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| Mansinam island |
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).
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| Walking Track that Circles Mansinam |
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.
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| Doreri Guesthouse (building with red roof) |
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
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