There are five tribes in Papua that have the tradition of mummifying the deceased, which are the Mek tribe in the Bintang Mountains, the Dani tribe in the Baliem Valley, the Moni tribe in Intan Jaya, the Yali tribe in Kurima and the Mee tribe in Dogiyai.

Unlike the popular mummies in Egypt, these Papua mummies are not kept in coffins and wrapped in bandages, but they are still intact and have dark color.

Usually, those who are mummified are individuals who are considered important to their tribe, such as tribal leaders, war commanders or highly respected individuals.

Credit: pariwisataindonesia.id

Typically, males are the ones who are mummified. However, there are also female mummies in Papua that apparently formed accidentally due to cold weather and were found in caves. These female mummies are located in Yamen Silok in the Kurima District.

There are several stages to transform a body into a mummy. It involves selecting tribe members to perform the mummification process, collecting firewood and preparing a honai (papua traditional house) as the place to carry out the mummification process. Before starting, a newly born pig is prepared to mark the time.

Then the body of the deceased is smoked with firewood. The mummification process is considered complete when the pig’s teeth have grown long. After the smoking process, several ceremonies are conducted. Then the mummy is released by cutting the pig that was used to mark the time and wrapping the pig’s tail around the mummy’s neck. After everything is done, it is concluded with a stone-burning feast or barapen.

Interestingly, there is another different mummification process in Papua. The Mek tribe places the body on a tree for a year until it naturally becomes a mummy. The cold weather on the tree naturally preserves the body. Only after that, the mummy is taken down and placed in a cave.

When you look at the mummies in Papua, they are in a sitting position. The reason is that in the prehistoric concept, the sitting position is like a baby in the womb.

So far, six mummies have been documented in Papua, four from the Dani tribe, one from the Yali tribe, and one from the Moni tribe. Each tribe has its own name for their mummies. For example, in the Dani tribe in Wamena, the mummies there are called Kurulu mummies, Pumo mummies, Araboda mummies and Jiwika mummies.

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The mummies of the Dani tribe in Wamena are the most frequently visited by tourists. Especially during the Baliem Valley Festival, many tour operators offer travel packages to see the mummies.

The Papua mummies are believed to bring blessings to the local community. Tourists who want to take pictures or have direct contact with the mummies are usually charged according to the group size. If the group is large, the fee can reach up to 2.5 million rupiahs, but if it’s just two people or an individual, the fee is usually around 1 to 1.5 million rupiahs. However, wealth is not the main goal for the Papua tribes that perform this mummification process. They do it to preserve their traditions and show respect to those who are valuable and have contributed to.

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Raja Ampat, located in the West Papua Province of Indonesia, has become a famous tourist destination worldwide. Known as one of the diver’s paradises, Raja Ampat offers stunning marine biodiversity with spectacular coral reefs and abundant marine life. In the midst of this captivating natural wealth lies a remarkable island called Pulau Piaynemo.

Piaynemo comes from the Biak language, which means the connection between the head and the shaft of a spear. Piaynemo Island presents a stunning natural panorama. Tourists, both local and international, are invited to enjoy the beauty of the small karst islands from the top of the hill.

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Piaynemo Island is located in the Wayag Islands, part of Raja Ampat. This island may not be as popular as other islands in Raja Ampat, such as Waigeo Island or Misool Island, but its astonishing natural attractions make it a truly worthwhile place to visit.

One of the most famous sights on Piaynemo Island is the towering limestone hills amidst the sea. These hills resemble small scattered islands on the calm surface of the sea. This view is often referred to as the “Lake of Stars” due to its stunning star-shaped patterns and layout. Enjoying the view of the Lake of Stars from the top of the Piaynemo hills is an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

The journey to the summit of Piaynemo hills can be a bit challenging, but once you reach there, the incredible beauty of nature will erase all the fatigue. From the hilltop, visitors can enjoy the spectacular panorama of small islands scattered in the blue sea. Colorful coral reefs, pristine white sand, and lush tropical vegetation provide a perfect backdrop for this breathtaking view.

