Papua is technically part of Indonesia although it is not to be confused with Papua New Guinea which is a separate country.

Located far away from central hubs in Indonesia like Java and Bali, Papua is covered is acres of gorgeous rainforest as well as tinkling rivers and gushing waterfalls.

Visitors here can also enjoy long white sandy beaches as well as splendid wavy coral reefs, and anyone who likes diving is in for a treat as the visibility is so clear that you will be able to spot a huge variety of underwater life.

Papua is also an important spot in terms of culture, and you can get a glimpse at the amazing tribal art here in the form of ancient cave paintings that still exist in some spots.

Getting to Papua and getting around the island takes time, as many parts are only accessible by boat, but it is more than worth it to explore one of the last great untouched spots left in Indonesia, if not the world.

Here are the best places to visit in Papua:

1. Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat has to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Located in West Papua it is known as a top spot for those on their honeymoon and it is also a premium location for anyone who likes diving.

Much of the island is covered in untouched rainforests and you will find wide stretches of clean sand that back on the turquoise seas teeming with marine life.

As you would expect, snorkelling, sailing, and swimming are also popular pastimes here but it is the diving that is the true star of Raja Ampat and you can expect 540 species of coral here as well as over 1,500 species of fish.

2. Goa Jepang

Goa Jepang means Japanese Cave in Indonesian and is located to the north of the town of Kota Biak, one of the larger and more significant towns in Papua.

It is a spot of historical interest that would have been used in the Second World War as a place for Japanese soldiers to hide, and there is even a tunnel from here which tacks three kilometres to Parai which is on the coast.

Some 3,000 Japanese servicemen are said to have died here when the US military bombed the cave, and now you can go down into the large cavern and take in the scene for yourself.

You will also find Japanese and American weaponry on show as well as old photographs of the cave.

3. Cenderawasih Bay Marine National Park

Cenderawasih Bay Marine National park is also referred to as Taman Teluk Cenderawasih and is actually a large marine park made up of 18 different islands which stretch along an expanse of pretty coastline.

The park sprawls for 14,000 square kilometres making it one of the largest in Indonesia and many people come here for the trekking, hiking, and scuba diving, and if you like bird watching then this is a great place to do it.

One of the most popular islands to visit in the national park include Pulau Auri, Pulai Rumberpon, and Pulau Wairondi.

4. Have a picnic on Base G Beach

Base G Beach in Jayapura is almost 3 kilometres in length and is covered in wonderful golden sand.

One of the best features of the beach is the wooden picnic platforms that you will find here, making it a great spot if you want to bring some food and spend a lazy day enjoying the vistas.

You can swim here although caution is advised as the water is lined with rocks meaning that the beach lends itself to relaxation rather than bathing.

Another big draw here is the fact that you will probably find yourself alone on the beach which is secluded and only packed with locals at the weekend.

5. Fak Fak

The strangely named Fak Fak is a Dutch settlement which sits at the base of some picturesque hills and you can also enjoy sweeping vistas across the neighbouring sea.

This is not a particularly big town but it is well worth a visit, and you can walk down the main artery called Jalan Izaak Telussa and take in many of the sights from here.

This is also a good place if you want to visit the neighbouring Banda Islands and Pulau Ambon which are part of the wider Maluku Islands.

You can also take day trips from Fak Fak to neighbouring Pulau Tubir Seram which is a pretty island that is covered in sandy beaches and hiking trails.

6. Manokwari

Manokwari lies around the bay of Teuk Doreri and is a place of historical significance as it would have been the first missionary base in Papua which is predominantly Christian in a Muslim majority country.

Many visitors choose to come here for the sightseeing as you can explore a range of wildlife trails, many of which are part of the idyllic Table Mountain Park (called Taman Gunung Meja). Other local points of interest include the Japanese Monument as well as the Japanese Cave.

Close to Manokwari you will find sunny Pulau Lemon (Lemon Island) where you can snorkelling and swimming.

7. Pulau Biak

Pulau Biak is one of the most popular islands in Papua and is covered in historical points of interest.

The main town on Pulau Biak is called Kota Biak and around the island you will find a wealth of diving options as well as bird watching tours.

Another spot not to miss in Biak is the Cenderawasih Museum and you can also travel to the other side of the island to take in the stunning rock formations in Urfu and Samber.

In short, this is one island that you absolutely can’t miss if you make the journey to this exciting province.

8. Lorentz National Park

Lorentz National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also the home of a famous mountain called Puncak Jaya.

The Castensz Pyramid (as the mountain is known in English) measures up to 4,900 meters and if you want to learn all about the flora and fauna in Indonesia then this is place you need to visit.

There are hundreds of species of birds in the park which will delight birdwatchers and you can also enjoy trekking and mountain climbing up Puncak Jaya if you are feeling adventurous.

Bear in mind however that this is a strenuous hike so make sure to plan accordingly and only attempt it if you are used to mountain trekking.

