Papua Tourism: More about Lake Sentani

Lake Sentani, near Jayapura at the northeastern extremity of Papua, lies at an elevation of 73 m in a fault-controlled depression mainly in Mesozoic mafic and ultramafic rocks of the Cyclops Ophiolite Belt. It is bounded by the Cyclops Mountains block to the north and the lower-standing terrain of the New Guinea fold thrust belt to the south. An irregularly shaped body with approximate maximum dimensions of 28 km (E-W) by 19 km (N-S) and a surface area of 10,400 ha, Lake Sentani is by far the largest of the Papua lakes. It is fed by a catchment area of about 600 km2 and has one outlet only, via the Jafuri and Tami rivers to the Pacific Ocean near the Papua New Guinea border.

The lake is divisible into three main sectors with maximum recorded depths of 7 to 52 meters. Average annual rainfall around the lake is about 2 meters and lake level fluctuates about 0.4 m with seasonal variation in inflow. The lake is widely believed to have evolved by the tectonic damming and uplift of an arm of the sea, but such a connection has not been demonstrated.

Because of its proximity to the provincial capital and the large population around it, Sentani is the best studied of Papua lakes. According to surveys in 1970-71, 1984 and 1987 the lake is thermally unstratified, with temperatures of 29-32 C in the top 10 m. Surface pH is 6.2-6.8 and, on the basis of turbidity, plankton levels are low at 1-2 mg/L except in the westernmost basin, where circulation is limited, turbidity is doubled and seasonal algal blooms, with resultant fish mortality, have been reported.

The most recent survey (Renyaan, 1993) recorded 33 species of fish, of which 12 are indigenous, 8 anadromous and 13 introduced. Surveys over a 1 year period have shown an increase in introduced species but the impact on the total fish population has not been documented. Sawfish (Pristis microdon) up to 3 m or more were well known in the lake until the Seventies and are a common motif in traditional Sentani art, but appear to have become extinct. Fish are extensively raised in ponds and cages around the perimeter of the lake and the introduction of species (particularly carp and tilapia) has been both accidental and intentional.

Preliminary bottom sediment samples from the eastern part of the lake have recently yielded sparse populations of arcellacean microfauna, dominated by Centropyxid types. In North America these species are found associated with brackish or polluted water conditions, raising the possibility that there is residual salinity in the deeper parts of the lake. Many of the Sentani people, who inhabit the islands, perimeter and environs of the lake, still have a traditional subsistence economy based on fishing and sago harvesting. This has been sustainable for centuries but local reports suggest that catch yields have diminished in recent years. Whether this is a result of overfishing (as a result of population growth and/or market pressure), pollution or introduction of foreign species is not established.

Many of the residents occupy dwellings built on posts over the lake, which thus serves as a depository for sewage, leading to locally high coliform counts but also to nutrient enrichment. Water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), introduced since the early Seventies, has become a major plant pest and may be contributing to decline of some species. Much of the mountainous terrain between the north shore of the lake and the ocean falls within the Cyclops Strict Nature Reserve. The future management of the reserve and buffer zone, and the environmental quality of the lake, are strongly interdependent. Recently a major reforestation project of grassland on the slopes surrounding the lake has been initiated, with the support of forest companies operating in Papua.

A major sustainable development issue for the inhabitants of the lake and surroundings is the existing proposal to build a hydroelectric generating facility, by means of a dam on the Jafuri River to divert the lake drainage eastward through a canal to a power station and thence to an outlet at the sea in Yotefa Bay near Jayapura. Several feasibility and environmental impact studies have yet to totally define the cost/benefit consequences of this project.

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Papua Tourism: Merauke Interesting Place

MERAUKE

Merauke is called Deer Town, lies in the east part of Indonesia, bordered on Papua New Guinea. This regency is well known with its Asmat woodcarvings and Wasur National Park. The population in Merauke Regency nearly 276,122 people, spread in the 18 districts. A large number of the people are living in the interior. To reach the interior, is only by plane such as twin otter or Cessna.

