Cenderawasih Bay in the northern province is the largest marine national park in Indonesia, while the southerly Triton Bay is part of the Kaimana Marine Protected Area.

Cenderawasih Bay hosts roughly 14,000 people living in the 72 villages within the park, but it is primarily known for sightings of the elusive whale shark, as these gentle creatures gather among the locals’ fishing platforms to feed on the small fry that escapes the nets. The fishermen believe they are under the protection of the spirits.

Kaimana in the south is home to the legend of the Garuda bird, which today is the symbol of the Republic of Indonesia. Surrounded by the impressive peaks of the mainland, Triton Bay boasts lush rainforest and beautiful waterfalls that are ideal for exploratory hiking, and ancient rock art that can be seen while kayaking.

GET TRULY OFF GRID IN LOCATIONS SUCH AS CENDERAWASIH & TRITON BAY

Until relatively recently, Cenderawasih Bay was geologically isolated from the flow of Pacific tides and remains sheltered, so less current moves through its waters resulting in fascinating underwater life. Very colourful endemic species and some deep-dwelling marine species are found here in shallow water. Divers can explore interesting wrecks and sunken fighter jets from WWII.

Triton Bay’s marine biodiversity counts 1,005 species of fish, 471 species of hard coral, and 28 species of mantis shrimp with everything from pygmy seahorses to wobbegong and epaulette sharks. Marine surveyors are still discovering fascinating new species here and in 2007, two of the first surveyed sites broke the world record for the most fish species recorded from a single dive site.