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Piaynemo Island also offers an exceptional diving experience. Around the island, healthy coral reefs and abundant marine life await divers. The beautiful coral reefs and diverse species of tropical fish make Raja Ampat a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The exceptional clarity of the water makes diving in Piaynemo Island Raja Ampat truly awe-inspiring.

In addition to its underwater beauty, Piaynemo Island is also home to several species of rare birds that inhabit the Raja Ampat region. These birds contribute to the biodiversity of the island and attract birdwatchers’ interest. To reach Pulau Piaynemo, visitors can take a boat from Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat Regency.

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While enduring the pain the God tried to survive until finally he met a flamingo bird who had a noble heart and took care of him until he recovered from his wound. After recovering, the God lived in the area and made a house and carved two very beautiful statues.

Fumeripitsy also made a very loud drum to accompany him to dance without stopping. The deity’s movements were so powerful that can make the two statues he carved come to life. Not long after, the two statues joined in dancing and moved together to follow the God. The two statues are the first human pair to become the ancestors of the Asmat Tribe.

Credit: Ambero Papua

The mythological fragment above is a belief held by the Asmat Tribe, one of the largest tribes in Papua. This myth makes the Asmat Tribe still believe that they are the incarnations of Gods to this day. It’s not an exaggeration, because Asmat does have a very respected culture.

In fact, this tribe has been known to foreign countries and many researchers from all over the world often visit the Asmat tribe village. They are generally interested in learning about the life of the Asmat tribe, their belief system, and the unique customs of the Asmat tribe as well.

The Asmat Tribe itself is actually divided into two, which are the tribe who lives on the coast and the Asmat who live in the hinterland. The lifestyle, way of thinking, social structure and daily life of these two Asmat are very different.

For example, in terms of their livelihoods, for example, the Asmat tribe who live in rural areas usually have jobs as hunters and garden farmers, while those who live on the coast prefer to be fishermen for their livelihoods. The difference between the two populations is also caused by the condition of the area in where they live and the large influence of immigrant communities, which are generally more open than the Asmat culture itself.

Although the “two Asmats” have many differences, they both have the same characteristics. For example, in terms of physical characteristics. The Asmat Tribe has an average height of about 172 cm for men and 162 cm for women. Their skin is generally black with curly hair. This physical characteristic is due to the fact that the Asmat Tribe is still a descendant of Polynesians.

The distribution area of the Asmat Tribe starts from the coast area of Arafuru Sea to the Jayawijaya Mountains. Overall they occupy the Asmat district, which has approximately 7 sub-districts. Even though it seems close, the distance between the village and the sub-district town is very far, even the journey can take one to two days on foot. They did this not because they could not enter vehicles into Asmat area, but that the swampy Asmat area can only be passed by boat or on foot.

The Asmat tribe is very famous for its traditions and arts. They are known as reliable carvers and are recognized internationally. Asmat carvings are made in many types and varied. However, usually the carvings tell about something, such as stories of ancestors, daily life and their love for nature. The uniqueness of the carvings is what makes the name of Asmat Tribe so global today.

The Asmat Tribe has also a lot of dance and singing arts. They perform these arts when welcoming guests, during harvest period and when honoring the spirits of the ancestors. They really respect their ancestors, this can be seen from every tradition they have. Although now modern culture has had a lot of influence on their lives, the Asmat traditions and customs will be difficult to break. The Asmat has an extraordinary culture and deserves to be the main object that should be studied further when visiting Papua.

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In addition, if we examine more deeply, the indigenous people of Papua have similarities with the Aboriginal people who are the original inhabitants of Australia. They come from a common ancestor, which is the Austromelanesoid race with the Negroid sub-race. These similarities have led scientists to conclude that the Papua and Australia regions are both on one very large continent.

Credit: Kata Omed

According to traces of prehistoric life in Raja Ampat, the ancestors of the Austromelanesoid race drew the paintings on the coral walls. They are the ancestors of the indigenous Papuans that we know today. According to the data obtained, these images are thought to have appeared in the early Mezolithic era.

