Western Papua, or Western New Guinea, is the easternmost part of Indonesia. It occupies half of the world’s largest tropical island - New Guinea - and is as rugged and remote as they come.
Explore: Cenderawasih Bay Marine National Park • Fak-Fak • Manokwari • Sorong
Western Papua is split into two provinces; Papua and West Papua. Across the border to the east is the even more remote country of Papua New Guinea. Western Papua shares the feat with Papua New Guinea of being the world’s highest and largest tropical island.
Parts of Western Papua are otherworldly and so remote that only the most discerning of land lovers should make the effort to get here. West Papua is the most accessible area and features many stunning national parks and a beautiful coastline.
Cenderawasih Bay Marine National Park in the north is one of the most popular. It encompasses both land and sea and comes with a massive amount of coral and some of the world’s best diving. Lorentz National Park is farther east and is world famous, while Puncak Jaya is the highest point.
The towns of Jayapura, Sorong, Fak-Fak and Manokwari are the main centers in Western Papua and have the pick of the hotels and tourist facilities. Jayapura is the largest center, residing in Papua Province near the border with Papua New Guinea.
Where to Go
- Cenderawasih Bay Marine National Park: Renowned for its diverse marine life and opportunities to swim with whale sharks in crystal-clear waters.
- Fak-Fak: A coastal town known for its rich cultural heritage, unique rock art, and beautiful beaches.
- Manokwari: The capital of West Papua province, offering access to scenic landscapes, the Arfak Mountains, and vibrant coral reefs.
- Sorong: A bustling port city and the main gateway to the world-famous diving spots of the Raja Ampat archipelago.
Getting There
Jayapura’s Sentani Airport is the main airport in Western Papua, with flights coming in from Jakarta, Bali and Makassar. There are several other airports that receive flights from Indonesian cities, including Manokwari Airport, Fak-Fak, and Sorong. Sorong and Fak-Fak are also important ports in West Papua that receive ferries from Maluku and Sulawesi islands.