Discover Hidden Papua: Snapmor and Whaleshark, Beyond the Famous Raja Ampat

TheIndonesia.co - When people think of Papua as a tourist destination, Raja Ampat almost always dominates the conversation. Its dramatic limestone karst islands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and world-class diving sites are truly second to none.

But Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost province, has much more to offer than its celebrated marine wonderland. Far from the mainstream routes, regions like Biak Numfor are beginning to emerge as captivating alternatives for travellers who seek rich cultural heritage, unspoiled marine biodiversity, and unforgettable festivals—like the annual Biak Munara Wampasi (BMW) Festival.

Papua’s Untapped Potential: A Glimpse Beyond Raja Ampat

Papua is a land of staggering beauty and immense cultural diversity. With more than 250 ethnic groups, it remains one of the most culturally rich regions in Indonesia. Yet, many of its tourism treasures remain largely under the radar, especially in the districts and islands far from Sorong and Raja Ampat.

Biak Numfor, for instance, is a regency located in the northern part of Papua. It’s an island filled with historical significance, wartime relics, pristine coral reefs, and vibrant local traditions. With direct flights from major cities like Jakarta, Makassar, and Jayapura, getting to Biak has never been easier.

The Biak Munara Wampasi Festival: Papua’s Cultural Showcase

One of the major highlights of Biak Numfor is the Biak Munara Wampasi (BMW) Festival, which takes place every July. This festival is not just an event—it’s a living showcase of the local Biak people's customs, stories, food, music, and dance.

In 2025, the festival runs from July 1st to July 4th, and has gained national recognition as part of the Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) program by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism.

This year, the festival was opened with international flair. Seychelles Ambassador to Indonesia, Nico Barito, attended the opening alongside Biak Numfor Regent Markus Oktovianus Mansnembra and Deputy for Tourism Events from the Ministry of Tourism, Reza Pahlevi. Ambassador Barito drew a fascinating parallel between Biak and Seychelles, both island regions with rich marine and cultural offerings.

“Biak has natural and marine tourism potential just like Seychelles,” he stated, signaling potential future collaboration to bring Biak tourism to international levels.

During the festival, visitors can experience:

• Parade Tari Wor – Traditional Biak tribal dances that tell the story of ancestors and sea spirits.
• Parade Perahu Adat (Traditional Canoe Parade) – A spectacular on-sea procession showcasing decorated boats that represent different villages.
• Snapmor – A unique cultural event where locals catch fish together during low tide using traditional methods. Held on the beach of Kampung Urfu, this is both a communal ritual and a crowd-pulling attraction.
• Mangrove Education – Environmental awareness activities centered on the mangrove ecosystems of Taman Mangrove Ruar.
• Apen Beyeren – A traditional firewalking ceremony that symbolizes courage and ancestral connection.
• Local Culinary & Coffee Workshops – Hands-on experiences in Biak’s food culture and coffee heritage.

How to Get to Biak Numfor

While Raja Ampat often requires a multi-leg journey involving planes and ferries, Biak Numfor is accessible via Frans Kaisiepo International Airport (BIK). This airport receives regular flights from:

• Jakarta (CGK) via Makassar (UPG) or direct during peak season.
• Jayapura (DJJ) – the capital of Papua province.
• Manado (MDC) – for those traveling from North Sulawesi.

Once you arrive, you’ll find that Biak offers a unique blend of traditional hospitality and improving infrastructure that makes travel convenient yet still intimate.

Other Must-See Destinations in and around Biak Numfor

Beyond the festival, Biak Numfor and its surrounding islands offer a number of scenic and historical locations for travellers.

1. Padaido Islands

Located southeast of Biak, this chain of over 30 islands features stunning coral reefs and sandy beaches. Snorkelling and diving here are excellent, and because the area remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, you’ll enjoy a truly serene experience. Local guides often organize island-hopping tours that include traditional storytelling and fresh seafood meals.

2. Bosnik Beach

Just 20 kilometers from Biak town, Bosnik Beach is an accessible escape with white sands and coconut groves. It’s a great spot for swimming, relaxing, or simply absorbing the peaceful island life.