At that time, the earth was very young and often experienced shifts. These paintings generally have animal motifs such as frogs, fish or birds. However, there are also palm prints with 4 or 5 fingers. The hand paintings that we saw generally depict the power of a group in a place. Usually, these engraved paintings describe the condition of the area occupied.

These paintings are not only in one place, but scattered in several points of the Kabui Bay area. The position of this painting is indeed strange because it is on a wall that is half submerged in the waters of Raja Ampat. These cliffs are hard to reach and will make you wonder how to paint them. Well, the natural conditions tens of thousands of years ago were not the same as today. It is very possible, during prehistoric times, the position of the wall was not above water but still attached to the land.

Credit: Backpacker Jakarta

Not only paintings, visitors can also visit a cave on top of a cliff not far from the walls of the paintings. This cave is a tomb of several residents who are considered the ancestors of the Raja Ampat people. Uniquely, the body is not buried in the ground, but is simply placed on the ground. Now, the people who are considered to be ancestors are only bones. The atmosphere of this place is quite deserted and tense, but all of that is not that scary because there is a beautiful view of the Kabui Bay area.

Prehistoric life in Raja Ampat is very impressive and quite unique to be learned. This can be one of unique attractions for tourists visiting Raja Ampat as well as proof that the wealth of Raja Ampat is not only about the beauty of the underwater world. These prehistoric remains are a part of a series of directions for the distribution of the ancestors of the Raja Ampat people from the western archipelago to Papua and Melanesia.

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Beaches, lakes, mountains and nature reserves are some views you can enjoy while visiting West Papua. The West Papua Province has also many beaches which can be said to be some of the best beautiful beaches in Indonesia. Here are 9 best places to visit in West Papua Province.

1. Manokwari

Credit: BeritaPapua

Manokwari is the capital of the West Papua Province. It is also serve as the capital of Manokwari Regency. The city has an area of around 1.556 square km and has a population of approximately 99.000 inhabitants. There are many natural attractions and various types of water tourism that can be seen around the Manokwari area. One of them is the Arfak Mountains which is a protected nature reserve.

In Manokwari there is also a historical Japanese Monument which is a memorial to the landing of Japanese troops for the first time in Manokwari years ago. There is also a unique tradition of the local community called “fish calling” using a whistle from the reef. This tradition is still carried out on Bakaro Beach, located on the north coast of Manokwari.

One of the special dishes of Manokwari and also Papua is the “Papeda” and it is often referred to as sago porridge. Papeda which is made from sago flour is usually eaten and served with fish and yellow sauce made with traditional cobs and herbs. For snacks, you can try the sago plate which is usually served while drinking coffee and tea.

2. Arfak Mountains

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Arfak Mountains is the highest point in West Papua with a height reaching 2,940 meters above sea level. From the top of the Arfak Mountains, you can see views of the Manokwari City, and sometimes in winter, the mountain peaks can be covered with snow. In the Arfak Mountains, there are some tourist attractions tourists can enjoy ranging from lakes, bird watching spots to cultural tourism. Arfak Mountains itself has not been visited by many tourists. The nature still thrives in this area while customs and culture, which are still thick, become the main attraction for tourists.

In these mountains there are also two twin lakes. According to local stories, the two lakes were formed from a love story of two people, who enshrined themselves into two lakes. In each lake there are two dragons, a male and a female. Therefore, based on the story of the existence of the two dragons, local residents believe that the twin lakes also have two genders, man and woman. Locals call the male lake Anggi Ginji and the female Anggi Gita.

3. Wondiwoi Nature Reserve

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If you just want to take a walk or trekking quietly while enjoying the scenery, not just relaxing on the beach, then this place is perfect. The Wondiwoi Mountains Nature Reserve is the right place for those who like to walk in nature while enjoying the fresh air. Located not too far from the city, only about 5 kilometres from the Manokwari town, the Wondiwoi Nature Reserve has around 147 species of flora and fauna.

