There is no reason to dispute Papua’s natural beauty. Papua has not only a rich culture and customs but also incomparable beauty. On this occasion, we will go to Mansinam Island, the gateway to Christianity in Papua. Let’s start our journey.
About Mansinam Island
Manokwari, the capital of West Papua, is where you can locate Mansinam Island. The distance between this island and Manokwari is roughly 6 kilometers.
Along with a stunning natural coastline, this island has a long history of being a Christian haven because it serves as the gateway to Christian teachings.
Around 1855, two German missionaries named Johann Gottlob Geissler and Carl Wiliam Ottow started preaching the gospel on this island. The Numfor Tribe, who at the time resided on Mansinam Island, was reached by these two evangelists with the message of salvation.
Manokwari, which is situated in the southern portion of Doreri Bay, is about 6 kilometers away from Mansinam Island, which has a surface size of around 410.97 hectares. From Manokwari City, it takes just 10 to 15 minutes by motor boat to go to this island.
Touristic Spots on Mansinam Island
The attraction on Mansinam Island is comparable to that in Raja Ampat. Every island is distinct in its own way. These are a few of the unique characteristics of Mansinam Island.
1. Historic Church
A historic church that still serves as a place of worship is called Lahai Roi. This church’s major draw is the historic well that sits next to Lahai Roi and serves as the locals’ water source.
Locals claim that the missionaries Ottow and Geissler were responsible for digging this historic well. The residents of Mansinam Island continue to use the water from the old well today.
People consider the well’s water holy and think it may treat various illnesses. Because the well water is so pure and natural, tourists who visit Mansinam Island frequently take advantage of the opportunity to drink it or use it to wash their faces.
2. Jesus Christ Statue
A 35-meter-tall statue represents the first time the Bible was brought into the Land of Papua. This statue of Jesus is almost as high as the statue of Jesus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (38 meters).
3. Missionary Cemetery
Visitors can find Carel Willemottow’s missionary graves on Mansinam Island as a religious tourism attraction.
The apostles who propagated the Bible today are buried in well-kept cemeteries. The architectural style of the missionaries’ graves is noteworthy as it evokes the traditional dwellings of the Biak people.
Every year on February 5, tens of thousands of people travel to Mansinam to participate in festivities honoring Ottow and Geissler’s arrival.
4. Beautiful Landscapes
The gorgeous beaches on this island are another draw. Bakaro Beach, Maruni Beach, Yen Bebay Beach, and Amban Beach are a few of these.
These beaches all have white sand that is kept tidy and is regarded as being particularly smooth when walking on without wearing shoes. Also visible are imposing coconut trees.
Due to its distance from Manokwari City’s heart and the fact that few foreigners and foreign tourists are familiar with this island, the air there is likewise quite fresh.
Additionally, the seawater is exceptionally pure. Small fish of many kinds and coral reefs are easily visible from above the water’s surface. It also has a breathtaking sunset view.
The pier is one of the many comprehensive amenities offered by Mansinam Island to tourists. Visitors who arrive by jet ski, speedboat, or other means of water transportation won’t have to worry about where to leave them.
That’s a little information about Mansinam Island. Hopefully, this information adds to your insight.
