Papua – the land of hidden treasures and untamed beauty. In the heart of the Pacific, you will be greeted by emerald jungles and turquoise waters, this realm of wonders is waiting to be discovered by travellers looking for the elegance of nature. This remote paradise is sure to be one of a kind and should be your next visit! Let us be your guides and give you the ins and outs of how to get there and what to do.
How to get there
Reaching this designation requires a dash of determination and a bit of daring as getting to Papua is not for the faint-hearted. This journey typically starts off in the air; Several airlines operate flights from major Indonesian cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar to Sentani Airport. A flight to Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, can connect you to the city of Sorong or Jayapura, the gateways to Papua’s captivating wonders. You can also reach Papua by sea, with regular ferry services connecting Papua to other Indonesian islands like Sulawesi and Maluku (and even some cruise ships include Papua in their itineraries). All in all, is flying the easiest and fastest way of travel.
Let this long journey not hold you back, once you have set foot on this mystical land, the journey becomes an adventure in itself. From sailing across pristine seas to navigating dense rainforests, every step you take brings you closer to uncovering Papua’s natural beauty and hidden treasures.
Tip: if you have hours and hours of travel time ahead of you, I would recommend getting an Ereader. This is an electronic device designed for reading books. It kind of looks like a small and light iPad, but it is just for books. This way you can download enough reading material to not get bored and it will not take up too much space and weight in your backpack.
What to do
Papua is the perfect playground for the courageous soul, offering a multitude of exhilarating activities and places to explore. It can be guaranteed to ignite and draw out your adventurous side.
Strap on your hiking boots and trek through the rough terrain of the Baliem Valley, which is home to the indigenous Dani tribe. As you make your way through the traverse emerald hills and green valleys, let yourself be immersed in the rich tapestry of Papua’s tribal culture, where ancient traditions thrive amidst the modern world.
Tip: other popular trekking designations are Wamena and the Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya).
For those who prefer the waters above the grounds, Papua’s underwater wonders are also a must when exploring this place. It is filled with kaleidoscopic coral gardens and vibrant marine life. Marvel at the staggering diversity of species that call the waters their home. Praised as the ‘’Amazon of the Seas’’ Raja Ampat has a lot to offer those looking to immerse themselves in the ocean. From majestic manta rays to elusive tiny seahorses, every dive will show you something new and will leave you mesmerized by what the ocean has to offer the world.
Tip: other iconic dive sites are Misool, Wayag, and Dampier Strait.
If you would like to continue the adventure, embark on a river safari along the turning and twisting waters of the Sepik River. Here ancient tribal villages and mystical artifacts are concealed by crocodile-infested swamps and dense mangroves. Glide silently through the jungle’s embrace as you unravel the secrets of Papua’s indigenous cultures, where age-old rituals and spiritual beliefs endure in harmony with nature.
Tip: You can go wildlife watching by visiting national parks like Lorentz National Park, home to unique species such as tree kangaroos, birds of paradise, and the endangered Sumatran rhinoceros. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last remaining wilderness areas on Earth.
For adrenaline junkies, Papua offers a range of adventure sports such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, and paragliding amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Where to go
No journey to Papua is complete without a visit to the iconic Asmat region, a land wrapped in myths and legends. This place will transport you back in time, the remote wilderness offers you a glimpse into a world untouched and is home to the fearsome Asmat tribe, famous for their intricate woodcarvings and elaborate rituals. Explore the labyrinthine waterways of the mangrove forests and witness the craftsmanship of the Asmat artisans as they breathe life into their sacred sculptures.
The Arfak Mountains will give you a taste of paradise, here emerald jungles pour down to meet powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters. Venture the pristine shores, sink your toes into the soft sand and sunbathe in the serenity of this untouched paradise. Here time slows down into a gentle rhythm and worries melt away with the tide.
The city is also a fun place to be. Jayapura is a bustling city where modernity meets tradition. Here you can visit local markets, historical sites like the MacArthur Monument, and cultural attractions such as the Museum Loka Budaya.
As the sun is setting on your adventurous day, take a moment to reflect on the things you have seen and done. The memories you have made will be with you for the rest of your life and the wonders you have encountered will give you new insights about the world and what it has to offer. For in this land of untamed beauty and boundless exploration, every step is a journey into the unknown, and every moment is a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure that beckons us to explore beyond the horizon.
