The cool highlands and mountains of Papua invite trekkers to explore largely untouched territories. Visit Dani
honays or huts that are built close together in a traditional village compound in the
Baliem Valley. The two highest peaks in the Jayawijaya mountain range are the world’s few capped mountains located on the equator. Take a boat ride on Lake Sentani in Jayapura and enjoy some tranquil fishing.
Papua is an exotic experience offering a rich variety of dives and amazing fish and marine species. See WWI fighter ships and planes in their watery graves in the shallow waters of Cendrawasih Bay and in the island off
New Guinea’s western tip.
Raja Ampat has a variety of
diving sites; shallow bays, lagoon channels bordered by rain forest, rock islands and offshore reefs that contain some of the richest species of marine animals and corals in the world.
The bird
park on
Bosnik in Biak Island offers chance to see birds of paradise and other rare species. There is also an orchid park that grows as many as 72 types of orchids. Manokwari and the
Arfak mountains are famous as the habitat of rare butterflies and insects.
Discover carvings and other treasures of the Asmat in the swamp regions of the south coast. East of Senatali, in the Waena suburb, the
Museum Negeri displays Asmat
bisj poles and decorated skulls, fine Baliem axe heads and interesting
items such as mammoth shark’s teeth.
Doyo Lama Village around 45 km from Jayapura has megalithic
monuments that are engraved and believed to have supernatural powers. west of Biak, see fire-walking dances at the Adoki Village. The annual
Baliem Festival held every August showcases traditional Dani dances and music. Mock tribal wars are also staged during the
event. Taking months to prepare, the
Sago Grub Feast is an important event that brings together different clans. The attending clans dance and feast on sago grubs.