Numfor Island in Biak Numfor Regency, Papua Province
Numfor Island is part of Biak Numfor Regency and has become a great vacation destination for relaxation and lessening. The location is the north part of Papua Island. It also resides in Cendrawasih Cape, which is known for its underwater beauty. The island is also famous for its canary crabs! These crabs are quite big and they often come ashore for laying eggs. This phenomenon indeed attracts tourists who want to take photos and watch these creatures directly. Even red crabs are abundant there. What is more? Visitors come to Numfor Island for water sports and getting rid of stresses, as well.
The Nuance
Once arriving at Numfor Island, a serene nuance welcomes everyone. In terms of shape, it is similar to a round disc and has a total area of about 324 km per square. The island is also surrounded by a formation of big corals! In the southeast part of the island, tourists may find steep cliffs, as well. Not to mention several stunning beaches are available to explore there. As for facilities and accommodations, tourists should not expect too much. It is because the locals live traditionally and only have electricity at certain times.
Exploring Numfor Island
The best allure in Numfor Island is the pristine environment itself. Visitors can even conduct exploration at the tropical forest! Next, it is recommended to enjoy water sports especially snorkeling. The fact is the island has some good spots to enjoy the activity. As mentioned before, the island is surrounded by big corals, so snorkelers would see lots of sea creatures underwater including fishes and crabs. The most attractive ones are indeed red and canary crabs!
Some parts of Numfor Island also feature mangroves, which become a good spot for photography and relaxation. What is more? It is recommended to come only during a special event called Munara Wampasi. At the time, the locals would conduct Snapmor, which is a fishing event (done traditionally). Have no worries. Tourists are allowed to join it, as long as they talk to villagers first. For the information, this event is usually done in June annually.
As mentioned before, Numfor Island hasn’t featured sophisticated facilities and accommodations yet. Even electricity is limited. Despite the fact, nature and pristine environment would help visitors to forget these weaknesses. Moreover, it is possible to conduct island hopping and visiting nearby islands by renting a local boat later.
Nearby Attractions
- Syoribo Beach
- Yenburo Beach
- Pakreki Beach
- Kameri Tropical Forest
- Biak Island
How to Get There
It takes some time to reach Numfor Island. First, tourists must get to Biak Numfor Regency and the most recommended way to get there is by airplane. From Jakarta City, for example, they should take an airplane at Soekarno – Hatta International Airport and head to Frans Kaisiepo Airport right away. This flight usually takes about 5 hours and 45 minutes. Next, they can take a Twin Otter plane and head to Yemburwo Airport at Numfor Island. This flight would take about 25 minutes. One thing, this plane service is only available on Monday and Wednesday. Not to mention the seats are limited.
