Departure date for 2015: August 3. A grand Papuan tribe festival in Wamena!
To the island of New Guinea and the Lesser Sunda Isles with the geographer
Do you want to join in our journey? Let's do it!
Why go?
Why do Papuans with their ancient agriculture remain in the Stone Age?
Why do they on occasion still eat each other? Why in New Guinea, is there the world's greatest linguistic diversity? Why are Lani poorer than Dani and why are all of them poorer than Yafi? During the ethnic trip to the Indonesian province of Papua New Guinea it is on this island that you will find the answers, in the stories of your guide - (phd in geography).
Attention! Beware of imitations - not all tours give you a genuine experience, recently there have been reports of guides taking tourists to visit only rich inhabitants of the island disguised as Papuans of the village, eating at your expense the indulgent delicacy of pig.The exotic tribes and lives, which you will not see on TV. Very few people on earth have had the chance to visit here. The lost world has maintained its culture in the traditions of the past.
World's Greatest Archipelago - Sunda Islands and the second largest island in the world after Greenland - New Guinea with 17% of the world's biodiversity. This unusual and sometimes shocking tropical realm of our planet, which also includes Australia, New Zealand and the islands of Oceania occupy the South Pacific. Distant and not always accessible this region - requires 3 flights (from Jakarta) to implement this plan - every step is booked in advance. You will experience white sandy beaches, unspoiled by tourists, close to the jungle and the small islands of the Flores Sea - you will not find them on the map!
The main purpose of our tour - New Guinea. The official name of the eastern Indonesian province, occupying the entire western part of New Guinea - known simply as Papua. Papua can be considered as the last true virgin in tropical island nature (so far, only one tenth of the territories have changed by no more than 10%). This is a world where there is no traffic. You will see the amazing culture of Papuans living in harmony with nature, these exceptionally friendly people - really appreciate a smile and every day common courtesies.
The tour program includes a trip to Komodo - with stunning views, very few tourists, quite unusual landscapes, coral islands and the Komodo dragon (the largest living terrestrial reptile). These beaches can not be seen on the coast of New Guinea, you will not have the opportunity to see these on any package tour.In August, there is a very high probability of witnessing their native grand festival, Papuans around Wamena, we allocate an extra day on the island to incorporate this. This festival is held once a year (not to be confused with a rather pathetic spectacle of the monthly Sentani, which is often touted as the "Papuan festival").
Be aware that this trip does not require protection against malaria and other tropical diseases (of course, observe basic hygiene rules).
Gallery
Itinerary:
 | Day 1 August 4. Meet in Jakarta and overnight stay in a hotel.
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 | Day 2 August 5. If he time permits we will walk around the capital of the world's largest Muslim country, populated by opened and welcoming people. Merdeka Square and the phallic monument (until 2014 was also surrounded by stone sculptures of Amorphophallus flowers) which can be seen from the window of the hotel. Next point of interest - The Grand Istiqlal Mosque, the fourth largest in the world, followed by a visit to the historical center and the famous Cafe Batavia - a 200-year-old symbol of the colonial time, which has appeared twice in the Forbes list of the worlds best cafe. For those, who wish to experience an extreme attack on the senses you can take a walk through Chinatown (where you can witness the sale of turtles, frogs, cobras, lampreys and "Kolang-kaling" - an Indonesian dessert made from the palm Arenga pinnata). The tour takes an evening flight to the island of New Guinea. |
 | Day 3 August 6. Fly from the south west to the north east through the western part of New Guinea and over the ridges of Maoke, arrive in Jayapura (Sentani) capital Indonesian province of Papua. Where we will obtain the pre-arranged police permits and purchase of the necessary field equipment.The tour then departs for the Wamena region (central mountainous part of New Guinea). Brace yourself for meeting the natives! The tour will get its first culture shock and meet the locals, ending the day with hotel accommodation. |
 | Day 4 August 7. Early in the morning we drive to the far south-eastern part of the Baliem Valley, to visit the Dani hill tribe. This walking tour to the Dani community, will be 8 to 16.5 km depending on the ability and fitness of the group. This is the "face" of Papua - well-groomed fields, well-fed pigs and healthy children. Naked peasants work in the fields, over the huts wind smoke from the fire made on the earthen floor. This is the tours first acquaintance with nature, geological history, culture and agriculture, this Papuan area is as breathtaking as the Swiss Alps. Returning to Wamena in the evening, to stay overnight in the hotel. |
 | Day 5 August 8. This day in August is dedicated to a grand festival, which takes place annually in the vicinity of Wamena (not to be confused with a rather poor performance in Sentani which happens monthly). This unique festival attracts several tribes which usually stay hidden deep in the jungle, in areas which are extremely hard to reach. Sometimes the organizers of the festival arrange for some representatives from the hard to reach and savage cannibal tribes, to be present and take part. Here you can buy great souvenirs, such as real stone axes, which are still used for ritual amputation of fingers, ammonites, stone pipes, "Papuan underwear" - koteka and more. In the case of an unexpected transfer or in the unlikely event that the festival is cancelled, (it happens, but very rarely) an alternative day will be organized, incorporating a variety of tours and culminating with an overnight stay at the hotel. |
 | Day 6 August 9. Early morning flight to Sentani (Jayapura) and transfer to the incredibly beautiful wild beach at the north end of New Guinea. In the forest near the sea there is a fresh water creek. You have the option to catch fish, swim (but stay within 5 m of the shore, due to beware a dangerous current), walk in the jungle which lines the sea. Spend 2 nights in a tent, have dinner around the campfire, cooking the fish ourselves. |
 | Day 7 August 10. Enjoy further relaxation on the beach. Observing the Blyth's hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), Helmeted Friarbird (Philemon buceroides), Australian Koel (Eudynamys cyanocephala). Wishing go to the serpentine plateau to watch the large white ants nests on the trees. |
