Thelandofpapua.com – Wasur National Park, often hailed as the “Serengeti of Papua,” is an unparalleled destination for wildlife enthusiasts in eastern Indonesia.

Nestled on the south coast of Papua, adjacent to the Papua New Guinea border, Wasur National Park forms a contiguous protected area with Papua New Guinea’s Tonda Wildlife Management Area. Together, they cover an impressive 10,000 square kilometers, offering an extensive haven for biodiversity.

The Natural Splendor of Wasur

Wasur National Park boasts a diverse range of ecosystems. Its expansive low-lying wetlands, intertidal mudflats, coastal mangroves, seasonally inundated grasslands, reed swamps, and savannahs create a mosaic of habitats.

These environments support a plethora of bird species, marsupials, reptiles, and fish, making the park a prime location for wildlife observation.

The park is a bird watcher’s paradise, home to approximately 358 bird species. This includes around 80 rare or endemic species such as the Fly River Grassbird, New Guinea HaIDRy Eagle, and several birds of paradise.

Additionally, tens of thousands of migratory waterbirds from as far as eastern Siberia find refuge here. Visitors can also spot agile wallabies, bandicoots, cuscuses, sugar gliders, cassowaries, and both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles.

Historical and Cultural Richness

Beyond its natural beauty, Wasur National Park holds significant historical and cultural value. Evidence of ancient human habitation and agricultural activity has been discovered throughout the park, indicating thousands of years of occupation by the Kamune, Marind, Marori, and Yei tribes.

Today, 14 villages remain within the park boundaries, where locals depend on the park’s resources for their sustenance and basic needs.

Planning Your Visit

Despite its remote location, Wasur National Park is accessible for visitors. Major airlines such as Garuda, Lion Air, and Sriwijaya Air offer flights from Jakarta to Merauke via Jayapura’s Sentani AiIDRort. Sriwijaya Air also provides regular flights from Makassar. From Merauke, visitors can hire a vehicle or ojek for the 2-3 hour journey to the park.

Before heading out, it’s essential to obtain a permit from the Wasur National Park Office in Merauke. The permit costs 10,000 IDR per person and 15,000 IDR per camera.

Accommodation and Local Guides

Within the park, four villages offer basic cottage-style accommodations: Yanggandur and Rawa Biru, known for bird-watching, Onggaya by the beach, and Soa along the Maro River.

Prices range from 100,000 IDR to 150,000 IDR for a bed and cooking equipment, though visitors need to bring their own food. Merauke also has ample accommodation options for those planning to stay overnight.

Local guides, who can greatly enhance your park experience, are available from any of the villages at a rate of about 150,000 IDR per day. Alternatively, Merauke-based guides charge roughly double but can assist with organizing park permits, transport, and accommodation.

Conclusion

Wasur National Park offers an extraordinary experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Its rich biodiversity, historical significance, and the cultural tapestry of its indigenous communities make it a must-visit destination in Papua.

Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or simply seeking to explore one of Indonesia’s hidden gems, Wasur National Park promises an unforgettable journey into the wild heart of Papua.