5D Baliem Valley Explorer,
West Papua, Indonesia
Our Baliem Valley Explorer trip offers a glimpse into the indigenous cultures and spectacular nature of one of Indonesia’s most fascinating islands. Spend 3 nights in the lush Baliem Valley where you will take excursions to various Dani villages to witness ancient methods of salt production, see a 280 year-old mummy and partake in a traditional pig festival. There is also time to explore Jayapura, the coastal capital, before flying out to Bali or Sulawesi.
Dani traditional pig ceremony.
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Itinerary
Day 01 / Arrive Jayapura – Wamena (-/L/D)
Arrive into Jayapura (suggested flights: Garuda GA652 from Denpasar, Bali at 09:00AM or GA650 from Makassar, Sulawesi at 06:50AM).
From Jayapura, take a short flight to Wamena, a town located in the center of west Guinea highlands. Upon arrival at the airport, your guide and private car will meet you and transfer you to The Baliem Valley Resort for check-in.
After lunch, set off for a visit to Wemena’s local market where a colourful array of goods are bought and sold ranging from fresh produce to hand made local jewelry. This is a great introduction to the Baliem Valley and its people and you’ll notice a different atmosphere from the lowland areas. You’ll also visit the unique hanging bridge in Sinakma: made of rattan, this 20m long bridge spans across the Uweyang River.
Return to the resort for dinner.
Overnight in Wamena.
Day 02 / Wamena – Excursion to Saltsprings and Mummy (B/L/D)
After breakfast, morning drive to Jiwika at the north end of the Baliem valley.
From here, take a 45 minute walk to the salt-water springs on the mountain where you will observe the local Dani people making salt using traditional methods. First they beat banana stalks until they are dry and drop them into the brine pool to soak. After several days, they remove the stalks to be dried and then burned. Finally the ashes are collected and used as salt.
Return to Jiwika, were you will have lunch in the nearby village of Kurulu.
This afternoon, visit the impressive 280 year-old Wimontok Mabel mummy at Sopahima village. The mummy is often paraded around the village at festival times.
Then take an easy, but fascinating, walk around the Dani villages. There are over 250,000 Dani spread throughout the Baliem highlands but owing to its remote location the tribe remained unknown to the western world until 1938. The Dani are known as fierce warriors and also for their fence-enclosed round or oval huts. During your walk you will see many such huts as well as meet people from the Dani tribe and learn about their traditions and customs.
Following your walk return to your resort for dinner.
Overnight in Wamena.
Day 03 / Wamena: Dani pig ceremony (B/L/D)
Today you will be immersed in the Dani culture as you partake in a traditional ceremony. Do not forget your camera for what is certain to be a highlight of your stay in Papua.
The Dani’s will be fully dressed in traditional costume and you will realize why they have earned the distinction of being one of the ‘most decorative’ tribes in west Papua. The men only wear long, thin kotekas which is a penis sheath made from a dried out gourd. The women wear short shirts woven from orchid fibers which are decorated with straw and carry noken, woven bags, across their backs.
During the course of 3 hours there will be elaborate rituals with spirited singing and dancing. A pig will also be cooked in the traditional way: over hot stones.
Join the Dani people as they sing and dance, learning about their unique traditions first hand. Early afternoon, the pig is served in a massive feast which you will all enjoy together.
In the late afternoon, return to your resort for dinner.
Overnight in Wamena.
Day 04 / Wamena – Jayapura (B/L/D)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then transfer to Wamena airport for the short flight to Jayapura.
Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of Jayapura, Papau’s capital and largest city. The coastal town is pleasant with an authentic, laid-back atmosphere and a tour will give you a taste of the local lifestyles in town. Lunch will be served in the city.
Check in to your hotel. The remainder of this evening is at your leisure before going for dinner at a restaurant in town.
Overnight in Jayapura.
Day 05 / Depart Jayapura (B/-/-)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
(Suggested flight: GA653 to Denpasar, Bali at 09:40AM, or GA621 to Makassar, Sulawesi at 04:35PM)
Minor programme changes are sometimes necessary, depending on confirmed flight, road conditions, weather and availability of room.
Land Cost
Prices per person in USD
- USD $ *** Twin (please check with us!)
Validity
- Oct 01, 2012 – Mar 31, 2013
Inclusions
- Return airfare Jayapura – Wamena – Jayapura
- Return airport transfers at Wamena
- Hotel accommodation in half-twin/double room with daily breakfast
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles
- English-speaking guide (no other language guides are available)
- All entrance fees and tours as indicated in itinerary
- Special Travel Permit
Exclusions
- Visa arrangements
- All international & domestic airfare in/out of Jayapura, and all airport departure taxes
- Extra baggage charges
- Meals other than mentioned above.
- Camera/video entrance fees.
- Personal expenses, e.g. hard/soft drinks, laundry, telephone, tips etc.,
- Travel insurance
- Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above.
Validity
- Oct 01, 2012 – Mar 31, 2013
Hotels
- Jayapura ~ Sentani Indah Hotel in Superior Room
- Wamena ~ The Baliem Valley Resort in Honai Villa
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