While the Bird’s Head Seascape is famed for its unparalleled marine life, West Papua’s terrestrial environment is also considered one of the planet’s wildest and unexplored lands. Mountains, jungles, rivers and remote villages can be explored with the help of local guides. Below is a short list of land-based activities and services in the Bird’s Head, followed by a list of local guides who can help you plan terrestrial adventures in the BHS.
Bird Watching: With more than 600 avian species, the BHS is a birding hotspot. Some liveaboards organize early morning treks to see the red bird of paradise in northern Raja Ampat, but more serious birding treks can be booked by contacting:
http://www.bird-watching-papua-adventure-travel.com
https://trek-papua.com
http://www.papuaexpeditions.com
Kayaking : Rent locally made kayaks and stay in village homestays while exploring the archipelago’s hidden regions. Kayaks available at some resorts, homestays, and liveaboards
Trekking : A myriad of hikes and longer, multi-day treks can be arranged throughout the BHS. Some of the better-known routes are within the Arfak Mountains near Manokwari and the Baliem Valley. Contacts that can help arrange treks in or near the BHS include:
http://trek-papua.com
http://www.grandiriantours.com
http://www.papuatrekking.com
Other activities that may be arranged through your liveaboard, resort or homestay:
Visiting the turtle nesting beaches in the Kawe MPA, near Kaimana’s Venu Island, and the leatherback beaches along West Papua’s north shore near Jamursba-Medi.
Observing the ancient rock art sites in Bitsari bay near Kaimana, around Misool in Raja Ampat, Bintuni Bay (Kokas), and around Cenderawasih Bay.
Exploring the past at Dutch colonial sites on Cenderawasih’s Roon Island or Triton Bay’s Lobo Village. World War II also left its mark on the BHS. Visit sites near Lobo Village, Kokas, around Biak, near FakFak on the way to Triton Bay, and also near Manokwari, especially the underwater wrecks.
Stay Raja Ampat is your one-stop resource for guide services in R4.
Homestays in Raja Ampat
Homestays are one of the best ways to experience village life in the Seascape. There are a myriad of choices but Stay Raja Ampat is the most comprehensive up-to-date resource and is the best way to contact the various homestays. Stay Raja Ampat is a not-for-profit website devoted to supporting locally owned accommodation and eco-tourism businesses in Raja Ampat. SRA supports the efforts of the community based Raja Ampat Local Homestay Business Enterprise Association and delivers regularly updated, comprehensive information and guest reviews of the many traditional accommodation options and guided activities that the communities of Raja Ampat have established throughout the islands.
Visit Stay Raja Ampat
Homestays in Cenderawasih Bay
At the present time there are no homestays in the area.
Homestays in Triton Bay
At the present time there are no homestays in the area.
There is a myriad of resort options in Raja Ampat. Check with your travel provider for a resort that fits your needs.
Currently there are no resorts in Cenderawasih Bay.
Triton Bay presently has one resort, Triton Bay Divers.