9. Aikima

If you want to get out and about in Papua then consider a trip to Aikima which is around eight kilometres from larger Waimena and is the home of the Werapak Elosak Mummy.

This preserved corpse dates from 300 years ago and is the body of an ancient chief which has been smoked in order to prevent his body from decomposing.

The story goes that the reason for this was that the chieftain had magical powers and that the village wanted to preserve these after his death to keep the local area safe and free from evil spirits or marauding armies.

10. Museum Loka Budaya

Museum Loka Budaya in Jayapura is part of Cenderawasih University and is one of the best museums in Papua.

Here you will find a huge array of different artefacts such as ancient Asmat carvings and traditional costumes.

There are also crafts items from different parts of Papua and you will even find diverse collections such as exhibitions of old photographs and even musical instruments.

Anyone who enjoys taxidermy can also peruse a gallery of Papuan stuffed animals including some of its signature birds of paradise.

11. The Bird and Orchid Garden

For a bit of serenity in Kota Biak head to Ibdi, the Bird and Orchid Garden which has a collection of birds indigenous to Papua including hornbills, cockatoos, and lories.

As well as the colourful avians you will also find several dozen species of orchids here so if you want to stroll around in a cool and unhurried part of the city then this is the place to do it.

This is also one of main attractions in Biak which is a pretty spot but doesn’t have a huge number of sightseeing spots in its own right.

12. Jiwika

Located close to the town of Jiwika, the Wimontok Mabel Mummy is said to be the remains of a famous chief who would have lived here in the 18th century.

His corpse has been preserved and you can now come and see this macabre spectacle for yourself if you want to know more about the history of the area.

This is also a typical off-the-beaten-track area in Papua so it’s a great place to meet some of the locals and see how people live in this amazing province.

13. The Asmat Region

The Asmat Region of Papua is not well visited by tourists which is a shame as it is a great place to come if you want to see some of the most majestic countryside in Papua.

The region sprawls for miles and is covered in mangrove swamps, rivers, and tropical jungle, and the main town is called Agats although don’t expect a large metropolis as it is actually more like a small town.

One of the highlights of Agats however is the Museum Kebudayaan dan Kemajuan (Museum of Culture and Progress) which is filled with galleries of Asmat tribal art.

14. Spend a few days in Jayapura

Jayapura is the capital city of Papua and is also its largest city.

That said, it has a population of 200,000 people which means that it is not exactly huge, but there is plenty to see here to keep you busy for a few days.

The city is encircled by hills and you will be close to beaches here such as Base G Beach and there are a number of temples to see in town which are visited by the local Buddhist population.

Also make sure not to miss the local market in Hamadi for a truly Papuan experience.

15. Kaimana Island

Kaimana Island in West Papua is a Marine Protected Area linked with Raja Ampat and is also part of the Bird’s Head Seascape.

It is known for some of the best diving in the world as it sits in the famous Coral Triangle, an area with more species of fish and coral than any other place on earth.

Kaimana is often called the Kingdom of Fishes and is also a favourite with those who like macro photography.

As the name suggests, you will find an abundance of coral gardens here as well as species like graceful dolphins, marlin, seahorses, and sharks.

source: www.thecrazytourist.com

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The ecotourism area had been developed since 2016, Yoseph Matutina, head of the Papua tourism office, stated here, recently.

“We hope that the Sawarkawafor tourism area would be able to attract domestic and foreign tourists,” he affirmed.

He is optimistic that the development of ecotourism would help boost the regional economy and improve the welfare of the local community.

Biak Numfor is known for its beautiful undersea panorama, particularly in Padaedo, which is similar to Raja Ampat, West Papua.

Supiori District has several undersea caves located in the Rani Isle.

source: AntaraNews

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“So far, two regions have become a priority for tourism development, notably the districts of Biak Numfor and Supiori,” Ysh Is Matutina, head of the tourism office of Papua, stated here, Thursday.

Tourism development has been carried out since 2016.

Several tourist attractions and destinations in Supiori have been identified by the local tourism offices of Papua and Supiori.

The development is aimed at attracting more domestic and foreign tourists.

In Biak Numfor, the priority is to develop the Sausapor Beach. Several other tourist attractions and destinations are also being developed.

Meanwhile, the number of foreign tourists visiting Biak Numfor District, Papua Province, increased to 3,399 people in 2016, as compared to 1,779 in the previous year.

The increase was the result of intensified tourism promotion activities carried out by the Biak District administration, Enias Rumbewas, spokesman of the Biak Numfor district government, noted recently.

Foreign tourists from Japan, the Netherlands, Australia, China, and several European countries, among others, visit Biak.

The number of domestic tourist arrivals also surged from some 28 thousand in 2015 to 30 thousand in 2016.

