September 14, 2015
Banner photo by Burt Jones/Maurine Shimlock
birds head seascape, diving, raja ampat, wayag, west papua
The highest coral reef biodiversity for an area of its size of any place on the planet, endemic birds, fishes, marsupials, orchids, and corals, and a remote location well off Asia’s usual tourist routes have established the Bird’s Head Seascape as the crown jewel of the Coral Triangle. Located in Indonesia’s West Papua province, the Bird’s Head’s regions - Raja Ampat, Cenderawasih Bay and Triton Bay - are heaven for scuba divers, kayaking enthusiasts, sailors, beachcombers, and just about anyone else who loves stunning tropical scenery! The Seascape Initiative has been established for over a decade now, and the collaboration between national and regional governments, international NGOs and empowered local stewards has made the BHS more accessible to visitors while preserving its natural riches. Expect myriad schooling fish, flamboyantly colored reefs, deserted beaches, towering limestone islands, and friendly locals.
Walking on an uninhabited beach, Triton Bay
1. Accommodations for everyone: From liveaboard to dive boats that feature spa services to village homestays, the Bird's Head Seascape has a room with a view to fit every traveller’s budget.
Pygmy seahorse, Raja Ampat
2. Arguably the best diving on earth! The Bird's Head seascape is home to reefs like no others: 1757 species of fish, over 50% of the world’s known soft coral species and more than 75% of the known hard corals, healthier and more diverse than anywhere else. Plus iconic species like the recently discovered walking shark and the popular but hard to spot pygmy sea horse.
Sea star on tunicates, Triton Bay
Aerial view of rock islands near SE Misool, Raja Ampat
3. Abundant islands: More than 2500 islands with diverse habitats, unexplored beaches, jungles, and mangrove forests.
Mansuar Island kids enjoying their reef, Raja Ampat
4. Enabling environment for ecosystem protection: One of ecotourism’s most significant impacts has been the generation of funds, which supply equipment and develop programs, empowering locals to become conservation stewards at home.
Crowned pigeon, endemic to the BHS, Cenderawasih Bay
5. Bird watching wonderland: Forty-five endemic bird species including birds of paradise, kingfishers, pigeons, hornbills, cassowaries and bowerbirds.
Glossodorid nudibranch, Triton Bay
False clown anemonefish, Raja Ampat
6. A marine sanctuary: The network of 11 marine protected areas as well as a region-wide shark preserve and a nation-wide manta ray refuge means benefits to all stakeholders, even the fish!
Kayaking in SE Misool, Raja Ampat
7. Never ending labyrinth for kayakers: Paddle through a maze of karst outcrops and island hop while visiting local villages.
Boo Windows dive site, Raja Ampat
Rock art believed to be about 5,000 years old, Raja Ampat
8. Ancient art: Some of the world’s most interesting millennia-old rock art is easily observed throughout the BHS.
Manta Ray at cleaning station, Raja Ampat
9. Refuge for mantas, turtles, sharks and whales: The BHS is home to the Pacific’s only remaining leather back turtle rookery and is also an important migratory route for cetaceans including sperm whales and orcas. The whole of Raja Ampat is a shark and manta sanctuary.
Stunning scenery above and below, Raja Ampat
