DIVE LOG JUNE 2025 issue 412

fuselage structures are still discernible. Cenderawasih Bay saw some fierce fighting towards the end of WWII and, as a result, there are numerous wrecks dotted around the bay. This relic from WWII stands as a poignant reminder of the region’s historical significance. Aisandami and Birds of Paradise. A break from the diving took us to the coastal village of Aisandami. Prior to visiting the village, we took an early morning hike up a ridge to try and see the elusive Bird of Paradise. The dense tropical rainforests of the surrounding islands are home to these extraordinary birds, renowned for their vibrant plumage and intricate courtship displays. Moving as quietly as we could through the jungle, and as the sun began to peek over the horizon, the bird calls increased in volume to be almost deafening. We settled on a patch of bare ground and, after a short wait, were fortunate to observe the dance of these remarkable birds; a spectacle like something out of an Attenborough documentary. The experience was a reminder of the incredible biodiversity that thrives both above and below the ocean surface in this remote paradise. Following our early morning trek, we were greeted at Aisandami village by traditionally dressed children who welcomed us with the Balengan Dance and plate trampling ceremony. The village chief then explained the importance of the Sago Palm in their culture before giving us a demonstration of how it’s harvested and processed. Sago palm is a starch rich staple food that is commonly found in West Papua. Once a palm reaches maturity its starch

content is over 6 times greater than rice. After the Sago palm demonstration, we visited the local school before handing over soccer & rugby balls, pens & pencils and children’s books as part of our departure. The visit offered insight into the relationship between the village and the bay. The villagers’ connection to the sea was evident in their daily lives, from fishing to art and crafts inspired by the marine environment. Not far from Aisandami the Tanjung Mangguar dive site is one of the most beautiful dives in the bay. The site is carpeted in soft coral and attracts a lot of fish life. Barracuda hang out here, along with trevally, fusiliers and surgeonfish. Whale Sharks. Further on is Kwatisore Bay, in the south of Cenderawasih Bay. It is known for its congregation, in large numbers, of whale sharks. These gentle giants are drawn to the bagans, large fishing platforms built from bamboo canes used by fishermen coming, mostly, from the neighbouring Indonesian island of Sulawesi. A consistent population of whale sharks daily frequent the bagans attracted by the fishing of “ikan puri”, or, anchovies, small fish similar to sardines. 2010 saw the first studies of whale shark behaviour in Cenderawasih. It was discovered that many of them are ever-present in the bay. There are few if any other dive sites in the world where a diver can experience such an exhilarating dive up so close to the animals for the entire

Sunset over Cenderawasih Bay.

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Dive Log Australasia #412 June ‘25

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