Wasur National Park

Wasur National Park forms part of the largest wetland in Papua and has been the least disturbed human activity.

About 70% of the total area of the Park consists of savanna vegetation, while the remaining vegetation is in the form of swamp forest, monsoon forest, coastal forest, bamboo forest, grassy plains and large stretches of sago swamp forest. The dominant plant species in the forest area include api-api (Avicennia sp.), tancang (Bruguiera sp.), ketapang (Terminalia sp.), and cajuput (Melaleuca sp.).

Species of animal commonly seen include the wallaby (Macropus agilis), pesquets parrot (Psittrichus fulgidus), southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius sclaterii), blue-crowned pigeon (Goura cristata), greater bird of paradise (Paradisea apoda novaeguineae), king bird of paradise (Cicinnurus regius rex), red bird of paradise (Paradisea rubra), freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae), and saltwater crocodile (C. porosus).

The high value of its biological diversity has led to the Park being dubbed the "Serengeti of Papua".

The Park's wetland forms a very productive ecosystem, providing life support and protection for various species of fish, lobster and crab of high economic value.

The vast open wetland, in particular Rawa Biru Lake, has attracted various species of water fowl including migrant birds as well as wallabies and cassowaries to approach and even dwell on the Lake. The Lake is sometimes called "tanah air" (the Motherland), due to the multitude of various animals that crowd around the Lake. This is a superb place to watch animals.

Interesting locations/attractions:

Rawa Biru Lake, Maar, Kakania, Dikbob, Rawa Panjang, Pilmul: watching animals, the lake, horse riding, kayaking/canoeing along the rivers, and sites of cultural interest.
Yanggandur, Soa, Ukra, Onggaya: the savanna, animal observation, kayaking/canoeing along the rivers, fishing, and cultural tourism.

Best time of year to visit: July to November.

How to reach the Park: from Jayapura to Merauke by plane, 1.5 hours; then from Merauke to the Park by car, 1-2 hours via the main Jayapura-Merauke road.

Declared Minister of Forestry SK.No.448/Menhut-VI/90,
a total area of 413,810 hectares
Location Regency of Merauke (Province of West Papua)

Temperature 22° - 30° C
Rainfall 2,400 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 0 - 90 m asl.
Geographical location 140°29' - 141°00' E; 8°04' - 9°07'