If you visit the Raja Ampat, don’t forget to see the beauty of birds of paradise in the Sawinggrai village, Papua. Sawinggrai village is located in the Meos Mansar district, Raja Ampat, West Papua province. It is among the most recognized village besides Arborek in the same district. This village has 36 families and it is prominent for the Cenderawasih, the Bird of Paradise, the icon of Papua raised in this village. The Red Bird of Paradise is the special icon of the village of Sawinggrai. There are four species of Cenderawasih reared in this village, namely the Red Bird of Paradise, the Wilson’s Bird of Paradise, the Lesser Bird of Paradise, and the Greater Bird of Paradise. Some of the birds are able to perform movements that resemble a unique dance.

In this village, we can see dancing Cenderawasih in the mornings and afternoons.  These birds of paradise usually perform in the morning (06.30-07.30 local time), and in the afternoon (16.30-18.00). It is important to arrive on time to see these birds dancing. Tourists usually arrive at the location 30 minutes before the ‘dancing show’.In addition, feeding the fish is also an interesting activity. Fish at this pier are very friendly. They will swim to get their food from our hand.

How to get there 

Sawinggrai Village is located in the Meos Mansar district, Raja Ampat. To reach this location, it is easier to start your journey from Sorong.

There are several flights you can take from Jakarta or Makassar to Sorong; e.g., Merpati Air, Express Air, and Lion Air.  For sea transportation, ships transiting in Port Sorong are the Dorolonda, Labobar, Gunung Dempo, Sinabung, and the Tatamailau. To reach the Cenderawasih observation site, you must climb up Manjai Hill behind the village for about 30 minutes.

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