From Wondiwoi Nature Reserve, tourists can also enjoy stunning views of the Cenderawasih Bay and Wandamen Bay. But to achieve this beautiful place is quite difficult, because tourists must board a Cessna type aircraft to get to the center area of Wondiwoi. The stunning scenery and diversity of flora and fauna inside the area that you will see shall be comparable to the tough journey you have taken.

4. Raja Ampat

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Raja Ampat was originally part of Sorong Regency in West Papua Province, until it finally become Raja Ampat Regency in 2004. The islands with its beautiful underwater scenery has been already known to many local and foreign tourists and are included as one of the world heritage sites with the most beautiful views in the world. To reach this island, tourists can take a boat and stay at one of the resorts in Raja Ampat. This incredible place is also very popular as a favorite honeymoon destination in Indonesia.

Other than diving or snorkeling to enjoy the enchanting underwater scenery of Raja Ampat, visitors can also relax and enjoy the white sandy beaches, karst islands and see the endemic flora and fauna such as Cenderawasih and orchids.

One of Raja Ampat highlights is the prehistoric relics in the form of hand paintings in the Misool cluster area. There are many palm paintings on the karst cliff wall around the caves. Moreover, there are also ex-airplane left over from World War II around the Wai Island.

5. Fakfak

Credit: TravelBangunFakfak

Fakfak is a city located in West Papua area and to achieve this place tourists must use aircraft that fly directly to Fakfak Airport. The city of Fakfak has a mosque that was built 200 years ago and also an ancient cliff site located in the Kokas area. There are many tourist attractions in Fakfak. Some of them are the Kokas Cave, Lorentz National Park, Kiti Kiti Waterfall and the Patawana Beach.

For tourists who like typical food of Fakfak then must taste the candied nutmeg, which is good for the body health. Moreover, there is also a “sago martabak” made from sago which is mashed, fried and given brown sugar.

6. Kokas Cave

Credit: SolataSejarahBudaya

This historic site is located in the Kokas area. It is a historical place from the Japanese army during the Second World War. Inside the cave there is absolutely no lighting and the shape of the cave is still preserved exactly the same as it was left by the Japanese army. The journey from the city of Fakfak to the Kokas Cave takes about two hours.

The cave which was a hiding place has a length of 138 meters and there are three bunkers measuring four meters for the Japanese army reconnaissance site. Because of the lack of incoming sunlight, tourists are required to bring their own flashlights or lighting sources and sometimes have to walk while feeling on the walls around the cave. Because of the access road to the site is rather difficult and the condition inside the cave is extreme, making this tour is considered thrilling.

7. Lorentz National Park

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Lorentz is a national park which is situated in an area of two provinces, which are the Papua Province and the West Papua Province. You can enjoy the natural scenery and vegetation around the park. In this area you can also see the culture of indigenous Papuans such as the Asmat Tribe, Sempan Tribe, Dani Tribe and Amungme Tribe. To reach this place you can use a plane from the city of Timika through the northern part of the national park, or you can take the sea lane to the Port of Sawa Erma.

The park that has a native ecosystem is mostly forests and almost untouched by humans. The local residents who live around the national park also participate in preserving the forest. Meanwhile there are many species of flora and fauna live here.

8. Kiti Kiti Waterfall

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If you visit this waterfall then you can enjoy two tourist objects at once which are the waterfall and the sea, because this waterfall site flows directly into the sea. Around the location of Kiti Kiti Waterfall lay a panoramic view of the mountains, tropical rain forests and beaches with clear blue water. If the tide is receding then a beach will be formed below the waterfall and if the water is high tide, the waterfall continues to flow into the sea.

There are many activities you can do in this area, for example fishing, swimming and snorkeling. Moreover you can also do camping activities on uninhabited islands around this waterfall area. Unfortunately this beautiful place is still relatively difficult to reach because access to Kiti Kiti is still limited. One option to reach it is by using a speed boat from the Port of Fakfak which takes about 4 hours.