3. Japanese Caves and WWII Relics

Biak was a significant site during World War II, and remnants of that era still exist. The Japanese Caves offer a sobering but fascinating look into the history of the Pacific War. Many visitors pair this with trips to local museums and war memorials.

4. Wafsarak Waterfall

Hidden in a lush tropical forest about an hour from Biak town, Wafsarak Waterfall is a favorite for those seeking a freshwater dip. The surrounding trails also make for good bird-watching opportunities.

Sustainable Tourism and Local Empowerment

One of the most promising aspects of tourism in Biak Numfor is its emphasis on sustainability and cultural preservation. The local government, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, is actively working to ensure that tourism develops in a way that benefits the indigenous communities.

“We hope that through the BMW Festival and other attractions, Biak becomes an economic hub while preserving our culture,” said Biak’s Head of Tourism, Onny Dangeubun.

The 2025 festival alone is projected to generate over Rp6 billion in economic activity, according to local officials. This financial influx is not only crucial for local entrepreneurs and artisans, but also for the youth, many of whom are involved in cultural performances, guiding tours, and managing eco-initiatives.

Nabire and Dormená: Where Giants Swim and Cultures Thrive

While Biak Numfor dazzles with its cultural festivals and pristine archipelagos, another hidden treasure awaits further west in Nabire Regency, Central Papua. Known for its stunning marine biodiversity and untouched coastal charm, Nabire has slowly begun gaining attention—particularly for an experience that is as humbling as it is magical: swimming with whale sharks in Cendrawasih Bay.

Cenderawasih Bay: Gentle Giants of Papua

Located within Teluk Cenderawasih National Park, the largest marine park in Indonesia, the waters off Nabire are home to one of the most consistent and accessible populations of whale sharks in the world. Unlike many places where whale shark sightings are seasonal, Nabire’s local fishermen have developed a long-standing relationship with these filter-feeding giants, who regularly congregate around floating fishing platforms known as bagan.

Here, visitors can swim side by side with these gentle creatures—some as long as 9 meters—in calm, clear waters. It's a surreal, almost spiritual experience, and unlike any other wildlife encounter in Southeast Asia. Local guides and conservationists ensure the practice remains sustainable and respectful to the animals, making this an excellent example of community-based eco-tourism.

Access to Cenderawasih Bay is typically via boat from Sowa Beach or the nearby fishing village of Kwatisore, about 3-4 hours from Nabire town by road and sea. The area is still relatively remote, so visitors should plan carefully and ideally arrange tours with experienced local operators.

Dormená Village: Tradition, Hospitality, and the Real Papua

Not far from Nabire town, Dormená is a coastal village that offers an immersive look into traditional Papuan life. Known for its warm hospitality and well-preserved customs, Dormená has become a model for cultural tourism initiatives in the region. Travelers who make the effort to visit will find a village deeply connected to its land and ocean, where fishing, storytelling, and communal ceremonies remain at the heart of daily life.

What makes Dormená particularly special is its community-led tourism programs. Visitors can:

• Stay with local families in traditional homes or eco-lodges.
• Participate in sago processing, a key staple food of the region.
• Learn local dances and songs from village elders.
• Explore the nearby coastal mangrove ecosystems with guided walks.

These programs are designed not just for entertainment, but to empower the local community economically while preserving cultural identity. The income from tourism supports village development, education, and conservation efforts.

Together, Nabire and Dormená round out Papua’s diverse tourism offerings with unforgettable nature and heartfelt human connection. Whether you're swimming alongside whale sharks in the wild expanse of Cenderawasih Bay or sharing stories over home-cooked meals in Dormená, this corner of Papua leaves a lasting imprint on every visitor lucky enough to find it.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: July (to catch the BMW Festival); dry season runs from May to October.
• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• Language: Bahasa Indonesia and local Papuan dialects.
• Accommodation: A range of homestays, beach cottages, and small hotels are available. Early booking is advised during the festival.