Mansinam Island is one of the unique tourist attractions in West Papua. This destination is famous for its religious tourism. In addition, this island presents natural scenery that is so amazing. Tourists can see a row of trees that are still green. Although it is known as the gospel teaching introduced in Papua, many visitors come because of maritime tourism.
About Mansinam Island
Mansinam Island has a relatively thick historical value. Long ago, two German missionaries settled on Mansinam Island off the coast of Manokwari in 1855. For this reason, they became the first to spread Christianity in Papua. This beautiful island with rainforest characteristics is home to a small village. Then, you’re a not-so-subtle church with a Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro.
In addition, there are also pleasant beaches along its stunning west and south coast. Shifting to the following location at the southern end, you can see coral reefs for suitable snorkeling activities. Also, you find a pier for a small boat to dock. As a result, it gives a better impression of the island of Mansinam.
Mansinam Island Attraction
1. Missionary Cemetery Site
As is well known, this island became the center of the spread of Christianity in West Papua. As a result, many figures who became the forerunner of religion were introduced to the Papuan. You can find a religious tourist attraction, namely the tomb of a missionary belonging to Carel Willemottow. In this case, it has an architectural style that resembles the house of the Biak tribe.
2. Jesus statue
The statue of Jesus’ blessing stands firmly and is quite large on Mnsinam Island. This statue is an icon of Mansinam Island built by the local government. Also, the figure is useful as a marker for the spread of the gospel in Papua. Visitors can see the statue has a pure white paint color with a height of 30 meters.
3. Beach
Another attraction that you can find on this island is the incredible beach. Some of the beaches you can visit are Maruni Beach, Yen Bebay Beach, Bakaro Beach, and Amban Beach. All beaches around the island have white sand that is still kept clean. In addition, the texture of the beach sand is soft when stepped on without wearing shoes.
4. Cool Air
All attractions on the island of West Papua have unspoiled nature. You can feel the island is still preserved in its nature, including one of them is the island of Mansinam. The air on this island feels fresh because it is far from the center of Manokwari City. Tourists who want to visit need a long time to arrive. This is because access is difficult to reach by specific transportation.
Route To Location
There are still many tourists who do not know this island, let alone its location. Mansinam Island’s spiritual tourism object is located in Manokwari City. The distance is approximately 4 kilometers from the white sand beach of Manokwari. To be able to visit this island, visitors can take a motorboat with a capacity of 10 to 12 people from the Port of Manokwari.
The trip by boat to get to the island location only takes about 10 to 15 minutes. In addition to using a boat, visitors can also ride a speedboat at a cost that is certainly more expensive. However, tourists can travel faster to visit the Mansinam island in West Papua. But if you want to save more money, a motorized boat is the ideal solution to get to your destination.
Activities on Mansinam Island
1. Expedition Tomb of the Missionaries
Most visitors to the island of Mansinam come to make pilgrimages to the tombs of missionaries. Near the beach, visitors can find the landing site of two German missionaries for the first time to spread the gospel’s teachings. Behind the statue of Jesus, there is a relief that tells the story of their arrival who residents welcomed.
2. Diving and Snorkeling
Mansinam Island is also famous for its unparalleled natural beauty. As a result, this makes the visitors do not want to miss exciting activities on the beach with the water so clear. In fact, many visitors bring snorkeling equipment to enjoy the beauty of the underwater flora and fauna. Also, there are several diving sites with calm currents in the area.
3. Enjoy the Sunset
The moments when the sun goes down on the horizon are the most impressive things for travelers to see. It is the moment most travelers look forward to on the island. If the weather is sunny, visitors can enjoy the sunset on the coast with stunning views. As a result, this adds to the island’s attractiveness in West Papua.
In conclusion, Mansinam Island is one of the hidden gems in Manokwari. This island area has charming natural beauty. Apart from that, there is also a religious destination as an icon of the island of Mansinam. So, you enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings and get to know the history and various things related to the spread of religion in Papua.
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