Teluk Cenderawasih National Park

Teluk Cenderawasih is a large marine protected area in West Papua covering coral reefs, mangrove forests, and scattered small islands across a bay. The waters here support diverse marine life and different ecosystem types.

The area was protected in 1993 to safeguard marine ecosystems and gained status as Indonesia's largest marine park in 2002. This designation marked a major step in ocean conservation efforts.

Local Biak and Numfor communities use traditional fishing methods in designated areas of the park, which remain central to their way of life. These practices connect them directly to the waters and islands around them every day.

You can reach the park from the towns of Nabire or Manokwari. The dry season from May to October provides the best conditions for diving and snorkeling activities.

The area is known for around 160 whale sharks that gather near traditional fishing structures. Visitors have the rare chance to swim alongside these filter-feeding giants under supervised conditions.