Papua Immersion: Jungle and Sea
- A Secret Retreats journey -
“Since his childhood Marc has been strongly connected with Indonesia and Papua, as a tour guide, adventurer, photographer, as co-author of travel guides about Papua. As owner of The Baliem Valley Resort he shares here some of the nicest ways to explore Papua. He believes in the positive effects that sustainable, respectful tourism can have.”
All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.
Highlights of the Journey:
- Dani and Lani tribes
- Lake Habbema
- Traditional Pig Festival
- Magic coral reefs of Raja Ampat
This 9 days/ 8 nights cultural tour to Papua brings you to the Baliem Valley, home of the Dani and Lani tribes and to the Islands and underwater world of Raja Ampat.
You meet the Danis during private excursions deep in the rain forest, then on the second art of the journey, you have the possibility to dive or snorkel... or simply relax on a beach.
No fitness level needed, this cultural trip in the Baliem Valley is for everyone!
This program can be modified to a longer stay in the Baliem Valley or on the shores of Raja Ampat.
NEED HELP ?
Contact the concierge on
dream@secret-retreats.com
Your Journey Day by Day
from 2,600 USD /person for 9 days / 8 nights
based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room
Day 1 : Jayapura Airport - Wamena Airport – Baliem Valley (-/L/D)
Arrival in Jayapura, flight to Wamena (3omn flight), and transfer to The Baliem Valley Resort (45mn drive). When arriving at Jayapura airport, the manager Siprianus is here to welcome you and assist with the check-in for your direct onward flight to Wamena. At Wamena airport, you meet your local guide and your driver. On the way to The Baliem Valley Resort, we visit the market of Wamena. Here local Danis offer their agricultural products. Besides the very popular sweet potato, many other vegetables and fruits are offered. The market of Wamena is also the biggest trading place for the very sought-after wild boars. Once at The Baliem Valley Resort, you settle in your bungalow and, depending on the time of day, you can enjoy lunch or an afternoon coffee.
Later, dinner is served in the restaurant.
HOTEL: The Baliem Valley Resort (Honai Bungalow)
Day 2 : Baliem Valley (B/L/D)
Easy hiking in the southern Baliem Valley and encounter with the Dani people
Today we visit the southern Baliem Valley. We start our easy hike in the village of Sogogmo and we follow the mighty Baliem River. We cross suspension bridges, walk through Dani settlements, meet the locals and see them working in their terraced fields and wild sugar cane groves. For lunch, we enjoy a picnic with a magnificent view over the river and the narrow valley. We walk back on the other side of the river, passing more Dani fields and settlements, before we meet our driver again. In the late afternoon we are back at the Resort. In total about2 hours of driving and 4 hours hiking.
Dinner at the resort.
HOTEL: The Baliem Valley Resort (Honai Bungalow)
Day 3 : Baliem Valley (B/L/D)
Hike to a Dani salt water spring and visit of the famous Jiwika Mummy
Today we drive to the village of Jiwika where we meet local Dani women of the Dugum clan who escort us to their salt water spring. Together, we hike through a fairy-tale mountain rainforest to reach the hidden spring. Up there, they show us the old techniques of salt gathering. It will take 2 to 3 hours hike and +1,000m denivelation.
Then we all enjoy a picnic before hiking down to the village and admire the 300 years old mummy of the clan. Seated in the men’s house, it is still decorated with its godeka and hair ornaments. It is a popular place because such mummies are very rare and usually difficult to see.
Return to the Resort in the afternoon and dinner served at the resort.
HOTEL: The Baliem Valley Resort (Honai Bungalow)
Day 4 : Baliem Valley (B/L/D)
Traditional pig festival, an unforgettable experience
Today is a very special day! After breakfast, we get ready to participate in a pig feast which takes place in a traditional Dani village. There is always a pig festival as takes place in changing villages, so it will be a different village and different experience each time.
Many decorated people from the Dani tribe take part in the festival. Such pig feasts with hot stones and earth pits are probably the most interesting part of a trip to New Guinea. It is difficult to describe what exactly is so unique about these festivals because there is just too much happening at once. You have to see and experience it yourself. For lunch, there is a picnic but you can also eat the food from the traditional earth pit if you like. The freshly cooked pork and sweet potatoes are delicious!
In the late afternoon, we return to the Resort.
HOTEL: The Baliem Valley Resort (Honai Bungalow)
Day 5 : Baliem Valley - Jayapura - Sorong (B/-/-)
Last day in the Baliem Valley and transfer to
After breakfast, you are transferred to Wamena airport for your flight back to Jayapura (30mn flight) then connect to Sorong. Upon arrival you will be pick up by your driver and check-in at your hotel for one night transit in Sorong. No arrangements for meals.
HOTEL: Swiss Bel Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 6 : Sorong – Papua Paradise (B/-/D)
Free morning on your own (breakfast served at the hotel), then a driver will come and pick you up and transfer ypu to the pier to board the resort speed boat departing at 2pm from Sorong to Papua Paradise (about 2hrs cruise).
Check in at the resort for the next 3 nights (longer stays are possible).
Dinner served at the resort.
HOTEL: Papua Paradise Resort (Superior Overwater Bungalow)
Day 7 & 8 : Papua Paradise (B/L/D)
Enjoy time on the island. You can add dives during your stay, you can add more nights to extend. All meals are included.
Papua Paradise Resort is built in traditional style on stilts over the water, right on the pristine shoreline of the uninhabited island of Birie – rich with exotic bird life, lush jungle foliage, and a spectacular array of fauna, while the reefs in the surrounding area offer world class diving.
No set program during the stay, the team on site will help you organize activities.
HOTEL: Papua Paradise Resort (Superior Overwater Bungalow)
Day 9 : Papua Paradise – Sorong Airport (B/-/-)
Early breakfast, check-out and your boat will depart at 7am from the Resort to Sorong.
You should book a flight out of Sorong Airport from 10:30am onward. Drop off at the airport.
****
End of our services.
Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary
Papua Immersion: Jungle and Sea
9 days / 8 nights
from 2,600 USD /person
based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room
The total price includes:
Flight tickets Jayapura - Wamena + Wamena – Sorong
NOTE: Luggage should not be heavier than 10kg, due to domestic flight policy
Accommodation for 8 nights
English speaking guide for all excursions
All transfers by car and by speed boat
All entrance fees
Meals full board while at The Baliem and Papua Paradise (not during the transit stay in Sorong)
Papua special travel permit (surat jalan)
All Taxes
The total price does no include:
International and Domestic flights to Jayapura and from Sorong
Excess luggage
Visa to Indonesia (if required)
Extra activities and beverages not mentioned in the program
Travel insurance
This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Marc Weiglein and Papua Explorer.
Travel Asia with Secret Retreats
Secret Retreats is a curated community of independent boutique hotel, villas, yachts and river boats keen to share their Asian Homes with travelers, sustainably and responsibly.
Conservation of the environment, culture and traditions of Asia is of paramount importance to all in Secret Retreats.
A community of like-minded hospitality professionals, we offer our guests authentic travel experiences that go beyond typical offerings to unveil the essence of Asia. Supporting the Asia based hoteliers and hospitality professionals and providing incredible holidays in Asia and tailor-made Asia travel itineraries direct to public ad travel agents.
Get inspired and make savings!
By booking direct with Secret Retreats and enjoy peace of mind from our full on the ground support. Contact our concierge and plan then book your Asia holiday now!
Over 100,000 subscriptions and counting, don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter an discover Asia with Secret Retreats