9. Patawana Beach

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Patawana Beach is located in Kotam Village, Fak Fak Regency, West Papua Province. This beach has a stretch of white sand beach with clear blue sea water. A row of coconut trees also decorate the beach. Patawana Beach does have a natural beauty charm that makes it one of favorite tourist attractions for local residents. The ecosystem around the coastal area is still beautiful and well maintained.

It can be seen from the birds that are still flying around the coast and also the coral reefs as well as the big amount of fishes in the sea. Even many fishermen are looking for fishes on this beach. Not to mention visitors can also do snorkeling or diving. Meanwhile, if you want to enjoy a good surfing, you can visit this beach between August and December.

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One of the most gorgeous places in Indonesia is the Papua, which has been divided into two provinces in 2003 which are the Papua and the West Papua. The natural beauty of Papua is indeed still very natural and amazing.

Located in the eastern part of the island of Papua, the Papua Province has many national parks and also a variety of interesting cultures to see and learn. You can feel the life of local residents which is still traditional, touring while enjoying natural views and try the local specialties. Here are six amazing places to visit in Papua Province.

1. Biak Island

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Biak and Numfor Island are a unity that forms the Biak Regency. Biak which is located in Cendrawasih Bay has many interesting places to visit. In North part of Biak, there is Amoi Village which is famous for its beautiful scenery. Moreover, there is also Cendrawasih Museum which has many collections of World War II. Don’t forget to try a popular typical foods of Biak called the Marapen Cassava. The cassava wrapped in banana fronds and then burned on hot coals. There is also Japan Iyen food, taro which is boiled without seasoning and served with spicy seasoned sea fish.

Another interesting attractions in Biak is the Bird Park and Orchid Garden, located in the Bosnik area. They have collection of birds and plants that are quite diverse with complete information. Moreover, Biak has also the Bosnik Beach and Wafsarak Waterfall.

2. Bosnik Beach

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Bosnik Beach has another name which is the Segara Indah Beach, located on the east side of Biak Island, precisely in Woniki Village, East Biak, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua Province. Bosnik doesn’t only have the beautiful scenery of a beach, but also has amazing coral reef so that visitors can do swimming, sunbathing and even snorkeling. But please be careful if you want to snorkel at Bosnik Beach, because the waters directly opposite the Pacific Ocean and has strong currents.

3. Wafsarak Waterfall

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Wafsarak Waterfall is located quite far from Biak City, taking about two hours drive from the city center by motorbike or car. Wafsarak which also has another name, Warsa Waterfall, is located not to far from the beach area. Although classified as a gentle waterfall with a height of about 10 meters, Wafsarak has beautiful waterfall scenery and soothing rustling sound of water.

The local community take cares carefully this tourist attraction and it can be seen from the color of a bluish waterfall and cool scenery that is still natural. Visiting this waterfall, you are allowed to swim and enjoy the view of the waterfall from a hill with one condition that visitors must not pollute the area around the waterfall.

4. Sentani Lake

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Lake Sentani is not far from the center of the capital of Papua Province, Jayapura. Sentani has 22 large and small islands. These islands have their own privileges and many of them have been opened as tourist attractions. This lake has many islands because the extent of it reaches 9,360 hectares.

Sentani lake accommodate water from 34 springs from around the Cycloop Mountains. The large amount of water discharge and the extent of the lake results in various kinds of biota exist around the lake. Other than aquatic plants, the lake is also inhabited by around 30 species of fresh fish. Even four of them are endemic to Lake Sentani. Those species are sawfish (Pristis microdon), red rainbow fish (Glossolepis incisus), rainbow sentani fish (Chilatherina sentaniensis) and Sentani cork fish (Oxyeleotris heterodon).

5. Paniai Lake

Credit: BackpackerJakarta

Paniai is one of the lakes that has beautiful panoramas located in Paniai Regency, Papua. Lake Paniai has an area of ​​14,500 Ha and is one of the largest lakes in Indonesia. The beauty of Lake Paniai has also been recognized by hundreds of countries at the Worldwide Lake Conference in India in 2007.

