Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Manokwari City Tour

Manokwari is the capital of Papua Barat (meaning West Papua) province in the Republic of Indonesia. It is a beautiful coastal town that stretches along Dore bay. There are 3 small islands in the bay. They are Mansinam, Nusmapi, and Raimuti. Coral reef grow around these islands. Visitors could enjoy snorkeling if they bring their own equipment. 

Rendani airport, Swapen permai and Anggrem boat harbor
Manokwari city tour

Mixed Architecture

The Dutch built the town of Manokwari between 1950s and 1960s right after World War II. There are still old Dutch houses and buildings in the city. They are now standing side by side with the houses and office buildings that have been constructed after 1963 when Indonesia took over the administration of West Papua. 

Butterfly Watching

The buildings and houses in the city are built among green trees and shrub plants. In certain parts of the city, visitors who walk along the sides of the streets and alleyways of Manokwari could see beautiful butterflies such as the Silky Owl Butterfly, Cruiser Butterfly and the Common Green Birdwing Butterfly. 

Cruiser Butterfly (Vindula arsinoe)
Butterflies in Manokwari

Art

When Alfred Russel Wallace visited Manokwari in 1858, he was surprised by the artworks that the local people created. Today, the love of art by local people could still be seen in the form of wood carvings, bags that are made of tree bark or woven from pandanus leaves, and plant fiber.

wood carving and woven cloth
Papuan artists in Manokwari
Religious Sites

Manokwari was the first destination for European evangelists to introduce Christianity to the indigenous Papuan villagers. First their activity was concentrated in Mansinam island, Kwawi and Andai.  Visitors who go to these places could see monuments, the old foundation of the churches, well, and cemetary of the missionaries.

World War II

Between 1942 to 1944, Manokwari became the base of the Imperial Japanese Army. There are still a few bomb shelters that could be seen in the city especially on Brawijaya street and near the General Hospital. Similar shelters could also be seen in Mansinam island. In Table Mountain, there is World War II memorial monument built by Japanese. 

If you are interested in taking Manokwari city tour and need a guide to organize your trip, please, contact one of the followings guides by whatsapp:

Matias Rumbruren: +62 812-4464-1370

Yansen Saragih: +6285244011924

Ailin Yarangga: +6281240114890


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