Papua, previously called Irian Jaya, is the part of Indonesia that covers the western side of the huge, remote island of New Guinea, which it shares with the separate country of Papua New Guinea. With some of the most impenetrable jungle on earth, jagged mountain ranges and areas of crocodile-infested marshland, some parts have still barely been explored - the Baliem Valley was only discovered by the outside world in 1938.
Itinerary:
Day 1, SEMINYAK BEACH (BALI) Arrive and make your way to the hotel. Day 2, SEMINYAK BEACH - JAYAPURA Free day to explore the town or relax on the beach. Overnight flight from Bali to Jayapura. (B) Day 3, JAYAPURA - SENTANI Arrive in Jayapura. Transfer to Sentani where the rest of the day is free. (B) Day 4, WAMENA We fly to the highland town of Wamena, situated at an altitude of 1,600m in the heart of the Cyclops Mountains. This is where we will see our first glimpse of the tribes of the Baliem Valley. (B) Days 5-11, BALIEM VALLEY TREK We begin our 8 day trek through the Baliem Valley, one of the most isolated and beautiful places on earth. We trek along forest paths through highland pasture with views of jagged peaks and cross raging torrents on rope bridges. The valley teems with wildlife and there are an extraordinary variety of exotic plant species. Along the way we visit remote wilderness villages and tribes like the Dani, Lani and Yali. At night we camp or stay in village huts. (BLD) Day 12, BALIEM VALLEY - WAMENA Today we walk out of the wilderness and back into Wamena. Tonight a hot shower, good food and a clean soft bed awaits you. (BL) Day 13, WAMENA - BIAK Fly via Jayapura to the island of Biak, renowned for its unspoilt beaches. (B) Day 14, BIAK Free day to relax in or near Biak; there are loads of options including a boat trip around several of the Bounty Islands and fabulous snorkelling opportunities in the crystal clear waters. (B) Day 15, WANDOS We travel to the remote coastal village of Wandos, via the small village of Wari with its white sandy beaches and the clear water of the Korem River, as well as the Warsa waterfall. Day 16, WANDOS A full free day. Day 17, BIAK Free time in Wandos before we head back to Biak. (B) Day 18, BALI Fly from Biak to Bali where the tour ends on arrival. (B)
Group Size: Max 12
Activities: Baliem Valley trek, optional watersports.
Trek grade: Moderate / Strenuous
Accommodation: 10 nights simple hotel or guesthouse, 7 nights camping or village hut during trek
Transport: Minivan, car, plane
Flights: Denpasar (Bali) to Jayapura, Jayapura to Wamena, Wamena to Jayapura, Jayapura to Biak, Biak to Denpasar (Bali)
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides while trekking
Meals: As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner. On days where meals aren't included allow up to $15 per day
Trip Reference: SPHE