TOURISM OBJECTS

Wasur National Park

It is located 13 km out of Merauke town on an area of 412,387 ha. This park has various kinds of flora and fauna which part of them never found elsewhere in the world. To reach it, all kinds of vehicles can be taken. No hills or mountains range are seen but variety of habitats, such as savannah, mangroves forest and the most interesting sight of stretching marsh ebb. Wasur National Park is suitable for various kinds of activities like bird watching, wild life and nature, adventure, culture and traditional hunting. One other thing strange but interesting is the sporadic designed house which is called termite mounds. It arises to the universe fascinatingly as if the earth flowered huge sponges. There are 74 kinds of bird from 390 species are never found elsewhere in the world. It is so comfortable whenever we watch them hopping and flying among trees and branches, looking for food with their gentle voices like 'aeolin harp', as if we were asked to stop and questioned: "where is the melody from". These are the voices of birds in their own characteristics, which are rare but very attractive. There are 3 ethnic groups inhabit this area. They are Marind, Ranum and Murori, each with their own language and culture. A great number of them live in 13 villages and earning their live by gardening and hunting.

Lampu Satu Beach

It is well known with its solid soft sand that stretches lenghthwise directly across the Pacific Ocean. This beach is very beautiful especially during the sunset. It is very suitable for bird watching, horse racing and motor cycle racing. The distance from Merauke town is 5 km and reachable by vehicles.

Source:www.indonesia-tourism.com

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Papua Tourism: Biak Intersting Place

BIAK

Biak, a town built on the rocky soil of an island of the same name on the rim of Cenderawasih Bay, is Irian Jaya's gateway. A big Indonesian naval base, it has an infrastructure that is better than in most other places in the province. Japanese caves are found near Ambroben.

There are some good beaches on Biak island, the most popular of which are Bosnik on the east coast, good for swimming and skin-diving, and Korem on the north coast, where one can watch young men dive for pearls. Supiori Island, just north of Biak, has a recreation forest and villages where visitors are welcome.

BIAK NUMFOR

Among the nine regencies in Papua, Biak Numfor is the only one that consists of islands. Geographically, it is located between 134° 47- 136° east longitude and 0° 55-30° south langitude. It owns 3 big islands; Biak, Supiori, and Biak Numfor.

Population

102.492 people spreading in 8 districts, 7 sub districts, and 153 villages inhabit Biak Numfor regency.

Weather

The temperature is generally hot. Light rains fall 189-399 mm per month between 22-29 days, which occurs a lot during the months of Januari to June whereas the dry season in between July to October.

Flora

There are numerous types of flora in this tropical area with its mystical tropical rain forest. The forest also has a variety trees and other commercials important species plus the lush vegetation of mangrove swamps. People grant their life by taking sago from the sago palm forest.

Fauna

The fauna is almost similar to Australian fauna such as the group of fowl like pigeon, cockatoo, nuri (a kind of parrot) and the reptile group such : crocodile, snake, turtle and monitor lizard.

TOURISM OBJECTS

Japanese Cave

The native of Biak called this cave 'Abiyau Binzar'. Abiyau means cave and Binzar means grandmother. It is said that in the old times there was a grandmother living in this cave. During the second world war the Japanese army hid in this cave which simultaneously functioned as logistic centre. It is located in Sumberker Village, Biak Kota District; 15 minutes ride to get there from Biak town.

Parai Blue River

A cave with a river running inside contains fresh aquamarine water. Beautiful stalactite and stalagmite decorate the inside walls. It is in Parai Village Biak Kota District and takes about 15 minutes to reach it from Biak town.

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Papua Tourism: Jayapura Interesting Place

JAYAPURA

Jayapura, founded on 7 March 1910 as Hollandia, had developed into a city with modern civil, educational, and medical services in 1962. Since Indonesian administration services have been replaced by Indonesian equivalents such as TNI (the army) replacing into Papua Battalion. The name of the city has been changed to Kotabaru, then to Sukarnopura and finally to its current official name. Among ethnic Papuans, it is also known as Port Numbai, the former name before the arrival of immigrants.

