By: Blandina Isabella Patty

There is a saying that Biak stands for "When You Remember You'll Come Back". This was certainly true when we visited Rurbas Island, one of the Padaido Islands in Biak Regency, in northern Papua. The underwater paradise holds a beauty and natural wealth that makes us want to return there when we remember it.

Our journey began on Thursday (21/01) on the sidelines of the MAC (Margaret A. Cargill Foundation) Workshop. After breakfast, 12 of us MAC Workshop participants, including WWF-US colleagues Cassie O' Conner, Shubash Lohani, Louise Glew, and Mohebalian Phillip walked to a small jetty not far from the hotel where we were staying. Two speed boats were waiting and ready to take us across to Rurbas Island. We were also accompanied by an experienced dive crew and snorkeling gear ready for use.

That morning the weather was so friendly. Small waves and morning sea breeze greeted us as if welcoming our arrival. Biak Island, which is geographically located in northern Papua, apparently holds a million secrets of World War II history and underwater natural beauty that is quite fascinating. Along the way to the island, approximately 45 minutes, one of the dive crew told us that the relics of World War II history are not only in Biak city. Every empty island has traces of the World War between the Allied and Japanese armies. In fact, not only on land, but also in the depths of the sea, shipwrecks of Allied soldiers have been found. Until now, the location has become one of the most favorite destinations for international and local divers.

Rurbas Besar Island, our destination, is an empty uninhabited island. According to one of the dive crew, Rurbas Island is one of 30 small islands in Biak, which as a whole is called the Padaido Islands. The distance from Rurbas Island to the other Padaido islands is quite far. Since Rurbas Island was not too far from where we were staying, this island became our destination.

Arriving at the uninhabited island, we couldn't wait to jump into the clear sea water. dive crew, one by one we jumped into the water. I personally was a little scared when I wanted to jump because I can't swim. But that day my fear was overcome by my curiosity to see the beauty of the underwater world. And certainly because I was brave because I was wearing a life vest.

The morning sun peeked shyly from behind the hill. Its beauty combined with its underwater charm. We seemed hypnotized when we could see many beautiful marine plants, coral reefs, colorful fish, and various other very unique marine life. Marine life plays freely in its home which is still beautiful and preserved. Various beautiful colors such as red, blue, yellow, green, and orange moving around in the water made us really enjoy traveling on this island and feel reluctant to get out of the water. Truly we are very grateful to God for His extraordinary creation.

Rurbas Besar Island is one of the places that has the largest biodiversity of coral ecosystems in the world. There are at least 95 species of coral and 155 species of fish. In addition, the coral reefs found in the Padaido Islands are beautiful and rare species such as Montiopora digigata, Acropora latistella, A. palifera, Melipora sp, Porites lobata, Porites lutea, and many more. However, with limited time, my friends and I were only able to enjoy part of the diversity of marine life in this archipelago because we only snorkeled on one island.

When the clock struck 11:00 a.m., we went to Rurbas Kecil Island to have lunch together. Small Rurbas Island is located opposite to Big Rurbas Island. The beauty of Small Rurbas Island is no less interesting. The clear sea water with a combination of blue and Tosca green colors is very beautiful to the eye. A stretch of sparkling white sand with waving coconut trees seemed to welcome our arrival. While enjoying lunch that has been provided by the hotel, we also feel the togetherness that is built among the MAC Workshop participants on Biak Island.

According to a dive crew, around Rurbas Kecil Island there are many sharks playing freely. Adding to our curiosity, we were invited to the spot where sharks usually play. Once you hear the name shark, fear is definitely there. But there is also a sense of curiosity to see one of the most fearsome predators of the sea. Upon arrival at the spot, we jumped back into the water. The underwater scenery is still as beautiful as on Rurbas Besar Island, only this time the waters are deeper than Rurbas Besar. My friends and I kept our eyes peeled for sharks playing freely in their natural environment. But unfortunately not all of us were able to see the sharks, only a few lucky people were able to capture with their own eyes the sharks that were playing freely under the sea.

At noon, all the groups returned to the dock and prepared to go to the hotel to continue the workshop. We went home with fond memories of Biak. A Biak that we want to come back to when we remember it.