Duamo Island

The Charm of Duamo Island: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Tigi Lake, Deiyai

Central Papua holds untouched beauty secrets, far from the hustle of mass tourism. In Deiyai Regency, nestled in the tranquil waters of Tigi Lake, stands an iconic small landmass named Duamo Island. As a premier nature tourism destination, Duamo Island offers a unique blend of majestic mountain landscapes, a rich freshwater ecosystem, and pure local wisdom.

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Natural Landscape and Island Morphology

Duamo Island is more than just land in the middle of water. Morphologically, it is a small hill emerging from the bottom of Tigi Lake, situated at an altitude of approximately 1,700 meters above sea level (mdpl). This elevation ensures the air around Duamo Island is always cool, tending to be cold at night, with a thin mist often shrouding the lake's surface in the morning.

The view from Duamo Island is dramatic. As far as the eye can see, visitors are treated to a panorama of mountains encircling Tigi Lake. The island's contour is dominated by natural rocks and fertile soil covered in lush green vegetation. The island's edges do not have white sand like a sea beach, but rather rocky shores and swamp grasses that form a natural boundary between the land and the clear, greenish-blue lake water.

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Biodiversity and Unique Ecosystem

One thing that makes Duamo Island special is its role as a biodiversity stronghold in the central mountainous region of Papua. Tigi Lake, which surrounds the island, is home to endemic fish, including the 'ikan sembilan' (scale-less fish) and various types of 'udang selingkuh' (a local prawn species) that are culinary icons of the Papuan highlands.

On the island's land, vegetation is dominated by local trees and shrubs that are home to various endemic Papuan bird species. If lucky, visitors can hear the chirping of mountain birds rarely found on the coast. The ecosystem here is highly dependent on the clarity of the lake water, making environmental preservation around Duamo Island crucial for the survival of its flora and fauna.

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Outdoor Activities and Tourist Experience

Visiting Duamo Island offers an experience far from commercialism. The main activities here are nature exploration and contemplation.

1. Traditional Boat Tour: The journey to the island begins by taking a motorboat or speedboat from the pier in Tigi district. During the trip, visitors can enjoy the calm lake ripples and the distant view of Mount Deiyai.

2. Light Hiking: Upon arrival at the island, visitors can hike up the small hill to reach the highest point. From the summit of Duamo Island, the entire horizon of Tigi Lake is visible in a 360-degree panorama. This is the best spot for landscape photography.

3. Fishing with Locals: Visitors can try traditional fishing. Interacting with local fishermen from the Mee tribe as they search for fish or shrimp around the island adds a cultural dimension to the tour.

4. Lakeside Picnic: With its serene atmosphere, Duamo Island is a perfect spot for a family picnic. Enjoying packed meals while breathing in the clean mountain air provides an extraordinary sense of relaxation.

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Best Time to Visit

The weather conditions in Deiyai are heavily influenced by the mountain climate. The best time to visit Duamo Island is during the dry season, between June and September. During this period, rainfall intensity decreases, making the lake water calmer and the skies clearer, offering a wide visibility to see the surrounding mountains.

It is highly recommended to visit the island from morning until late afternoon before sunset. The sunset phenomenon at Duamo Island is one of the most beautiful in Central Papua, where streaks of orange hues are perfectly reflected on the vast surface of Tigi Lake.

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Conservation Status and Environmental Protection

Duamo Island and Tigi Lake are currently managed with a spirit of local wisdom. The Mee tribe community views the lake and island as a source of life that must be protected. Therefore, there has been no massive development that damages the island's natural contour.

Environmental protection efforts focus on preventing lake water pollution and prohibiting tree felling in the island area. Tourists are strongly urged to bring back their trash to the mainland (Deiyai) to keep the island's ecosystem sterile from plastic waste. Awareness of ecotourism is key to ensuring Duamo Island remains a heritage for future generations.

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Accessibility and Facilities

Reaching Duamo Island requires extra effort commensurate with its beauty. Visitors typically fly from Nabire to Waghete Airport in Deiyai using a pioneer aircraft. From Waghete town center, the journey continues by land vehicle to the pier, then a boat crossing for approximately 15-20 minutes.

Facilities on Duamo Island are still very limited and natural. There are no accommodations or hotels on the island, so visitors usually stay in lodgings available in Waghete town. However, these limited facilities are precisely what preserve the authenticity of Duamo Island as an adventure and pure nature tourism destination. There are a few simple gazebos built by the local government and community as resting places for tourists.

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Conclusion

Duamo Island in Deiyai is the personification of Central Papua's grand yet humble natural beauty. With its combination of cool air, calm lake waters, and a backdrop of towering mountains, this island offers a perfect escape from the city's noise. For true nature lovers, Duamo Island is not just a destination, but a spiritual experience to reconnect with pristine nature. Preserving its sustainability is a shared responsibility so that this "pearl in the middle of the lake" continues to shine forever.