Mansinam Island and its Marine Life

White Sandy Beach in Mansinam island

Mansinam is the name of a small island in Dore bay of Manokwari city. I often guide tourists to enjoy swimming, snorkeling and freediving in the island to see its coral reef and tropical fish. The marine life along the coastal area may not be the best but is quite good to see.
To enjoy snorkeling, visitors must bring their own mask and flippers so that they could enjoy the view of the coral reef. Tropical fish such as damselfish, grouper, surgeonfish, and butterflyfish can be seen from shallow to deeper waters. I highly recommend that visitors bring an underwater camera such as the Gopro one to take pictures of the marine life. I like to take pictures of the fish too. First, I used a small action camera, a Brica B-Pro5 Alpha Editon but later I used a Fujifilm XQ2 with its waterproof case to get better quality photographs.

Coral reef and fish in Mansinam island

During my freediving trips in Mansinam, I was able to see pink anemonefish, and Spinecheek Anemonefish as well as Banded Sea Krait (snake). Yes, I often see the sea snakes but they are not aggressive.
There are also several coastal areas in Manokwari. I also like to visit those places when I organize snorkeling tours with tourists.
In addition to guiding tourists on sightseeing and snorkeling trip to Mansinam, I often organize tour to the jungle in lower montane forest of Arfak mountains, especially in Susnguakti forest. There is a base-camp in the jungle for visitors to stay for an average of 3 days. While in the tropical rainforest, visitors will be able to go hiking in the mornings, in the afternoons and in the evening to watch birds of paradise, and other tropical birds. For night walk, the main target is to watch cuscus possum.

A beach in Mansinam Island

Visitors who are interested in going to Susnguakti forest have to be physically fit because the slopes are very steep. This forest is not suitable for senior travelers.
For sightseeing, Mansinam still has got good forest especially on its southeastern region.
If you are interested in visiting Manokwari and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.
Also read:
Snorkeling tours in Raja Ampat islands
Snorkeling and Birding in Raja Ampat
Tourist Attractions in Mansinam Island
Snorkeling in Mansinam Island
Traveling to Mansinam

Snorkeling Site in Mansinam Island

Mansinam Island

This is the photograph of a white sandy beach located in the south of Mansinam island. It is very popular among city dwellers of Manokwari especially on Sundays and other holidays. They go there to enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Because the beach is sometimes overly crowded by local beach goers, foreign tourists avoid visiting the beach. Actually, there are other beaches in Manokwari which tourists can choose to enjoy swimming, snorkeling and freediving. As a tourist guide, I often organize snorkeling trips to such places.
After visiting Mansinam island in Manokwari, visitors can continue their trip to Raja Ampat to enjoy snorkeling over pristine coral reef or do hiking in the forest to watch such birds as Wilson's Bird of Paradise, Red Bird of Paradise, Beach Kingfisher and a lot of other birds that are endemic to Waigeo island. As a tourist guide, I have organized tours to Raja Ampat to visit forest and uninhabited islands of the regency. Don't forget to bring snorkeling masks, fins, and underwater camera.
Please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to +6281332245180 if you want me (Charles Roring) to organize your snorkeling, hiking and bird/ wildlife watching tour in Manokwari or other parts of West Papua.
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One Day Tour to Mansinam Island

Mansinam island

After the Hiking and Caving Tour in Table Mountain, the next morning, we continued our trip to Mansinam island. We bought mineral water, biscuits and a bunch of bananas fruits at a shop near the Ketapang boat station of Manokwari. We went by water taxi crossing the blue sea of Dorey bay to the white sandy beach of the small tropical island. There was a concrete path that led us to the southern area of the island. We just followed it. Along the way, we could see coconut, catappa and barringtonia trees on both sides of the path. As we left the village, the forest at the back of the island looked more pristine. We continued walking until we saw a narrow path that was leading us to the beach. We just followed it. We arrived at the beach. There were some fishing boats at sea. We also saw butterflies and wild flowers. We were not too far from the city but we were close to nature.

