has a variety of attractions and places that tourists can visit, from beautiful islands to waterfalls located on Mioswar Island. Come and enjoy the natural beauty of this forgotten paradise on earth.