Jayapura is the largest city, boasting a small but active tourism industry; it is built on a slope overlooking the bay. Cenderawasih University (UNCEN) campus stays at Abepura that is the houses of University Museum. Both Tanjung Ria beach, near the market at Hamadi (site of the 22 April 1944 Allied invasion during World War II) and the site of General Doughlas MacArthur's World War II headquarters at Mount Ifar have monuments commemorating the events.

TOURISM OBJECTS

Sentani Lake

There is a settlement on the shore of this lake not far from Jayapura where one can observe local traditions as they are practiced in people daily lives. The short trip from Jayapura, pleasant as it is, offers a little foretaste of the province's magnificent sceneries.

The Skyline Hills

Tanjung Ria Beach, known as base G by the Allies during World War II, is a popular holiday resort with water sports facilities. From Skyline in the hills behind the city, one gets a beautiful view of Jayapura, Jotefa and Humboldt bays and Sentani lake area. Places in the vicinity of Jayapura such as Skyline and Sentani Lake can be reached by taking a minibus. Biak has air and sea links with Jayapura. Sorong, is also served by air from Jayapura. Other destinations are reached by car or boat, or by light aircraft.

Source:www.indonesia-tourism.com

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Papua Tourism:Lorentz National Park

The Park lies within Irian Jaya Province, and the administrative Jayawijaya, Paniai, Merauke (Southern Division), Fak-fak, Mimika and Enarotali districts. It stretches for over 150km, from the central cordillera mountains in the north to Arafura Sea in the south. Access is by air from Jayapura to Wamena and Timika 04º00'-5º15'S, 137º14'-138º20'E.

The Dutch Colonial Government gave the first protection status in 1919 with the establishment of Lorentz Nature Monument. In 1956, the protected status was abolished due to conflicts with local people over unresolved land ownership. In 1978, it has established as a Strict Nature Reserve (Cagar Alam) by the Indonesian Government with an area of 2,150,000ha wdth. In March 1997 it was declared National park by the Ministry of Forestry, which includes the eastern extension (Mt. Trikora, Mt. Rumphius, Habbema Lake area), coastal and marine areas.

With the total area is 2,505,600ha, about 0.6% of Irian Jaya's total size, the Park can be divided into two very distinct zones: the swampy lowlands and the high mountain area of the central cordillera. The central cordillera itself can be subdivided in the eastern part and the western part on the basis of geology and vegetation types, the north/south line at approximately Kwiyawagi village being the dividing line.

The central mountain ranges are the southern portion of two colliding continental plates, which are causing the mountain range to rise. The lowering and rising of the sea level during the glacial and inter-glacial periods of the Pleistocene, along with continuous activity in the mobile belt which characterizes the contact zone of the two colliding lithospheres plates, has continued to promote the great biodiversity of the island of New Guinea in general, and in the Lorentz area in particular. Large tracts of the mountain range, and especially the area formed by the traditional lands of the Amungme (or Amung) are rich in mineral deposits - especially gold and copper.

The Carstenz or Jaya Peak section of the Jayawijaya Mountain Range still retains small ice caps. It is one of only three equatorial highlands (Sierra Nevada region in the Andes, and Mt. Kenya, Kilimanjaro, Ruwenzori in E.Africa) that is sufficiently high altitude to retain permanent ice, but note that Lorentz glaciers are receding rapidly. Some 3,300ha of snowfields REMAINED IN 1992. The main snowfields comprise five separate areas of ice on the outer margins of Mount Puncak Jaya. These include two small fields, which feed the Meren and Carstenz glaciers, and a small hanging glacier on the Carstenz Pyramid.

Puncak Jaya's summit consists of several peaks (Jayakesuma / Carstenz Pyramid 4,884m, Ngga Pulu 4,862m, Meren 4,808m) that developed from Tertiary rocks (Miocene). This high area was still covered by wide ice caps (13sq.km) in 1936. These ice caps melted down to an area of just 6.9 km in 1972 and further reduced to 3.3 sq.km by 1991. The remaining ice is now divided into three patches the North Wall Firn, the Meren and Carstenz glacier with only 3 sq.km of ice left. Based on climatic data, a deficit mass balance will continue as the future trend.

