20 Oct 2023

Exploring Paradise and WWII History on Biak and Rusbasbedas Islands

Heritage Adventurer arrived off the island of Biak in the early morning. Our birders and naturalists were the first to depart at 0600 while the rest of us followed at 0730.

On arrival we were greeted by a group of very colourfully dressed and welcoming locals. After boarding our local buses we were transported to Goa Binsari (Binsari Cave), the historic site where in 1944 during World War II an estimated 3,000 Japanese soldiers died when the US military blew up the limestone cave in which they had been staying. Our historian Bruce provided us with additional information on the site before our local guide led us deep into the cave where locals performed a dance for us and where one of them played a conch shell. Somewhat surprisingly the site is labelled a tourist attraction when it should really be called a historical site or a peace memorial site.

After a brief visit to the museum we were driven to the local market where an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish was for sale. Once back at the Biak Resort, where our Zodiacs were waiting, we had the opportunity to shop for local souvenirs including sarongs and coffee.

After a lovely lunch on board we were taken ashore at Rusbasbedas, a magnificent tropical island. There we had the opportunity to go for a short walk through the coconut planation and forest and also to go snorkelling in the crystal clear waters and explore the incredible coral wall on, what felt like, or our private island.

Our landing finished with much appreciated cocktails and cold drinks on the beach.

Images © S. Bradley, Heritage Expeditions