INDONESIA | PAPUA 12 D Baliem Valley & Raja Ampat

Baliem Valley
Arrival in Wamena and transfer to The Baliem Valley Resort

When arriving 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.

Baliem Valley
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.

Baliem Valley
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. Then we all enjoy a picnic before hiking down to the village and admire the 300 years old mummyof 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.

Baliem Valley
Excursion to Lake Habbema, the highest lake in all of Indonesia

After an early breakfast, we drive to Lake Habbema. The savannah-like landscape of the Baliem Valley gives way to fantastic mountain rainforests with monstrous tree ferns and screw pines, covered with moss, lichens and climbing plants. At 3.200 metres, Lake Habbema is located on a large high moor, surrounded by enchanting meadows full of dwarf cypresses, rhododendrons and many species of orchids. A very unique flora! The lake is historically of certain importance, as the first explorers used it to land with seaplanes and then trek towards the Baliem Valley. We enjoy a picnic by the lake and if the sun is shining, we have a spectacular view over the Trikora mountain summit. Then, we go for a walk along the lake and you can even go for a cold swim! We are back to the Resort in the afternoon.

 Baliem Valley
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. 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.

Baliem Valley – Jayapura – Sorong
Last day in the Baliem Valley and transfer to Sorong

After breakfast, you are transferred to Wamena airport for your flight to Sorong via Jayapura. Upon arrival in Sorong, our representative awaits you and transfers you to the Hotel SwissBel in Sorong town. The rest of the day is at leisure but your guide will be happy to show you the fish market for a simple but great dinner

Sorong – Raja Ampat
First day in the Raja Ampat archipelago

After breakfast your driver brings you to the town’s port. You board the ferry to Waisai on Waigeo Island, Raja Ampat. Upon your arrival 2 hours later, you are met by the boatman of your guesthouse who takes you to your accommodation in a small motorboat. Finally, you have arrived in paradise. On the horizon, on a deserted island, the bungalows of a charming boutique hotel built on stilts appear. This small, simple hotel was built with great attention to detail by a foreign couple. It is located on a deserted island and provides its guests with island romance and local delicacies.  You settle in and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Raja Ampat
Visit and snorkelling in Sawandarek village

After an excellent French breakfast, depart for a snorkelling excursion near the village of Sawandarek on Mansuar Island. For years, the residents have decided to stop fishing to protect the underwater wealth of their village. The result is remarkable and makes Sawandarek one of the best snorkelling sites in Raja Ampat. You will snorkel with barracudas, giant groupers, emperors, turtles, sharks, batfish and more. Visit the village and return to the boutique hotel.

Raja Ampat
Free day

You wake up in paradise. Enjoy your breakfast to the sound of birds and waves. The day is free. Put on your mask and fins and explore the underwater treasures that lie just a few meters from your bungalow. You’ll discover a coral wall that is home to fish, turtles and small, harmless blacktip sharks! Relax and enjoy the sunset at the end of the day before dinner is served. There will be fresh fish!

Raja Ampat
Excursion to Batanta Waterfall and snorkelling

Batanta is one of the largest islands in Raja Ampat and has beautiful waterfalls where you can swim. To reach them you will walk about 1 hour through the jungle and see many tropical birds and butterflies on the way. Picnic lunch on the edge of the waterfalls. On the way back to the hotel there is of course enough time for another snorkelling stop.

Raja Ampat
Day trip by boat to Piaynemo and Arborek

After an early breakfast, your captain will pick you up by boat and take you to Piaynemo Island. You sail for 1 hour through a beautiful landscape of blue water and lush karst islands before reaching it. You climb the 300 steps to the top of the island to enjoy a breathtaking view of the archipelago. You continue your boat trip to the village of Arborek which is famous for its snorkeling sites. After a short swim to discover the corals, fish and turtles, you will enjoy a picnic in the shade of coconut trees. After lunch, we return to the guesthouse and the afternoon is at leisure.

Raja Ampat – Sorong Airport
Last day in Raja Ampat

After breakfast, your boatman takes you to Waisai harbour. You board the ferry to Sorong where your driver will take you to Sorong Airport for your return flight, or to your hotel.