Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Begin of Tour Manokwari (Irian Jaya/West Papua) - Manokwari

We will meet you upon arrival in Manokwari, the capital city of West Papua Province, located in the Bird’s Head of New Guinea Island. Manokwari is a friendly town in a bay where you can find Mansinam Island. Known as the "holy island" since Christianity was first introduced here to the Papuans in 1855 by 2 German missionaries. With a public boat, you will cross the bay to Mansinam island. Additionally, you will visit the traditional market where many Papuan women sell their homegrown like vegetables, fruits and the well-known betel nut. Chewing betel nut is part of the traditional Papuan culture, and you will soon notice the red stained lips and teeth of the local men and women. Overnight in Manokwari.

Day 2: Manokwari - Mokwam (B/L/D)

In the morning, you will leave by 4-wheel drive jeeps to the rough mountainous terrains of the Arfak Mountains. We drive on the mountain ridges and the jungle fog will often embrace the valleys below us. We will pass traditional villages with the traditional, kaki seribu or centipede-style houses. We will stay in a simple lodge, a perfect base-camp for further exploration of the thick rainforests surrounding us. The lodge has a beautiful flowery environment and is located in a local village in Mokwam Area. If you are not so much into birding, your guide can take you on a walk to see more of the local life of the mountain people. But most come here to explore the sites of several endemic bird species. Like the Western Parotia, Magnificent Bird of Paradise and if lucky the Superb Bird of Paradise (Lophorina superba). For all these locations, you will need to hide in a blind and walk approx 40 minutes to 1 hour through the jungle. The area of Mokwam has been visited by many documentary filmmakers like those from National Geographic.

Day 3: Mokwam (B/L/D)

Leave the Lodge before sunrise and trekking into the mountains. Keep your eyes open for the local birds of paradise. The Western Parotia (Parotia sefilata) who also belongs to the Bird of Paradise Group. The male Western Parotia is a fantastic dancer! He shows a ballerina-like dance with its plumes expanded like a skirt! During his funny and spectacular dance, he rapidly moves his head as if he had a bit too much to drink. He has 3 head-wires behind each eye and a black plumage. The female that likes his moves, will choose him to mate with. Maybe you will see the Magnificent Bird of Paradise (Cicinnurus magnificus) which has yellow wings and a green breast shield with blue feet. With its complex curved plumage, it is as unique as its fellow males Birds of Paradise. Return to the lodge later in the day.

Day 4: Mokwam - Manokwari (B/L)

In the morning you can still explore the area with your guide. After lunch, you will head back to Manokwari. The afternoon is free at your leisure. Overnight in Manokwari.

Day 5: Manokwari - End of Tour Manokwari (Irian Jaya/West Papua) (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. The round trip ends with the airport transfer.