When in the morning until noon, you can enjoy the cool air with the blue lake water. Mountains scenery and activities of local residents will spoil your eyes. But, if you want to enjoy a different atmosphere, you can come in the afternoon to get the moment of sunset. The clear water will make it easier for you to see fish and freshwater biota in the lake.

The facilities on this lake are quite complete with a guard post and some tour guide. You can also rent a boat to go down the lake. For you who like fishing, fishing tools are also provided. Meanwhile, if you want to spend the night, there are several lodgings or you can overnight in local resident house.

6. Baliem Valley

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The Baliem Valley is home to Dani, Yali, and Lani tribes, located around Jayawijaya Mountain, which is one of the most beautiful mountains in Indonesia. The journey to the Baliem Valley is difficult, but you can reach it by plane from Jayapura City and go directly to the city of Wamena, the main city in the Baliem Valley area.

The stunning scenery of Baliem Valley depicts stone age civilizations and most places can only be accessed by bicycle or on foot. The countryside around the valley can be a major tourist spot, because visitors can trekking while peering into the lives of the people of Baliem who still maintain traditional customs and live traditionally.

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Teluk Cenderawasih National Park is located in Cenderawasih Bay Papua, West Papua Province which covers several islands namely Mioswaar, Nusrowi, Roon, Rumberpon and Yoop. Administratively, Teluk Cenderawasih National Park or commonly abbreviated as (TNTC) is located in two regencies which are Teluk Wondama Regency and Nabire Regency.

Cenderawasih Bay has a unique geological structure and very important oceanographic history. It has also extensive coral reefs of the highest quality in the world. A survey conducted involving global coral reef experts in 2006 found more than 500 species of coral reefs with 14 new species.

Credit: SuperAdventure

Cendrawasih National Park combines coral reef ecosystems with mangroves and terrestrial tropical forest ecosystems. There are colonies of black coral, blue coral and soft coral. The park is famous for its habitat of 209 fish species, including butterfly fish, damselfish and parrotfish and of course the whalesharks, while mollusks available here are charonia tritonis, large shells and cone shells.

There are many rivers in this national park area. One of them is the Wosimi River in Wandamen Bay. The river that empties into the national park consists of large and small rivers, with a total estimated of around 82 tributaries.

As a territory that covers forests and oceans, TNTC has various types of ecosystems which are seagrass ecosystems, mangrove forest ecosystems, coral reef ecosystems, coastal forest ecosystems as well as tropical forest ecosystems.

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The management of this national park is carried out by the Teluk Cenderawasih National Park Office by implementing a zoning system. The division includes core zones, protective zones, limited use zones and also the buffer zones.

The core zone is intended for tight protection areas and is a habitat for the preservation of endangered species that are threatened.

The protective zone serves to protect the core zone by surrounding the zone to avoid activities in the zone afterwards.

Limited use zones are areas for utilizing natural resources for local residents. Even so, certain rules remain under supervision and limitations.

The buffer zone is a zone outside those three zones which aims to secure and as a place for other activities.

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To go to Cenderawasih Bay, there are several routes that can be taken, which are:

By air
For those of you staying outside Papua, you can use an airline from your city with the destination to Biak City. There are also airlines in Jayapura that serve flights to Biak. Arriving in Biak, then you can use an airline to Nabire or Manokwari.

By sea
If you use the sea route, you can use sea transportation services heading to Nabire or Manokwari. After that, you can use the Long Boat to go to Rumberpon Island in Teluk Cenderawasih National Park area which takes about six hours less. Another option, you can use the PELNI Ship which usually stops in Teluk Cenderawasih National Park. However, the ship only goes to Cenderawasih Bay once a month.

By land
Land routes are only available starting from Manokwari. Here you will travel overland for approximately 3 hours to Ransinki, then proceed by motor boat for about 2.5 hours to Teluk Cendrawasih National Park.

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For example, choosing transportation that can be used, accommodation while in Raja Ampat, including tourism options and locations to be visited. One thing that you also need to known is the estimated cost that must be prepared before going to Raja Ampat. The following is a complete travel guide to Raja Ampat.

