Papua is a land of contrasts, with some of the most impenetrable jung¬les in the world and snowcapped mountain peaks towering over glacial lakes. Papua is Indonesia’s lar¬gest and eastern most province and covers the western half of the world’s second largest island. It is a land of exceptional natural grandeur; with beautiful scenic beaches, immemse stretches of marshlands, cool grassy meadows and powerful rivers carving gorges through dense primeval forests. The most heavily populated and cultivated parts of the island are the Paniai Lakes district and the Baliem Valley to the east.
The people of the island can be divided into more than 250 sub-groups, including the Marin¬da¬nim, Yah’ray, Asmat, Mandobo, Dani and Afyat. Those in the central highlands still maintain their customs and traditions, virtually untouched by outside influences.
The different tribes have lived, for the most part, in isolation from even one another, resulting in an incredibly diverse mixture of cultures. The coastal regions of Papua, however, were visited as early as the 7th century by traders from Sriwijaya.
European traders looking for spices began arriving in the early 16th century, and have left historical footprints in the area with names such as Bougainville, Cape d’Urville and the Torres Straits. It was the Dutch who made the most lasting impact on the island, when in 1828 they formally made Papua a Dutch Territory, which it remained until 1962.
The provincial capital of Jayapura is situated on hills which overlook the sea, and is accessible by boat and plane. It was here that General Mac Arthur
Tourism Events
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Port Numbay Festival. An exhibition and festival of art of Papua people on August 2008 at Numbay Port. This event will also show unique Papua tribes and their cultural distinction.
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Baliem Festival will be held on every august or September. The main point of interest of the festival will be the massive tribal attraction involving the all natives group living on the surrounding area of the giant valley. All tribes group will deliver their envoy to attend the festival while bringing all tribes attributes, kotekas, art and craft. The Baliem festival is a right chance to observe the rich culture of the hinterland. Baliem valley area is mainly occupied by three tribes, namely Dani, Yali and Lani. Each tribe group will come over with their own identity. Here you will see clear difference among them refer to their dressing.
Places of Interest
Jayapura
Jayapura is the capital and the biggest city of this eastern most pro¬vince. It is a neat and pleasant city, built on the slope of a hill overlooking the bay. General Douglas Mc Arthur’s World War II quarters still stand here. The Museum Jayapura is located on the Cendrawasih University campus. Tanjung Ria Beach, known as base G by the Allies during World War II, is a popular holiday resort with facilities for water sport.
Lake Sentani
Lake Sentani. A short trip from Jaya¬pura, Lake Sentani is still virtually untouched covers an area of 9,360 Ha with height of 75 m above sea level. The people who call the shores of this magnificent lake home still live in a traditional manner, and are renowned for their wood-working and pottery.
Kasuarina Cape
Kasuarina Cape named after the big casuarina trees which grow in the area, Kasuarina Cape is just two kilometers from Sorong, on the Bird’s Head Peninsula of northern Papua. Good for swimming and recreation.
Biak
Biak, a town on an island of the same name in Cendrawasih Bay, is Papua’s main gateway. It has better infrastructure than must other places in the province. There are some good beaches on Biak Island, the most popular of which are Bosnik Beach on the east coast, which is good for swimming and sky-diving, and Korem Beach on the north coast, where one can watch young men dive for pearls. Supiori Island, just north of Biak, has a wilderness reserve and traditional villages where visitors are welcome.
Mummy
Mummy. The “Jiwika” 300 years old mummy can be found in Jiwika 15,5 km from Wamena and 250 years prumo mummy in Asologaima 32,6 km from Wamena in Jaya¬wijaya Regency.
Mount Carstenz Pyramid
Mount Carstenz Pyramid. The highest in the ocean Continent (4,884 meters above sea level). Located in the western central high¬land, above the equatorial jungle of Papua lies on the least accesible snow capped ranges in the world on Ngga Pulu/Puncak Jaya (4,862 m asl).
Wamena
Wamena. The Traditional round shaped housing with coars grass roofs, wooden walls without windows called “Honay” by Wamena people in Jayawijaya Regency.
The Asmat The Asmat people
The Asmat The Asmat people, who live along the remote southeast coast, are famed for their artistic “primitive” woodcarving and the long house. Modern civilization did not reach this area until recently. Agats has an interesting museum filled with woorcarvings and other objects. Asmat crafts recieved a boost in the late 1960s under a United Nations supported project encouraging local craftsmen to keep their art alive. Asmat cultural Festival, held on the begining of October every years. Asmat cultural Festival, held on the beginning of October every year.
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