Kitikiti waterfall West Papua

From the balcony we can see the waterfall the reason we are here. We have an early start, the day begins with a zodiac trip around the various rocky outcrops that typify this area. From a distance these look very small but a zodiac can go under the overhang which has been created by erosion over millennia. Again, we see the lush vegetation despite growing in almost no soil on these rocky outcrops. From the zodiac we can see the formation of the rocks plants and of course birds. Our zodiac driver is excited when we see two Kingfishers mating while they fly. Quite an amazing feat. We also see swifts and herons.

The last stop is the waterfall where we can swim. Not much point bringing the snorkeling gear as there are no coral reefs here. But I do take my swimming goggles. There is a beach in front of the waterfall and because it's low tide we can walk right up to the falls. I stay in the water mostly because the fresh water that is pouring from the waterfall into the seawater makes the water quite cold. I'm moving around to try and find warm water and don't fancy getting out of the water and being cold next to the waterfall. Bob does go up to the falls. It's quite a spectacular sight. Only a small group of people at a time are taken to the waterfall, which means we can take pictures easily without people getting in the way.

Our next stop is Banda Neira, the famous spice Islands. The ship will sail after lunch and then overnight to get there. The plan is to get up at dawn and watch the ship sail into the harbour.Read more