PLACES OF INTEREST:

Jayapura, Jayapura is the capital city of Papua Province was known as Hollandia from 1910 to 1962 as the capital of Nederland New Guinea. After the integration to Indonesia it was renamed as Kotabaru then Sukarnopura and finally Jayapura up till now. The bustling city of almost 250.000 spreads in back of what used to be known as Humboldt Bay (Now Yos Sudarso Bay). Here you can find some remain of the World War II, Sentani Lake with its unique landscape and arts. Besides, you may also see Museum with fascinating collection including some Asmat arts.

 

 

Wamena, It’s known as the Baliem valley with 1554 meters above sea level, about 60 km long and 16 km wide encircled by mountain peaks. The tribes of the Baliem Valley are usually ground together under the name “Dani”. The Dani farmers, skillfully working their fertile land, digging long ditches for irrigation and drainage and leaving the land fallow between crops. Beside it, Lani tribes also interest to visit.
Baliem Valley Festival, The festival is one of the most unique cultural richness assets in Indonesia located in Wamena-Baliem Valley, Every year since 1990, the Jayawijaya Regency administration organizes the Baliem Valley Cultural Festival ahead of the Aug between 8-14, the festival has always attract hundred even thousand international tourist.

The Yali Tribe of the Central Highland, Great distance and rugged terrain separate the Yali area from Dani in the Baliem valley. The Yali people live in the virgin forest, glistening waterfall and rocky mountain terrains. They are shorter than Dani people and also has different social structure. The men use “Koteka” or penis gourd with gyratory rattan around their waist while women wear short grass skirts.

KOROWAI & KOMBAI TRIBES, They live in cleared land deep inside the rain forest in traditional way, some of them still hold the old beliefs and used to practice cannibalism until Missionary arrived and built new settlement to get the Korowai and Kombai (the neighbor tribe) more developed. The missionary arrived in 1970’s brought Christian religion there. Yaniruma was opened to tourist early in 1980’s but until today the place is still considered as the most remote tribe and desired by most of adventurous and anthropology expeditions. Its unique cultures and environments are the main reason for special numbers of foreigners to come.

 

 

Asmat Tribe, The tidal swamplands of Irian jaya’s south coast are one of the best-known, but also least accessible parts of the island. This is the land of the Asmat with world famous for their spectacular wood carvings and previously notorious as head hunters and cannibals. Asmat carving was inextricably connected with the spirit world.

Biak, Biak was Indonesia’s gateway during World War II and Biak was to be one of the home bases of the Allied Forces when attacking Japanese troops. And also Japanese used Biak as defense base before finally with draw. Beside the memorial of World War II interest to see, there are some good places for diving, snorkeling and relax along the beach around Padaido Islands.

Manokwari, The city of Manokwari becomes the capital of West New Guinea since Dutch colonization. Located at the northern part of the Irian mainland, Manokwari lays on the beautiful surrounding gorges, the main interest around Manokwari includes Gunung Meja Park, Amban beach, Anggi Lake and Arfak Reserve.

SORONG and RAJA AMPAT, Sorong is definitely not a tourist town, but Sorong is gate to entry for DIVING around RAJA AMPAT. The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,” archipelago encompasses more than 9.8 million acres of land and sea off the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world. The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease —threats that now jeopardize the survival of corals around the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, resilience to threats, and ability to replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection.