From Kwatisore Bay, you can explore another gem of Cenderawasih Bay – Roon Island on the northwest. The island boasts a remarkable array of exotic adventures. You can explore deserted beaches and untouched coves by kayak is an excellent choice. Witness the uniqueness of the housing of Roon residents who live by the sea, and mingle with the local community. Roon Island also suits well for history enthusiasts; here, you can visit the iconic Old Church, which has the Bible published in 1898. And don’t forget to sample the natural beauty of Roon by trekking. You will encounter the birds-of-paradise and bats which float and swoop around as if guarding this magnificent island. The smaller offshore islets, including Ripon and Auri, are worth a visit for fantastic snorkeling.
Pulau Ripon
Most of the people head to Cenderawasih Bay to dive with whale sharks. However, the waters around the bay are arguably the best place on Earth to witness other majestic marine life. There are many tiny islets scattered around Pulau Roon that hide some of the best-kept secrets. First is Pulau Ripon. Snorkeling around Ripon Island has perfect visibility for meeting and greeting dugong, reef sharks, and many schools of reef fish. Exploring the close by sand atolls of this underwater paradise is also highly recommended. If you’re looking to thoroughly explore a diversity of coral reefs, then heading to Pulau Auri is the place to go. The waters around the colorful reefs don’t exceed 10 meters, and you can encounter lobsters, soft corals, boxer crabs, sea snakes, and turtles.
