Manokwari - West Papua
Denise Nielsen Tackett & Larry Tackett
Best Wreck Diving in Indonesia
Manokwari is a small coastal town on the northeast tip of New Guinea's Bird's Head Peninsula. The town runs along the shore of Dore Bay, a natural harbor surrounded by islands, 3000m (10000ft) mountains and impenetrable jungle. This is not on the standard liveaboard route and requires a special itinerary. This beautiful deep-water bay provided safe anchorage to the Japanese in World War II. The surrounding hills are riddled with tunnels, a trademark of Japanese occupation. The Allies held nearby Biak Island. The Japanese were able to duplicate their radio signals, causing Allied planes to fly toward Manokwari, where they were shot down. A number of Japanese ships were also sunk in the harbor. Over 20 wrecks have been located but only six can be dived on. Some are too deep; others took direct hits and are too badly damaged from secondary explosions. The best feature about diving in Manokwari is the pristine condition of the wrecks. There are diving helmets, mines, tanks, dishes and bicycle parts to be found. The ships attract marine life. The water temperature is warm, about 28ºC (86ºF).
The Wrecks
Pasir Putih Wreck is a navy coastal patrol boat, 30-35m (100-115ft) long, sits upright in 13-22m (45-75ft). There are depth charges on the stern and a nearby reef slope. Pillbox Wreck is a commercial cargo vessel carrying ammunition sits at 9-16m (30-55ft). The ship is 60-65m (200-215ft) long and holds grenade cases. Cross Wreck is a coastal patrol boat with lots of fishes. It's easy to view the galley, engine room and radio room. Mupi Wreck is 40m (130ft) long and upright at 9m (30ft). Red and white soft corals festoon the structure. You can see a copper pot on the stove, bottles and ammunition. The surge can be strong and reduce visibility. Shinwa Maru is a large cargo vessel with five holds. The superstructure is intact but the ship lies on its port side. You can see diving helmets, dishes, cables, small tanks and mines.
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About the Authors
Larry and Denise Tackett are the authors of all of our Indonesian dive site and regional descriptions. They are professional photographers specializing in underwater and terrestrial natural history and travel subjects. They are represented by stock photo agencies in the US and United Kingdom and their photographs have been widely published in books and magazines worldwide. Their work has appeared in magazines such as National Wildlife, Islands, BBC Wildlife, Ocean Realm, Asian Diver, Unterwasser, Tauchen, Canadian Wildlife, Popular Science, Sport Diver, National Geographic Kids, Geo, and many others.
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