Indonesia has an abundance of Taman Wisata Alam or nature parks that cover ranges of geographic location. Granted with its natural beauty, west Papua secures at least four TWAs in the area and one of them is the Table Mountain forest reserve. Also known as Gunung Meja, the Table Mountain boasts the natural biodiversity of the eastern part of Indonesia.
About The Taman Wisata Alam Gunung Meja
Before you start visiting the tourist destination, be aware that Taman Wisata Alam Gunung Meja is one of the protected forest areas. The primary attraction is the magnificent natural flat-topped table mountain as high as 205 meters high. It is a hill part of the Arfak mountains range overlooking Manokwari.
Surprisingly enough, the forest conservation area is very close to the downtown area. It is about 2,5 km from the center of the city, which turns it into the lung of the city. Being covered in dense rainforest and hilly areas with tons of topography ranges, the place is jampacked with floras and faunas. It is also a natural wonder that creates such a huge contrast between the city and the forest area.
Function And Role In Manokwari
1. Protected Forest Land
Table Mountain West Papua is known for its flat-topped hill that resembles a table spanning as long as 500 ha area. While the area is known as a tourist destination, it also protected forest areas that house varying fauna and flora. Since it is also part of Arfak mountain, the large tropical rain forest covers ramp up to 83% of the area and the surrounding mountain.
The place has varying types of wood and non-wood plants, which include mushrooms, flowers, and many more. It also recorded that the area has more than 50 types of medicinal herbs, 25+ orchids species, and many more. Mushrooms are also found in almost everything since the forest has a high humidity level.
Aside from the flora, Table Mountain also has large fauna biodiversity. Tourists can visit the place to try bird and insect watching, which helps introduce the power of natural rainforest habitat. As a natural habitat with a huge range of forest canopy, the area secures more than 35 bird species, there are also 15 types of mammals, snacks, amphibians, and many more.
2. Water Resource
Situated close to the center of the city, the forest is also a water source area for west Papua specifically for Manokwari. There is a huge river trail, and the forest cover helps supply clean water. Not only that, but a lush forest area is also an ideal place as the city’s lung, which supply oxygen to surrounding areas.
3. Tourism Attraction Close To Manokwari
Boasting the natural resource beauty and wonder, tourists can visit the area as an ideal nature exploration. It is situated pretty close to Manokwari, which provide an ideal recreational place for tourist. It is also a popular place to hike and explore the Papuan tropical rainforest.
Some other activities in the areas include bird watching. It is said that the fauna’s potential in the area is pretty high. Tourists will get the chance to witness the shy and hardly seen Taun Taun bird. There is also a king cockatoo to the magnificent bird of paradise. Exploration includes going to caving experiences and many others locations.
History Of Taman Wisata Alam Gunung Meja
Historically, the area has been part of the green preserved forest since Dutch and Japan colonization in West Papua. There is also a story of how the forest was part of the Japanese last stance on defending from allied attack by America. It said that America’s attack forced japan to go further in the forest, reaching Manokwari and reside at the Table Mountain.
The Table mountain forest was the silent silent witness of the occasions, which also has a range of historical remains. Tourists can see some old bunkers and defensive lines in the area. However, there is also a huge monument made by the Japanese army to honor the soldier who died during World War 2. It makes the place a historical site that is worth visiting.
How To Reach The Area
Tourists can reach the area by going through UNIPA university or from Sarinah. You will find a road to Taman Wisata Alam gunung Meja. You will need to reach the forest with a private vehicle such as a motorcycle or car. For better access and security, tourists are advised to go with agents, local, or transportation rental before exploring the west Papua tourist destination.
Admiring the beauty of Papua’s biodiversity is one of the main activities during the visit. You will need to go around and visit many locations in the province. Visiting TWAs will help you learn about the natural habitat and natural biodiversity in the area. That is why Mountain forest reserve will also be one of the primary destinations you need to visit in Manokwari.