Among the existing tourist attractions in Biak are the World War II wreckage, maritime scenery, and its unique cultural diversity regularly showcased at the Biak Munara Wampasi festival.

This year, the festival will be organized in July and will feature activities, such as traditional snap mor fishing, Mansusui boat race, and a visit to the Padaido/Aimando islands.

The Biak Numfor district government has allocated funds worth Rp1 billion through the local Tourism Office to ensure the success of the cultural festival.

Last year, the festival was held on Jul 1-4 to showcase traditional Japanese “katana” vintage samurai swords from World War II.

Source: Antara News

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The planned festivals will be part of the tourism campaign for the region, according to the Head of Raja Ampat tourism office, Yusdi Lamatenggo, on Saturday (Jan. 21).

This years list of festivals include a maritime festival, a flute and drum festival, the Wonderful Misol festival, the Wonderful Salawati festival, the Wonderful Waigeo festival, a fish cooking festival and a Red and White festival.

There will also be a spiritual festival, a blue sea festival, the Raja Ampat Fair and the Raja Ampat childrens reading festival.

The events are also intended to preserve and promote the regions local culture and arts, he added.

In an effort to improve transportion access to Raja Ampat, the government has also launched several key infrastructure projects on the islands.

Regular transportation will be made available from the regional capital of Waisai to other islands, including Misol Island.

“Foreign and local tourists will now be able to visit the islands without having to hire expensive speedboats,” explained Lamatenggo.

The Wing Air Lion Group will also operate direct return flights from Jakarta to Manado and Waisai to improve the access to West Papua from outside the region, he said.

“At the moment, tourists wishing to visit Raja Ampat have to take a long flight from Jakarta to Sorong,” he added.

The Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat, fondly called the Living Eden or Paradise on Earth, was a lesser-known tourist destination and was familiar only to intrepid travelers and avid divers.

Considered to be a crown jewel in Indonesia, Raja Ampat has crystal clear turquoise waters and islands covered by dense green forests and mangrove swamps.

Located in an area called the “Coral Triangle” between the Pacific and Indian oceans in eastern Indonesias West Papua province, the world is now taking notice of Raja Ampat after the Indonesian government intensified its tourism campaign to promote the region.

source: AntaraNews

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Speaking to reporters after opening the festival, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said the government was expecting to see 35,000 international and domestic tourists attend the event, which will be held from June 19 to 23.

‘€œWe are hoping to see 35,000 tourists visit the festival this year and 50,000 next year. That’€™s why we are inviting many national journalists from Jakarta [to the event] to help promote this festival to people in Indonesia and all over the world,’€ he said.

The Lake Sentani Festival is one of three major festivals in Papua, besides the Baliem Valley Festival held in August and the Asmat Festival in October. This year, the eighth Lake Sentani Festival is held under the theme, ‘€œMy Culture, My Prosperity’€.

‘€œCulture not only gives happiness, but also life and prosperity. Papua’€™s main strength is its nature, followed by culture. These existing potentials must be explored to provide prosperity,’€ Arief said.

During the event’€™s opening ceremony on Saturday, visitors were entertained by various artistic performances, including the traditional Isosolo dance that was performed by a group of dancers on board a boat.

At the festival venue, visitors can also browse dozens of booths that offer local handicrafts, including noken (traditional Papuan woven bags), tree bark paintings, wood sculptures and gemstones, as well as traditional food, such as papeda (sticky sago porridge), yellow fish soup and batatas (yams).

The tour of Lake Sentani, however, remains the festival’€™s main attraction, during which visitors can go sightseeing around the province’€™s biggest lake, which covers an area of 9,630 hectares in four districts and provides livelihood for more than 25,000 people.

Separately, Papuan People’€™s Assembly (MRP) deputy chairman Angelberta Tokorok said the festival should become an entry point for the government to provide continuous support for improving the local economy. She, for example, urged the government to provide permanent shelters for local women who sell noken to visitors.

‘€œIt doesn’€™t mean that the government’€™s relation with local residents ends after the closing of the festival,’€ Angelberta said.

Source: TheJakartapost.com

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Get Around

Commonly, divers will join a tour and live in a diving resort during their stay in the Raja Ampat Islands. To access diving spots, please contact and use the professional diving organizers, who can be conveniently found in Sorong. You may rent a small boat if you wish to stop and make personal discoveries along the line of the beaches. You can also trek around the islands to find hidden beauties, like waterfalls and ancient caves.

Get There

If you are flying from Jakarta, you can take a six hour flight to Sorong with a stopover in Manado. Alternatively, you can join a diving tour in Bali and fly from there. Flying from Jakarta/Bali to Sorong, with connecting flights in Makassar or Manado are offered by various airlines.

There are also daily ferries available between Sorong and Waisai, capital of the Raja Ampat district on the island of Waigeo. The journey takes between 1.5-2 hours. There are also speedboats for rent at Sorong.

source: http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/area/raja-ampat

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