 | Day 8 August 11. In the afternoon, the boat collects the tour from the beach, returning to Sentani to stay the night in a hotel. |
 | Day 9 August 12. Early in the morning the tour bids farewell to Papua and flies to the island of Bali. Accommodation in a 4 * hotel in the Kuta area which is a pleasant contrast to the previous nights places. 87% of the reviews on Trip Advisor have given this hotel an "excellent" or "very good." |
 | Day 10 August 13. Pause in the middle of our journey, with a day in Bali. Go shopping, enjoy the beach with its high waves, those wishing learn to surf do so with caution! - Extremely high waves can make the beaches dangerous (beware dangerous and strong currents are present on this beach)! Excursions - you can choose these independently. Some options (closed - temple on water Tanah Lot and near by Batu Bolong), the Bird Park, Monkey Forest, and many others. The curious tourists will have time to enjoy other Bali’s - hidden courtyards and small household temples. |
 | Day 11 August 14. Starting with a flight to the Flores island. On arrival the tour transfers onto a boat headed for the Rincha island. An incredibly beautiful island and surrounded by intensely breathtaking sea. Lunch on board, in the territory of the Komodo National Park. Upon arrival to the island and after some paperwork - a short walking tour and introduction to the famous Komodo dragon. Sailing farther west, to the Komodo island, far away and after a delicious dinner we will spend the night right there on the deck. This evening is very comfortable, with no midges and mosquitoes. |
 | Day 12 August 15. After waking up early to witness a stunning sunrise which is painted on the Komodo island. After a light breakfast, we take a swim to the island, checking in and going for the 2-hour excursion (4.5 km). Getting acquainted with the nature of these small tropical islands, especially their ecology and biogeography. The next chance of seeing the dragon (which is guaranteed at least once on these islands, as they are kept close to the kitchen). After the excursions and any souvenir purchases (here is the best price) the tour goes in search of the giant Manta Rays. If we are successful, you will have an unforgettable experience swimming with these magnificent animals (mask, snorkel, fins can be rented in advance). After lunch the barge travels east and stops for 3 nights on a small island 16 km from Flores. This is one of the best places in the world for snorkeling and scuba diving, on the shores of the beautiful mangroves. This island is unique due to it’s location on the border of the Komodo National Park and it’s surrounding waters are literally teeming with wildlife. You will need trainers/sneakers to protect your feet from the many urchins here. There is the possibility of many interesting sightings (living here are nautilus, manta rays, turtles, whale sharks, and much more). |
 | Days 13-14 August 16-17. Two days of relaxation on this beautiful little island. The littoral is full of life, even right from the pier you can see many marine animals and fishes. Take a stroll over around this island and absorb the natural scenery. There is the opportunity to enjoy intensely interesting diving (do not forget your scuba diving certificates!), you can see sea turtles, stingrays, giant manta rays, moray eels, sharks, lobsters and others. Accommodation is provided in bungalows, with eating in the only restaurant on the island. Accommodation is simple - but ... 80% of reviews on Trip Advisor have rated it "excellent" and "very good". |
 | Day 15 August 18. In the morning we return to Flores island, where the tour takes a flight to the Bali, and then Jakarta. Finish with a night flight home or continue your trip … it’s up to you! |
Cost of the tour ($4700) includes:
Organisation, booking, supporting by instructor/guide of Secret Meridian - experienced specialist in tropical eco-tourism; registration and obtaining police permission and permits for protected areas; other essential payments, such as fee for the local communities leaders, national park conservation fee, national park entrance fee, west manggarat retribution fee, ranger fee, fee for photos and video, fee for local communities for camping in their territory on the beach in the northern part of New Guinea, entrance tickets to the festival in Wamena; all accommodation under the program based on 2 people sharing (additional charge for a single occupancy $250); all internal transport and transfers including taxes (except return flights to Jakarta); travel insurance in Indonesia; local guides; individual tent, ground mat for camping, meals and accommodation whilst camping on the beach in the northern part of New Guinea, meals and 1 night on board the boat in the Komodo National Park, GPS, fully equipped first aid kit with modern anti-malarial drugs.
Not included:
International air travel to/from Jakarta, meals whilst outside of the field camps, visa for Indonesia (if required), any extra excursions (particularly in Bali), souvenirs, tips for local guides and porters. Diving in Komodo: $ 100 for 2 dives.
Important information:
- Before purchasing tickets to Jakarta, please contact our company to discuss travel arrangements as well as the contract, terms and conditions.
- This tour is for the people who are ready for all the difficulties of such a journey, you need to be sociable, patient and humorous. Hot water will be not available everywhere. Be ready to to rise early - almost every day, go to bed early. Excursions are lengthy, but you only need to carry a day pack or small backpack.
- Age - 10 years + with no upper age limit
- No need to worry about life’s necessities in a field camp on the Pacific coast, we provide individual tents, mats and delicious food (local sourced food in the national kitchen!).
- You should take fins, snorkel and mask for the 3 days at Komodo archipelago, so that you can enjoy the most exotic beaches which are rich in wild life and nature.
- Any luggage exceeding the weight limit is not permitted.
- Attention! Validity of your passport should not be less than 6 months from the end of the trip!
- If some flights are canceled or rescheduled by the airline, the tour program can be flexible and modified to accommodate this in special circumstances.
- Due to health and safety risks and the sensitive nature of our destination all final decisions or changes to the program are the responsibility of the team leader, as such by participating in this tour you accept his/her decision as final.
- The founder of this tour has a phd in geography.
Tags: adventure tour, ethnic tour, active tour.
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