Padaido, Papua : A Napoleon Encounter

Raja Ampat in Sorong and Kwatisore in Nabire are not only sensational diving spot in Papua. There is also Padaido in Biak. While Raja Ampat is known for its biodiversity and Kwatisore for its whale shark, Padaido is known for cave diving. Cave Wundi, as well as the wreckage of the second World War planes and ship's, can be found here, presenting divers with another diving option ( Wreck Diving ).



Cave Wundi is located not far from the Wundi island, one of the white sandy islands amid the Padaido cluster of islands. From the tip top port in Biak, it takes around three hours by speedboat to get there. The cave's entrance is located 12 meters below the surface of the water. A two-by-one meter hole at the cave's mouth is the diver's entry into the cave. Inside, we may swim along the 18 meters tunnel, which features several unexplored chambers. Sunlight pierces through the tunnel of the cave but in the middle its pitch dark.

A napoleon fish and a giant turtle inhabit the cave. The 40 centimeters wide turtle usually can be found near the mouth of the cave's basin. Coral and schooling fish adorn the area along the basin.

The Padaido archipelago is located in east Biak. It comprises of 30 islands big and small. The archipelago was called "Schoutenlands" after William Schouten, found the islands in 1962. Padaido is a local word, meaning un-describable beauty. The most beautiful areas of the archipelago is on the small islands of Ureb and Mansurbabo, both having white sandy beaches and clear water. The sarirea rocks is also fantastic. These are is suitable place for diving.

Padaido island have around 9,252 Hectares of coral reef. According to international divers, Padaido islands are areas with the most spectacular coral reef in the world. If you are in Biak and want to visit Padaido islands, you can go to Tiptop seaport in Biak and rent a speedboat to Padaido islands. The trip takes around 3 hours. Along the trip, you can see traditional fishermen boats which are catching fish and some dolphins which appear on the sea surface ....it looks beautiful. What you should pay attention to when visiting Padadido is the time of the sea tide. The water condition during the tide is so fast and many coral reefs can endanger the boat.

When visiting Padaido island you should bring your own food, because after you take so long time in the water and also take much energy, you will certainly get hungry and thirsty. Exploring the beauty of undersea nature such as cave, you should dive until 12 meter deep. Besides caves, you can also see some carcasses of shipwreck, airplane and also war equipment. It is very interesting.    The best time to have a diving tour is at noon when the sun is shining brightly as the sun light will be reflected at a depth of 15 meters so you no longer need to bring a torch or lamp to light the water. If you have a plan to stay at night, you can stay on Padaido island.  The lodging facility is not so luxurious, but it can be a comfort place to stay.