Choosing A Flight

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To get to Raja Ampat, tourists must first travel by air to Sorong City. However, it is important to choose the airlines and the route traveled. Some flights have transit routes with longer flight times. The fares with transit routes are also more expensive, starting from IDR3,000,000 to IDR7,000,000 one way.

However, at present several airlines offer direct flights to Sorong with cheaper price, some even offer up to IDR2.200.000 for one way.

Toward Raja Ampat

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After arriving in Sorong City, tourists can take a speed boat to Waisai City in Raja Ampat. There are two fares choices which are IDR100,000 for economy class and IDR215,000 for executive class.

Departure is at 09.00 and 14.00 East Indonesian Time. Speedboats for crossings are available every day. To enter Raja Ampat, for first-time tourists must pay an entrance ticket which is IDR500,000 for domestic. Meanwhile, foreign tourists charged around IDR1,000.000.

The entrance ticket is valid for one year. So tourists are free to visit Raja Ampat during the year without having to pay for admission again. However, if it has been more than one year, an amount of IDR 500,000 will be charged again if visiting Raja Ampat.

Vehicle Rent

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Upon arrival at the port of Waisai City, tourists can rent a taxi. Usually, tourists are charged for IDR100,000 for a one-time delivery to a hotel or inn. For those who want to rent a car or mini bus, it costs around IDR700,000 to IDR800,000 per day. The price includes the driver and gasoline. If not in a hurry, tourists can use a car to take a tour around the city in Waisai. There are several places that can be visited.

Choosing The Lodging

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Before leaving for Raja Ampat, make sure you have booked a room to stay first. Raja Ampat doesn’t have many star hotel facilities. However, there are many choice of lodgings, ranging from homestays to resorts that are usually located near the beach. Choosing the right lodging can also cut your travel costs.

For homestays, the offered price is around IDR300,000 to IDR400,000. This price usually includes 3 meals a day. Homestay is usually a simple house that integrates with the local people house. Moreover, many homestays were built as huts with roofs and wooden walls. Resorts are usually made more modern with fairly complete facilities. Rates offered start from IDR1,000,000 to IDR2,000,000 per person. The difference in price is certainly adjusted to the various facilities offered. Some resorts usually have also watersport facilities.

Rent A Boat to Move Around The Island

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Raja Ampat is an area consisting of many islands. To reach all the beauty there, tourists rely heavily on a small speed boat with capacity of 10-12 people. One of the biggest expenses for tourists in Raja Ampat is the speed boat rental. The cost of renting a speed boat depends on the distance traveled. In average, for medium distances, the cost per day is around IDR7,500,000. For long distances, for example to reach the beautiful Wayag Island, it can cost IDR10,000,000 to IDR12,000,000.

Because boat rental is quite expensive, tourists are advised to come together with more friends or families, because the more people participate, the boat rental fee will feel cheaper.

Diving in Raja Ampat

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Traveling to Raja Ampat will not be completed if not enjoying the underwater beauty. For those who already have a diving license, can directly order a Raja Ampat diving package at range price of IDR800,000 to IDR1,000,000. For those who do not have a license, can take part in training and get a license at a cost of around IDR3,000,000 to IDR5,000,000.

For those who want to enjoy the beauty of Raja Ampat marine life with more affordable and easier way, can enjoy the snorkeling activity in Raja Ampat. Snorkeling costs around IDR150,000. The fee is to rent tools such as masks, glasses, snorkels and frog legs. Other than enjoying the underwater tourism, there are more things to do in Raja Ampat such as swimming in cliffs, visit the Kalibiru in the middle of the jungle and bird watching. The rates charged vary from IDR100,000 to IDR150,000.

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One of the most famous tourist icons in Raja Ampat is the Wayag Island. The island which is the furthest tourist destination in Raja Ampat has become favorite place among travelers because of its beauty. There, you will be spoiled by the view of the clear blue sea and the many clusters of tower karst.

