TEMPO.CO, Jayapura - The Regency of Jayapura is bound with countless, naturally breathtaking spots. Up in the peak of Mount Ifar, travellers could wonder over the beauty that is Lake Sentani.

This is Papua's largest lake - stretching some 9,360 hectares and engulfes 21 islands within its waters - which is located on the slopes of Cyclops Mountain Natural Reserves. The tranquility of the surrounding is best explained by the word 'Sentani', which means 'Here, we live in peace' in the area's local dialect.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur reportedly sat atop Mount Ifar to devise his World War II strategy - a report made convincing by the fact that on April 22, 1944, Allied forces built a fortress on its' peak, shortly after making landfall on Humboldt Bay.

Visitors are advised to pay the MacArthur Monument - a historic monument located some 15 minutes away from Sentani Airport. The black-and-yellow obelisk, which was erected shortly after the defeat of Japan in World War II.

Enamored by Papua's natural beauty, MacArthur reportedly once said, "I came, and I will come back".

Jayapura's beaches are also a must see - among the top rated beaches in the area are Harlem, Amai, and Tablanusu beaches. Their isolated location Jayapura's Depapre District makes it a bit hard to reach, but visitors will be rewarded by the quiet serenity of the beaches.

These beaches could accessed through Depapre Harbour, which is located some 22 kilometres from Sentani. From the harbour, one could rent out a boat large enough for 10 people for around Rp300,000-400,000 - after which, the beaches are a mere 15 minutes boat ride away.

The beaches' white sand and the turquoise blue waters will captivate any visitor who sets foot in the area. Its sheltered location makes the current across the area quite relaxing - in fact, perfect for snorkeling. One does not need to go far to enjoy the areas' underwater beauty - mere metres away from the shoreline of Harlem Beach, corals and marine life awaits to be discovered.

Those who are not a big fan of snorkeling could also fish and sunbathe along the beach. The gentle breeze of Eastern Indonesia, will definitely convince you - that Jayapura, is indeed a slice of heaven.

TEMPO