Capital of West Papua Province, the quiet coastal town of Manokwari is also a "gateway" of sorts to Cenderawasih Bay. With a friendly and laid-back local atmosphere, the gem of the region truly is the impressive wildlife and WWII history that surrounds it. The Arfak Mountains to the south of the town are especially striking and boast a phenomenal amount of bird and mammal life—some of which is found nowhere else on Earth.