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Ascent of Mount NokLying at the northern extremity of the fabled Raja Ampat or ‘Four Kings’ archipelago, just below the Equator, Waigeo is the largest island in the group, with a surface area in excess of 3,100 sq km. It is said that Waigeo means ‘Water Island’, a name it has not stolen since the island is divided in roughly two equal halves by the scenic, fjord-like Mayalibit Bay. Overlooking the far northeastern sector of the bay, towers the peculiarly shaped Mount Nok 880 m above sea level, the target of our Papuan trekking adventure. No one really knows what 'Nok' means but the cone of this mountain has often been likened to a buffalo horn, pointing as a warning finger to the sky: both a distinct landmark as an irresistible lure to climb its steep, heavily forested slopes. This outdoor break combines a true hiking adventure, set in a visually stunning landscape, with a taste of the island’s exquisite wildlife, including a large-bodied marsupial cuscus, a long-lost mound-building megapode, a crowned-pigeon, and two delightful birds of paradise. Just arriving on an island the stature of Waigeo, entering the breathtakingly beautiful Mayalibit Bay, surrounded by scenic, precipitous limestone karst country, is an overthrowing experience, let alone the journey inland in the company of ethnic Maya people to ascend Mount Nok. Day-by-day itineraryDay 1 Early afternoon arrival at Sorong’s DEO Airport on domestic flight from the Indonesian gateway of your choice. We shall set out immediately on the three hours’ speedboat ride to Waifoi at the far end of Waigeo’s magnificent Mayalibit Bay. We’ll have snacks aboard and stop en route at the Siam River mangroves and tidal mudflats where water birds usually congregate in the evening. Dinner at Waifoi. Day 2 After a hearty breakfast we shall hike all morning toward a camp at 345 m elevation. Along the way we shall see wacko hornbills and colorful parrots. After lunch at camp, we could monitor the terrestrial display court of the Wilson’s Bird of Paradise from the comfort of a hide, in the dire hope of witnessing the full array of amazing display postures of this extremely sexy bird at close range. Having truly absorbed this, we could spend the last hours of light at a display tree of the gorgeous Red Bird of Paradise, and take ample time to observe the several fine males that normally gather here, interacting with soliciting females. Both species only occur on Waigeo and nearby Batanta, and nowhere else on Earth! A nocturnal spotlighting excursion is a possibility after dinner. Day 3 We’ll enjoy our breakfast while listening to the developing dawn chorus and shall require the entire morning to cover three relatively difficult kilometers to a camp at 730 m elevation in the summit area of Mount Nok. As we gradually reach higher ground, the forest changes into a distinctive, stunted Kruppelholz formation with gnarled trunks and branches heavily draped in epiphytic moss and ferns; an eerie environment often shrouded in clouds, where occasionally past-flittering elfs wouldn’t look unbecoming at all. After lunch on site, we could make an excursion in the vicinity of camp. If the weather allows, we’ll watch the sun set over Mayalibit Bay from a tree-fall gap, followed by dinner. Day 4 After breakfast we shall climb to the actual summit of Mount Nok, where we’ll enjoy a magnificent view over the island if the weather allows. After lunch, we shall require most of the afternoon to hike down to a camp at 60 m elevation along the Wai Paley River. We may still spend the last hour of light along the river, followed by dinner and a good night’s sleep. Day 5 Following breakfast we shall hike all morning toward a camp at 30 m elevation along the Waremag River. It should not take long before we feast our eyes on a couple of Western Crowned-Pigeons as they break the relative silence with their clapping wing beats to alight in nearby tall forest trees. After lunch on site we could make an excursion along the river and through the pristine flat bottom-valley lowland forests here. Also here we could attempt a nocturnal exploration of the vicinity after dinner. Day 6 After breakfast we shall hike all morning toward Waifoi. After lunch here we shall transfer to an islet in the Dampier Strait where we shall have a relaxed evening walk along the beach followed by dinner. Day 7 After a hearty breakfast, we could have a final short excursion around the islet, and transfer to Sorong’s DEO airport in time for the midday domestic flight to the Indonesian gateway of your choice. Related linksRead on about the birdlife of Waigeo Island. Read on about our Community Conservation and Ecotourism Agreement for the Orobiai River catchment on Waigeo Island. Browse our terms and conditions. |
Ascent of Mount Nok ...the most striking mountain
in this northern area, which can be
seen even from Sorong on clear days,
is Mount Buffelhoorn, or Mount
Nok, reaching an altitude of
c. 980 m [sic]. Its Dutch
name, which means buffalo horn,
alludes to the shape of this mountain
which points as a warning
finger towards the sky, both
a distinct landmark and a lure
to climb its steep slopes. |
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