The lowland area is a wide swampy plain, covered with virgin forest and intersected by countless winding rivers and streams, mostly tidal. The largest of these rivers empty into the shallow Arafura Sea, which separates the island of New Guinea from Australia.

The Regional Physical Planning Program for Transmigration recognized 9 physiographic types and regions (beaches, tidal swamps, meander belts, peat swamps, alluvial valleys, alluvial fans, dissected terraces, mountains and alpine summits) with 13 major land systems.

Source:www.indonesia-tourism.com

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Papua Tourism: Baliem Valley

Baliem Valley

The Valley remains one of the last places on the face of the Earth where people continue living in semi-Neolithic circumstances. Upon the spectacular approach by air, the tourists will notice the total isolation of the area. Sealed of the rest of the world by mighty mountain walls and without any roads leading from the coast to the inner region, the Valley keeps its own secrets.

Villages of no more than a few families are dispersed throughout this rough and mountainous region. Dani is a generic name of a series of tribes, until recently adhering to a Neolithic lifestyle. Only by the sixties of last century, they adopted the use of iron. Their dark complexions underline a Negroid origin, something that differentiates from the other Indonesian people. There are numerous tribes residing in the valley, having quite different languages and customs. The Yali, Kimial, Ok and Eipomek claim the eastern periphery of the magnificent valley. It is relatively easy to find their villages under the shelter of rainforest and highland.

Within the small town of Wamena, most Dani people clad in westerns style clothes. If we venture out however, chances are high we'll have an encounter with a fascinating Dani in full regalia Indeed, the Dani people much prefer to walk around naked save for a koteka or a tube-like yellow gourd, worn over the penis. The bodies of the male Dani gleam with pork fat, applied to fight of the cold. At an altitude of 1.600 m, temperature can be quite low, especially at night.

Jayawijaya Peak, a roaring mountain is permanently covered with snow, despite its location on the equator. We'll quite never forget meeting an awful-looking Dani, bearing the tusk of a wild pig at the tip of his nose. Despite their groovy looks, these are quite gentle people, shaking your hand politely and always having time for a small chat.

Likewise, women don't wear terribly much clothes. Just a skirt, entirely made of natural materials will do. It is the women's duty to carry out the heavy work on the fields. Observe the nuke, typical cloak-like bark string bags, carried half over the head. Heavily loaded with cabbage, sweet potatoes and sago, they resemble a blanket. A woman covered in river mud, is in grief. A less innocent way to show mourning, is finger amputation, a fate that only women will befall. Despite serious efforts of the government to halt this practice, they continue being reported occasionally.

The Baliem Valley remains one of the most fascinating places on the planet, where man may confront it its prehistoric past. But even in the remotest of area. Civilization is seeping through and will not be kept at bay. Maybe the time is right to visit the wild beauty of the Baliem Valley and its remarkable people.

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Papua Tourism: Some Hotel Address

The Provincial capital of Jayapura is built on hills which slope down to the sea and is accessible by boat and place. It was here that General MacArthur assembled his fleet for the invasion of the Philippines during the Second World War.Regular flights to other major parts of the archipelago are available with Garuda and Merpati Nusantara Airlines.

Papua Provice (Irian Jaya) is a hot, humid island rising from the sea with some of the most impenetrable jungles in the world and yet also has snow caps covering 5,000meter - high mountain peaks, towering over glacier lakes.

JAYAPURA

Triton Hotel Jend. A. Yani Street 52, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 33218, 21218 Sentani Inn Raya Sentani Street, Jayapura Natour's Hohl Numbai Trikora Dok. V Atas Street, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 34185, 21394 Agung Hotel Argapura 47, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 33777 Asia Hotel Perikanan 1 8, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 22277

Irian Plaza Hotel Setiapura Street 11, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 34649, 2157 Matoa International Hotel Jend. A. Yani Street 14, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 31633, 2233 Sederhana Hotel Halmahera Street 2, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 21291, 22357 Wisma G.K.I Sam Ratulangi Street 6, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 33574 Dafonsoro Hotel Percetakan Street 20-24, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 31695 Jayapura Hotel Olah Raga Street 4, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 21216