a dog at Mansinam island

We found a rock at the beach. We sat there under the shades of the trees to enjoy the surrounding scenery of this beautiful tropical island.
The southern underwater area of Mansinam island is covered by coral reef. It is a good snorkeling and diving site.
It was a busy day for local people. They were catching fish, collecting firewood and transporting school children to the city. There was a dog that was trying his luck on catching fish at the beach. He tried many times but he failed. Perhaps, he needed more practice. I thought wild dogs prefer to hunt animals in the forest. It was a new sighting for me to see dog trying to catch fish. It was a nice experience traveling to Mansinam island. At around 15.00, we returned to Billy Jaya hotel. We were really excited with the trip.
Besides organising and guiding tourists in Manokwari, I also organize snorkeling and birding tours in Raja Ampat especially to Waigeo, Mansuar, Kri, Arborek and Pianemo islands. -written by Charles Roring
Also read:
Snorkeling Tour in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat Snorkeling and Birding
Visiting Fish Lagoon of Raja Ampat

Snorkeling and Nature Walk in Mansinam Island of Manokwari

Mansinam island

Mansinam is a small island near Manokwari city. Everyday it is visited by Christian pilgrims who want to see historical sites of European missionaries who introduced Gospel for the first time to the indigenous Papuan people on 5 February 1855.
Mansinam island is surrounded by coral reef particularly in its southern coast. It is a good site for visitors who want to enjoy snorkeling to see such fish as parrotfish, moorish idol, butterflyfish, sea star, sea cucumber, damselfish, turtle, and a lot more.

Doreri Guesthouse in Mansinam island

Doreri Guesthouse
There is a guesthouse located in the south of the island. Its name is Doreri Guesthouse and it can accommodate up to 40 guests.
Rates
500,000 rupiahs per room per night for 2 people (breakfast)
700,000 rupiahs per room per night for 2 people (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Visitors need to bring their own snorkeling gear such as mask, snorkel, fins, and underwater camera.

Coral reef in Manokwari

Scuba Diving
In addition to snorkeling, upon special request, the staff of Doreri Guesthouse can arrange a diving trip for visitors who are interested in seeing shipwrecks and coral reef environment both in the island and other areas of Manokwari waters.

Nature Walk
Besides enjoying snorkeling and scuba diving in Manokwari, visitors can also do jogging, nature walk and birdwatching or butterfly watching around Mansinam island. Birds such as willie wagtail, pigeon, kingfisher, frigatebird and various other seabirds can be seen early in the morning.
Government has built a wide concrete track for visitors. The concrete path passes through tropical rainforest that still covers most of the island. The best time to enjoy nature walk is early in the morning when birds are still active. Butterflies usually come out of the forest to find nectar from wild flowers that grow on both sides of the concrete road.
I highly suggest that visitors who want to do nature walk be accompanied by the staff of Doreri Guesthouse.

Visitors who want to enjoy snorkeling and nature walk around the tropical island of Mansinam should stay at least 3 days/ 2 nights to see the coral reef, the forest environment, the villages, and the historical Christians sites of the island.

Booking
If you are interested in visiting and staying in Mansinam island, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Hiking and Birding in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

Lowland Forest of Manokwari

Lowland Forest of Manokwari
Birdwatching is an interesting activity. In Manokwari, there are several places that I usually visit to run birding tours. One of them is Menyumfoka river. Tropical rainforest that covers both sides of the river is the natural habitat of a lot of species of birds that live in lowland area. During my last riverwalk in the area, I saw Papuan hornbills (Rhyticeros plicatus), Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), Brahminy Kite, Pinon Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pinon), Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), and Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus rotatus). Big trees such as ironwood tree, strangler ficus tree and kayu-perahu tree can be seen in the lowland forest.

Eclectus Parrots in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

Birding along the river
To watch birds, I use a pair of binoculars. I also have got a spotting scope and a tripod. I like birding along the bank of a river because I could see birds easily. Huge clearing area created by a river enables birdwatchers to spot birds in distant trees and in the sky.
Birding Camera
I use an old Fujifilm HS50EXR. It has got 42x optical zoom that is equivalent too 1,000 mm. It is a very good camera for birdwatching. Unfortunately, Fujifilm discontinued the development of such camera.
As a tourist guide, I offer hiking and birding tours to lowland forest and montane forest of Manokwari.

Butterfly in Lowland Forest of Manokwari

Other Animals
The Lowland Forest of Manokwari is also the habitat of deers, wallaby, wild pigs, snakes, and a lot of colorful butterflies and beetles.
I made some pictures of mantis and butterfly and I went hiking in the area yesterday.

Camping
The average duration of the hiking and birding tour in the lowland forest of Manokwari is 3 days/ 2 nights. I provide tents, and sleeping bags for tourists so that they don't need to bring camping gear from their country.

