IRIAN JAYA-WEST IRIAN or now called as West Papua, not well known in the world due to the difficult access to this as yet undeveloped part of Indonesia.
The BALIEM VALLEY – The Central Highland, and the ASMAT REGION, however, are two areas frequently visited by those who wish to discover the way of life of these amazing primitive tribes, simple and yet complicated.
As any other primitive tribe, their life is regulated by the belief in the omnipresence of ancestors, laced with symbolism manifested in various ritual and ceremonies for the celebration of life, nature and death, and yet there is distinctive culture and handicrafts, even between the Dani of the Baliem Valley and the Asmat people of the Southern coast. The Asmat is famous for its art and handicrafts, almost every item daily is, carved, bearing the symbols of ancestors, sacred animals and colors on which they base their system of identification.
At the moment, we have regular flight from Jayapura of Wamena for Agats/ Ewer, then by motorized canoes travel to the villages scattered along the river and spend overnight at Yew-the youth long-houses or school.
A tour around Baliem Valley or Asmat Region is definitely not an average package tour. It is more an expedition for a healthy and rugged group. Travelling involves regular and chartered flight, on foot and native dugout canoes up and down river.
Duration of trip : Minimum 5 days of Baliem Valley and up to 10 or 12 days for the Asmat Region. 12 is advisable and can be expanded to more days to cover a wider area. All these arrangements will be led by an expert and you will be assured of a completely unique experience in the way of life in this small world.