Leatherback Turtle Habitat, Jamursba Medi Beach

Landscape: Harmony of Coastline and Tropical Rainforest

Jamursba Medi Beach possesses unique and dramatic geographical characteristics. The beach stretches for approximately 18 kilometers, divided into several main sectors dominated by dark gray to blackish quartz sand. The sand texture here tends to be coarse but is highly supportive of the turtle egg incubation process due to its optimal heat absorption capabilities from the sun.

Behind the coastline, visitors will be treated to the sight of pristine lowland tropical rainforest. The towering Tambrauw Mountains in the background provide a dense green contrast to the blue of the Pacific Ocean. Coastal vegetation is dominated by sea pandanus (Pandanus tectorius) and ketapang trees (Terminalia catappa), which serve as a natural barrier against abrasion and provide shade for various Papuan terrestrial fauna. Small, clear rivers flowing from the mountains meet the sea at several points along the beach, creating mini-estuary ecosystems rich in nutrients.

Ecosystem and Biodiversity: Home of the Leatherback Turtle

The main attraction of Jamursba Medi lies in its status as the "womb" for leatherback turtles. This species is the largest sea turtle in the world, weighing between 600 to 900 kilograms with a carapace length exceeding two meters. Unlike other turtles, the leatherback turtle does not have a hard shell, but rather a flexible leathery carapace with prominent dorsal ridges.

The unique ecosystem here is influenced by Pacific Ocean currents that bring an abundance of jellyfish—the primary food source for leatherback turtles. In addition to leatherback turtles, this beach is also a nesting site for other turtle species such as green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). In the forest areas, lucky visitors may encounter Birds of Paradise, cockatoos, and various endemic Papuan reptile species, making Tambrauw one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.

Limited Tourism Experience and Outdoor Activities

Visiting Jamursba Medi demands high environmental awareness. The main activity here is turtle watching, which takes place at night. Under the guidance of local guides and conservation officers, visitors can directly witness the heroic process of female turtles landing from the ocean, digging nests, and laying dozens of eggs. This experience often becomes a spiritual moment for many tourists as they observe the struggle of these ancient creatures to continue their lineage.

Besides turtle watching, visitors can engage in light trekking along the coastline or explore the forest edges for birdwatching. Nature photography is another favorite activity, given the stunning sunset landscapes over the Pacific horizon, which blend with the silhouettes of the mountains to create extraordinary visual compositions. However, it is crucial to remember that the use of flash photography is strictly prohibited during night turtle observations to avoid disturbing their navigational instincts.

Best Time and Seasonal Variations

The timing of visits is crucial at Jamursba Medi. Leatherback turtles have two peak nesting seasons. The first peak occurs between May and September, when the intensity of turtles landing in the Jamursba area is very high. The second season occurs around October to February, but it is usually more concentrated on the Wermon Beach side, which is located nearby.

Climatologically, April to June is the most recommended time as sea conditions tend to be calmer, facilitating sea transportation access to the location. During certain months, the Pacific Ocean waves can be very fierce, creating a unique challenge for small boats attempting to dock.

Conservation Status and Environmental Protection

Jamursba Medi is not just a recreational destination but a strictly managed conservation area. The local government of Tambrauw has designated this area as part of the Regional Marine Conservation Area. Protection efforts involve the local indigenous community who act as rangers. They conduct regular patrols to protect turtle eggs from natural predators such as wild boars and monitor lizards, as well as from the threat of poaching.

Visiting tourists are required to adhere to conservation codes of conduct, such as maintaining a minimum distance from turtles, not touching them, and minimizing the use of artificial light. The sustainability of tourism here depends entirely on the preservation of this habitat; if the habitat is damaged, its main attraction will be lost forever.

Accessibility and Facilities

Reaching Jamursba Medi Beach is an adventure in itself. The main access usually starts from Sorong City or Manokwari. From Sorong, visitors can travel by 4WD vehicle to Sausapor, the temporary capital of Tambrauw, which takes about 3-5 hours. From Sausapor, the journey continues by renting a speedboat or a local fishing boat for 1-2 hours along the northern coast, depending on weather conditions.

Facilities around the location are still very limited and ecological in nature. There are research base camps and simple observation huts managed by the local community or conservation institutions. Visitors are advised to bring their own logistical supplies, medications, and sleeping gear if planning to stay overnight. The absence of strong mobile phone signals and limited electricity further enhances the essence of authentic nature tourism, where visitors are truly disconnected from the outside world and immersed in the magnificent nature of Tambrauw.

Jamursba Medi Beach is a reminder that in a remote corner of Southwest Papua, prehistoric wonders are still unfolding today. Visiting this place is a tribute to nature, offering every soul the opportunity to appreciate the importance of preserving every remaining inch of habitat for the ocean's inhabitants.