WAMENA
The Honai Resort Hom-Hom - Pikhe Street, Wamena Phone: (0969) 31515,31516 Jayawijaya Hotelama PO. Box. 57 Wamena Sri lestari Hotel Trikora Street, Wamena Baliem Palace Trikora Street, Wamena Phone: (0969) 31043	Balian Cottages Thamrin Street, Wamena Wamena Hotel Trikora Street, Wamena Phone: (0969) 31292 Syarial Jaya Gatot Subroto Street, Wamena Nayak Hohl Gatot Subroto Street, Wamena

BIAK
Irian Hotel Prof. Moh. Yamin Street, Biak Phone: (0961) 21139 Titawaka Hotel Moh. Yamin Street, Biak	Mapia Hotel A. Yani 23 Street, Biak Phone: (0967) 21383

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Papua Tourism: Some Restaurant Address

JAYAPURA
Pojok Purwokerto Raya Sentani Street, Sentani Kota Phone: (0967) 22956 Rasa Sayang Jend. A. Yani Street 54, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 21171 Virgo Protokol Sentani Kota Street, Jayapura Paradiso Koti Street 58, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 122793 Pertiwi Soa-Siu Dok Street 11, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 22956 Ramon Pantai Kelapa Street 5, Argapura Phone: 22639 Sari Rasa Matahari Street 29, Jayapura Sinar Purnama Setiapura Street 11, Jayapura Megaria (Indonesian) Pembangunan Street 35, Jayapura Memberamo (Indonesian) Dr. Sam Ratulangi Street, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 21564 Nirwana Jend. A. Yani Street 40, Jayapura Phone: (09671) 22316 Swadiri Koti Street 70, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 21187 99 Fast Food Jend. A. Yani Street 22, Jayapura Phone: (09671) 210055 Teram Koti Street 66, Jayapura Tropicana Jend. A. Yani Street 12, Jayapura	Apuse (Indonesian) Koti 64 Street, Jayapura Artis (Indonesian) Jend. A. Yani Street 12, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 21093 Asia (Indonesian, Chinese) Majapahit Street 4, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 22064 Dafonsoro (Indonesian, Chinese) Percetakan Street 2a24, Jayapura Hawaii (Indonesian, Chinese) Irian Street 2, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 22706 Hidangan Maros (Indonesian) Dr. Sam Ratulangi Street 4, Jayapura Himalaya (Indonesian, Chinese) Matahari Street, Jayapura Flamboyant (Indonesian, European) Percetakan Street 30, Jayapura Gembira (Indonesian) Percetakan Street 36, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 22523 Jaya Grill (Indonesian, European) Koti Street 5, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 23436, 22783 Gudeg Yogya Jl. Percetakan 20, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 21870 Minahasa Koti Street 70, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 21187 Murni Pembangunan Street 21, Jayapura Snack Baruma Sapur Rani Airport Sentani, Jayapura
WAMENA
The Honai Resort jalan Hom-Hom - Pikhe Telp (0969) 31515,31516 Fax (0967) 31513 Wamena 99511 Jayawijaya Hotelama PO. Box. 57 Wamena Phone: 11 Rooms: 17	Balian Cottages Jl. Thamrin PO. Box. 32 Wamena 99511 Phone: Rooms: 8

Source:www.indonesia-tourism.com

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Papua Tourism Map

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Papua Tourism: Some Artshop Address

JAYAPURA	WAMENA
Airport Sentani Sentani, Jayapura Kuncara Art Shop Bandara Frans Kaisiepo Iriani Art Shop Jl. Imam Bonjol Madinah Art Shop Jl. Perikanan, Jayapura Phone: (0967) 22908 Pasar Sentral Hamadi Jl. Pasar Sentral - Hamadi, Jayapura	The Honai Resort jalan Hom-Hom - Pikhe Telp (0969) 31515,31516 Fax (0967) 31513 Wamena 99511
MERAUKE
Sumber Alam Jl. Ermasle, Merauke Phone: (0967) 21 198	Ujung Jl. Raya Mandala, Merauke Phone: (0971) 21022

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