Booking a rainforest hiking and birding tour
For customized Please, send text message (by whatsapp is also ok) to my cell phone: +6281332245180. You could also contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com

Things to bring:

• Clothing such as t-shirts and shorts for tropical climate. You could also bring swimsuit if you want to swim in the fresh water river.
• Watershoes
• Flip-flop
• Torch/ flashlight
• Binoculars/ spotting scope + tripod
• A camera with telephoto lens 
• Anti-insect lotion
• If you like fishing, you could also bring your fishing rod.

Coral Reef in Manokwari

Snorkeling and Staying in Mansinam Island
Most of the visitors who come to Manokwari also want to enjoy swimming and snorkeling.  I recommend that they go and stay in Mansinam island which is only 15 minutes by water taxi.
Accommodation
There is a guesthouse in the island. Its name is Doreri Guesthouse. The beachfront of the guesthouse is covered by coral reef. Parrotfish, pink anemonefish, damselfish, moorish idol, butterflyfish, boxfish and a lot of other species of tropical fish can be seen in the area.

Doreri Guesthouse in Mansinam island

Bedroom in Doreri Guesthouse of Mansinam Island

Bring your own snorkeling gear such as mask, snorkel and fins if you want to see the coral reef environment of the island.
Rates:
500,000 rupiahs per room per night for 2 people (including breakfast)
700,000 rupiahs per room per nigt for 2 people (including breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Visitors who stay in the island can also enjoy hiking, butterfly watching around the island.
Booking:
Just send email to me (Charles Roring): peace4wp@gmail.com or whatsapp message to +6281332245180 and I will help in arranging your stay in Mansinam island.

Snorkeling Vacation in Manokwari

Manokwari is the capital of West Papua province of the Republic of Indonesia. It is a destination for visitors who want to enjoy snorkeling and hiking in the forest of northern Manokwari or Arfak mountains.  Visitors can spend 3 days/ 2 nights in the jungle and 3 days/ 2 nights or more at the beach.

Marine life in the sea of Manokwari

Snorkeling and hiking in Mansinam Island
Mansinam island is a good site for snorkeling. You could stay at Doreri Guesthouse for several days to enjoy the warm water of the sea and see a lot of species of fish. Bring your own snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins). From my previous trips, I saw parrotfish, boxfish, damselfish, butterflyfish, moorish idol, anemonefish, and a lot of other species which I cannot identify.
In addition to snorkeling, visitors who stay in the island can do nature walk around the island along its concrete road. There are birds, wild flowers, butterflies and beetles which visitors can see during the land tour. There is also track to the highest point of the island. Local village is also an interesting site to visit. We can also organize multiple day snorkeling trips around Manokwari for you.

Jungle Tour
Visitors who come to Manokwari go to the forest of Northen Manokwari for watching birds. As a matter of fact, the lowland forest of Northern Manokwari is  an interesting site for swimming (in the river), bird and wildlife watching. Animals such as deer, wild pigs, cuscus possum and wallaby live in the jungle.  For birds, the lowland forest of North Manokwari is the natural habitat of pinon imperial pigeon, sulphur crested cockatoo, Blyth's hornbill, Western-crowned Pigeon, Palm Cockatoo and Beautiful Fruit Dove, Kingfisher and a lot more. There are also a lot of colorful butterflies.

Rainforest in Manokwari

As a tour guide, I have organized a lot of jungle trips for visitors who want to see wild animals. We stay in tents near a river in the jungle and do our nature exploration.

Photographic Device
Most tourists bring cameras. They like to take pictures of anything. Today, there are cameras that are cheap but can be used in many different environments from rainforest to coral reef. In the past, I used Nikon AW 120. The newest product from Nikon is the coolpix W300. Now, I use Brica B-Pro5 Alpha Edition. It is an action camera that is suitable for adventure tours.
How to get there?

• It is easy to reach Manokwari city. Just fly from your country to Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia)
• After that, fly to Manokwari. Airlines such as Garuda, Xpress Air, Sriwijaya and Nam Air have got regular daily flight to Manokwari.
• When you arrive in Manokwari, we can meet you at the airport and transfer you to the island or to the jungle.

