Mansinam Island Tourist Attractions

Mansinam island

The Island of Civilization
In West Papua, Mansinam is seen as the Island of Civilization. On 5 February 1855, three German missionaries, C.W Ottow, his wife, and J. G. Geissler landed on Mansinam island to introduced Gospel for the first time to the indigenous Papuan people. Although they and their successors faced a lot of hardships, and challenges finally they could spread the Good News to most of New Guinea. Now, most of the population are Christians. Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims gather in Manokwari to celebrate 5 February as the Gospel Preaching Day.  There street parade where Papuan tribes wear traditional costumes and perform traditional dances along the main streets of Manokwari city. This event attracts a lot of domestic and international tourists to Manokwari.

Visiting Mansinam Island
Visitors who go to Mansinam island can see foundations of the old church, school, dormitories, houses, well, cross monument and museum that were used by the missionaries and the earliest Christians who lived there. For those who are interested in nature, they can go hiking to the top of Mansinam to see a giant Jesus statue that stands on 4 concrete pillars that look like Papuan drums (tifa).

Walking Track that Circles Mansinam

The Forest
Most of Mansinam is still covered with tropical rainforest that is the natural habitat of a lot of species of plants, butterflies, beetles, reptiles, wild flowers and sweet cherry trees (called gersen) and birds. Exploring the forest is very easy. Visitors can walk along the concrete track that completely circles that island. The best time to explore the forest is in the mornings and late afternoons where birds and butterflies are more active. Bring binoculars and a good camera to take pictures of the forest, and its wildlife.
The concrete track is also good for anybody who likes jogging.

The Coral Reef
The underwater world of Mansinam is also beautiful. There is a huge coral reef area located in the southern coast of Mansinam. Tourists who stay there for several days can enjoy snorkeling to see a lot of species of fish such as grouper, damselfish, moorish idol, butterflyfish, parrotfish, anemonefish, boxfish, sea star, sea cucumber and turtles. Don't forget to bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to enjoy snorkeling in the island.

Doreri Guesthouse (building with red roof)

Where to stay
There is a building in the south of the island where visitors can stay for a few days or weeks to explore the forest and the sea of Mansinam. Its name is Doreri Guesthouse.
Rates:
500,000 rupiahs per room per night for 2 people (breakfast is provided)
700,000 rupiahs per room per night for 2 people (with breakfast, lunch and dinner).

How to get there?

• Fly from your country to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia)
• Take a domestic flight to Manokwari. Airlines that fly regularly to Manokwari are Garuda, Sriwijaya Air, Express Air and Nam Air. There are also small turbo prop airplanes that connect Manokwari with towns and cities in the same region that are operated by Susi Air and Wings Air.
• You could continue your trip from airport to Pelabuhan Ketapang and then take a water taxi to Penginapan Doreri (meaning Doreri guesthouse) in the south of the island.

Booking
If you are interested in visiting and staying in Mansinam Island and want to book a room in Doreri Guesthouse, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or send whatsapp message to my number: +6281332245180

Snorkeling and Nature Walk in Mansinam Island of Manokwari

Mansinam island

Mansinam is a small island near Manokwari city. Everyday it is visited by Christian pilgrims who want to see historical sites of European missionaries who introduced Gospel for the first time to the indigenous Papuan people on 5 February 1855.
Mansinam island is surrounded by coral reef particularly in its southern coast. It is a good site for visitors who want to enjoy snorkeling to see such fish as parrotfish, moorish idol, butterflyfish, sea star, sea cucumber, damselfish, turtle, and a lot more.

Doreri Guesthouse in Mansinam island

Doreri Guesthouse
There is a guesthouse located in the south of the island. Its name is Doreri Guesthouse and it can accommodate up to 40 guests.
Rates
500,000 rupiahs per room per night for 2 people (breakfast)
700,000 rupiahs per room per night for 2 people (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Visitors need to bring their own snorkeling gear such as mask, snorkel, fins, and underwater camera.

Coral reef in Manokwari

Scuba Diving
In addition to snorkeling, upon special request, the staff of Doreri Guesthouse can arrange a diving trip for visitors who are interested in seeing shipwrecks and coral reef environment both in the island and other areas of Manokwari waters.

Nature Walk
Besides enjoying snorkeling and scuba diving in Manokwari, visitors can also do jogging, nature walk and birdwatching or butterfly watching around Mansinam island. Birds such as willie wagtail, pigeon, kingfisher, frigatebird and various other seabirds can be seen early in the morning.
Government has built a wide concrete track for visitors. The concrete path passes through tropical rainforest that still covers most of the island. The best time to enjoy nature walk is early in the morning when birds are still active. Butterflies usually come out of the forest to find nectar from wild flowers that grow on both sides of the concrete road.
I highly suggest that visitors who want to do nature walk be accompanied by the staff of Doreri Guesthouse.

Visitors who want to enjoy snorkeling and nature walk around the tropical island of Mansinam should stay at least 3 days/ 2 nights to see the coral reef, the forest environment, the villages, and the historical Christians sites of the island.

Booking
If you are interested in visiting and staying in Mansinam island, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com