Monday, November 3, 2025

Life in Saukorem: A Unique Coastal Village in Southwest Papua Where “Teteruga” Sea Turtles Still Visit the Shores

 

Life in Saukorem Wander Within Life

🌍 A Hidden Village Far from the City Noise

Deep in Southwest Papua lies a coastal village named Saukorem — a place many Indonesians have never heard of. Surrounded by untouched forests, a winding estuary, and the endless ocean, this quiet village offers a simple lifestyle far from the rush of the modern world.


📍 Where is Saukorem?

Saukorem is located in Tambrauw Regency, Sorong, Southwest Papua.
Though it appears as a small pin on the map, the village is rich in beauty and stories waiting to be discovered.

Saukorem 1 Wander Within Life Saukorem 2 Wander Within Life


🚤 A Journey That Begins on the Water

There is only one way to reach Saukorem: by sea.

Since the village does not have a proper harbour, large ships cannot dock.
People first board a small wooden boat, then transfer onto a bigger ship in the open ocean.

✅ Boat cost: Rp 35,000
⏳ Travel time: 6–20 hours, depending on the ship

The journey passes through a wide river that opens into an estuary. The view is unforgettable — mountains at the horizon, quiet green forests, and calm blue water stretching endlessly.

📸 Photos by Mr. Zain

Saukorem dock Wander Within Life Saukorem ship Wander Within Life


🐢 “Teteruga” — Sea Turtles of Saukorem

Not far from the village, a beach becomes a special place during certain seasons — sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Locals call these turtles “Teteruga.”

🧩 Why the Name “Teteruga”?

In the local language, “Tete” means grandfather.

Yet nobody knows for sure why turtles are called this.

Even elders say the name has been used since a long time ago — a unique tradition that remains a mystery.

During nesting time, the beach is closed to protect the turtles.
However, sometimes turtles lay eggs outside the protected area. In those cases, some villagers collect the eggs as food, a tradition passed down through generations — showing how closely their lives are tied with nature.

Sea Turtle Saukorem Wander Within Life Sea Turtle Saukorem 2 Wander Within Life

📝 Part 2 Coming Soon:

When possible, Mr. Zain plans to return and take real photos of the “Teteruga” turtles!


🎣 Life Beside the Ocean

Fishing and farming are the main sources of livelihood here.
Residents sell fish, fruits, and vegetables to the city by boat whenever transportation arrives.

Zain once joined the locals on a fishing trip:

“I tried fishing with them,” he laughs,
“but I didn’t catch any!”

Life is not luxurious — but it is peaceful, with the sound of waves and birds filling the air every day.


🌅 A Place to Feel Nature

Saukorem scenery Wander Within Life Saukorem scenery 2 Wander Within Life

Saukorem may not have tourist facilities or modern development.
But that is exactly what makes it special.

The beauty of its coastline, the green mountains rising behind it, and the presence of sea turtles remind us that some places still belong to nature.

If you love discovering hidden places and learning from quiet cultures —
Saukorem is waiting.


Written by Mr. Zain
Edited by EL (Wander Within Life)



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