Cendrawasih Birds

Cendrawasih is the Indonesian terminology for birds of paradise. There are approximately 43 species of cendrawasih and most of them can be found in rainforest of New Guinea. There are tens of places where visitors can go to watch them. Some of them include Waigeo island, Wondiboy Mountains, Arfak mountains and Tambrauw Mountains. 

Cendrawasih Raja is also called King Bird of Paradise

Cendrawasih Raja (Cicinnurus regius), also called King Bird of Paradise, can be watched in Susnguakti forest of Manokwari. It takes around one hour by car plus 1 hour 30 minutes of hiking to reach birding site. Cendrawasih Raja can also be watched in Klatomok village of Klasow valley. 

Paradigala Ekor Panjang

Paradigala Ekor Panjang (Paradigalla carunculata),  also called Long-tailed Paradigalla, is a bird of paradise whose living area is very limited. It can be found in higher elevation or cloud forest of Arfak mountains. This is an important target among birdwatchers who want to see endemic birds of New Guinea.

Parotia Arfak / Western Parotia (Parotia sefilata)

Parotia Arfak (Parotia sefilata), also called Western Parotia) is another species of Bird of Paradise that lives in cloud forest of Arfak mountains. The male bird dances like a ballerina. This cendrawasih bird has six antennas on his head. 

A Male Parotia Barat/ Western Parotia was performing his courtship dance

Before performing his courtship dance, a male Parotia Arfak pick-up fallen twigs and leaves from his "dancing stage." After that he calls his female partners to the dancing ground. He will do several dancing rehearsals. When the female Parotia Arfak comes, he will immediately perform his dance. It last for several minutes. During a mating season, the dance will be performed several times a day and the whole performance may last for around 1 hour or more.

Lesser Birds of Paradise in West Papua

Cendrawasih Kuning Kecil (Paradisaea minor), also called Lesser Birds of Paradise, live in lowland and lower montane forest of New Guinea. The male one has got yellow, brown, green, and white colours. A male Cendrawasih Kuning Kecil is more beautiful than the female one. 

Coral Reef and Rainforest in Roswar Island of Cendrawasih Bay

I have just returned from Roswar. It is an island in Cendrawasih Bay and part of the territory of Wondama regency. I stayed in Waprak village which is the capital of District Roswar.

Guesthouses near hot spring in Roswar island for visitors

It is a beautiful island that is surrounded by coral reef. Most of Roswar is covered by rainforest. Villagers of Roswar work as fishermen and farmers. They catch fish and lobster. When passenger ship visits the island, villagers sell their fish to passengers and crew of the ship at the jetty of Nordiwar village. The coastal area of Roswar consists of brown and white sand beaches, rocks and cliffs; and manggrove forest. A lot of fish make manggrove forest as their hiding and breeding sites. That's the reason why there is a lot of fish in Roswar. 

Roswar island in Wondama regency of West Papua

The forest of Roswar is the habitat of mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. There are parrots, doves, and kingfishers in Roswar island. 

Visitors who travel to Roswar can enjoy hiking to see wildlife and snorkeling. They can enjoy fishing and grill their catch at the beach. Don't forget to bring binoculars, camera, and snorkeling sets (masks, snorkeling pipes and swim fins).

Another attraction of Roswar island is its hot stream water. Sometimes it is safe to swim in the stream, especially during high-tide and most often, it is dangerous especially during low-tide because the water of the stream will be too hot for visitors. 

Local government of Wondama regency has built guesthouses near the hot stream for visitors who want to stay there for weeks during their holiday. To stay there, visitors need to visit Waprak village and ask for permission from the head of District Roswar. 

Roswar island in West Papua

Getting There

• Visitor need to fly from their country to Jakarta, Denpasar - Bali or Surabaya
• After that they can continue their trip to Manokwari city by taking domestic flight served by such airlines as Lion Air, Batik Air, Sriwijaya Air. 
• The next part of the trip will be taking a short flight by a small passenger plane Cessna Caravan 208 operated by Susi Air from Manokwari to Wasior town. The sea trip between Roswar and Wasior town is around 2.5 hours by speedboat. There is direct ship route (around 4 hours) between Manokwari and Roswar but it is only once a week suitable for visitors who want to enjoy their vacation in Roswar for 1 full week. 

Flight route to Wasior town in Wondama Bay regency

For more info, please, visit https://wondamatourism.com

Also read:

• Birding and Butterflywatching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Birdwatching Tour in Minahasa Highland of North Sulawesi
• Birding in North Sulawesi