Manokwari is located in the bird's head peninsular
of West Papua

Contact:
Please, contact me by email to me (Charles Roring) to: peace4wp@gmail.com for customized itinerary, cost and more info. You could also contact me by whatsapp: +6281332245180. If I haven't replied your message, perhaps, I still guide tourists in the jungle or at sea.
Also read:
Snorkeling with American tourists in Manokwari
Snorkeling in the coral reef of Manokwari

Snorkeling in Mansinam island of Manokwari city

Mansinam is a small island that is located near Manokwari city (the capital of Papua Barat province) in West Papua. It has been a famous destination among Christian pilgrims because it was the first place in New Guinea where Christianity was preached to the indigenous people. Every year on 5 February, thousands of people gather on the island to celebrate the event.
The tropical island of Mansinam is also surrounded by coral reef that hosts thousands of species of marine animals.
Early this month, I went snorkeling at the southern part of the island. I brought a Canon G1X with its housing to take pictures of the marine life. There were a lot of fish that I saw during my 2 hours snorkeling activity. Some of them were Striped Surgeon Fish, parrotfish, damselfish, convict surgeonfish, butterflyfish, Moorish Idol, Clark's anemone fish, several species of Christmas tree worms, and a lot more. There were blue sea stars and black urchins and sea cucumber too.
Here are some pictures that I made during the trip:

Cross Monument in Mansinam island

Marine Life in Mansinam Island

Underwater World of Mansinam Island

Clark's Anemonefish

Snorkeling Tour and Rainforest Tour
As a tour guide, I can organize a Snorkeling Tour and Rainforest Tour for anybody who is interested in taking a vacation in Manokwari. You can stay at the guesthouse in Mansinam island or at any hotels in Manokwari city.
I suggest that you come here in a group of at least 2 to 4 people. More is better because all of you can share the cost. I can organize such trip for a solo traveler too.

Where is Mansinam Island
Mansinam island is located in Dore bay near Manokwari city.  It is only a ten-minute ride by water taxi.

Manokwari - the capital of Papua Barat province

Mansinam island Dore bay of Manokwari regency

How to get there?

• It is easy to go to Mansinam island or Manokwari city (both are located very close to each other).
• Fly from your country to Jakarta city
• Take a domestic flight to Manokwari city. Garuda, Sriwijaya, Batik, Nam Air, and Wings Air (member of Lion Air group)
• We will meet you at the airport and organize your trip to see coral reef in Mansinam island and other parts in Dore bay and the tropical rainforest in Arfak mountains.

For further information, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180
Also read:
Raja Ampat guided snorkeling tour
Snorkeling Pictures from Raja Ampat
Snorkeling at the beach of Raja Ampat Paradise Resort

Snorkeling in Mansinam Island

Do you plan to go to Manokwari? Don't forget to visit the nearby Mansinam island. It takes only around ten minutes by "water taxi"  from Ketapang Boat Station to Mansinam.

White sandy beach near Doreri Guesthouse of Mansinam Island

Coral Reef Environment and Shipwrecks

Bring your snorkeling gear if you want to see the rich marine environment of the coral reef that thrive along the coast of the island. Surgeon fish, damsel fish, butterfly fish, parrotfish, anemone fish, are some of the tropical fish that you could see when you enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in the island.
Table coral, mushroom coral and leather coral can be seen thriving in the waters around mansinam.There are  several shipwrecks on the bottom of the sea which can be seen by scuba divers.

Make sure that you do not stand on the coral and tease the marine animals.

Accommodation in Mansinam Island

If you want to spend several days exploring Mansinam island, you could stay at Doreri Guesthouse that is located on the southeastern side of the island just a minute walk to the beach.

Doreri Guesthouse in Mansinam Island

The standard rates
Overnight stay Rp. 550,000 approximately 37 Euros
Pick up service from the airport Rp. 150,000 or approx. 12 US dollars
Boat rent Rp. 500,000 per day
Bicycle rent Rp. 75,000 per day or approx. 6 US dollars
Snorkeling mask Rp. 50,000 or approx. 4 US dollars
If you want to travel in Manokwari city and its surrounding areas, you could also rent motorcycle or car from Doreri Guesthouse with the following rates:
Motorcycle Rp. 100,000 per day

Car Rp. 500,000 per day

Jogging and Nature Walk

Early in the morning, you could begin your day by jogging or walking along the concrete road that circles the island. Most part of Mansinam is still covered with tropical rainforest.

Birdwatching

If you are an avid birders, bring your telephoto camera to take pictures of kingfishers, frigate birds and other water birds that live in the island.

Butterfly and Insect Watching

Butterflies, Beetles,grasshoppers and other tropical Insects can easily be spotted in the branches and twigs of flower plants and shrubs throughout the island.

If you are interested in visiting and staying in Mansinam island, please, contact me by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com.
This article is written by Charles Roring