Commensurate Struggle

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To reach Wayag Island, it takes around four hours by sea from Raja Ampat port in Waigeo District. The cost of renting a boat is not cheap, it can reach millions of rupiah because of the high cost of fuel there. To make your trip to Wayag Island doesn’t cost lots of money, better go in groups of at least eight people. So that boat rental costs will be cheaper.

After four hours sailing on the sea, you will stop for a moment at Sarpele Village. There, there is a local leader who is respected by local residents. If you want to go to Wayag, then you must ask for his permission and pay around 1 million rupiah per group as a sign of entry. The money will then be managed again by the local management to improve the welfare of the surrounding community.

From Sarpele Village, the journey continues to the Wayag Post. There, all visitors are required to show Raja Ampat pins worth around 500 thousand rupiah for local tourists and 1 million rupiah for foreign tourists.

Your struggle is not yet end. Once in Wayag, you must climb to the top of a fairly steep rock. Approximately it takes about 30-45 minutes to climb to the top so that you can look at the natural beauty of Wayag more freely.

However, once the summit is reached, all your efforts will be replaced with a sense of satisfaction and emotion from watching the blue sea water and green karst hills arising protruding in the middle of the sea.

Two Favorite Peaks

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Stepping on the Wayag, you are given a choice of two peaks which are popular among travelers. The first peak is higher and lush with trees while the second peak is lower. If you arrive at Wayag before noon or decide to stay the night before, then you can track the two peaks.

Local people call those peaks as peak one and peak two. The view from the top of the two peaks is very beautiful. But to reach them require hard effort, especially courage because visitors have to climb and passing sharp rocks which take time one to two hours.

Swim with Sharks

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Upon returning from Wayag to the Wayag Post to make a report, you can also take the time to have lunch or swim with sharks. Because, at the post, there are so many black tip sharks that swim freely.

Even though it sounds extreme, you don’t need to worry because this shark is still small and harmless as long as there is no smell of blood or fed close to human limbs.

In fact, these little sharks are deliberately maintained by local residents so that all are tame. Therefore, tourists can freely play and swim with the sharks.

Small tips before visiting Wayag Island

1. Keep in mind to climb the coral and karst hills in Wayag you should wear shoes, or at least mountain sandals. Because the karst here is very sharp and dangerous.

2. Bring only the necessary items, if not able to carry them then it is better to ask for help from the crew or guide.

3.You should bring a spare memory card and battery for the camera or smartphone because access to electricity is limited.

4. Bring a lens range of 7 mm to 12 mm to shoot landscapes photo because Raja Ampat is a landscape paradise.

5. Bring a tripod because you will find a lot of beautiful sunsets and sunrise here.

The post Wayag Island, The Raja Ampat Icon appeared first on Authentic Indonesia.

Talking about the wealth of Papua, of course, this island has also some beautiful and charming beaches. Here are 10 Papua Best Beaches you should visit if having holiday in the east part of Indonesia.

1. Waiwo Beach

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One of the most beautiful beaches in Papua is in Raja Ampat. It’s called the Waiwo Beach. This beach is located in Waigeo Pier, Waigeo Island, Raja Ampat Regency, West Irian Jaya. The Beach has clean white sand with clear sea water. It is so clear that you can see small fish swimming.

The waves are also not too big so it is safe for swimming. At Waiwo Beach there are also two piers. There is a wooden pier where you can sit and do fishing and become a place for local children to jump into the sea. There is also a floating dock where tourists often feed fish from this pier.

2. Harlem Beach

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Harlem Beach is located in Jayapura Regency, Papua, precisely in Tablanusu Village, Depapre District. From Jayapura, you must first take a fairly challenging terrain to get to Depapre. From Depapre, you can only take the sea route to reach Harlem Beach. Harlem Beach has a coastline around 700 meters. The beach has clean white sand without gravel.

The atmosphere is shady because there are coconut trees, bintanggur and sago that grow near the beach. In Harlem, local residents provide facilities for visitors, including huts and bathrooms. At Harlem Beach, you can also find a freshwater pool about 7 meters from the beach.

3. Bosnik Beach

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Bosnik Beach or also known as Segara Indah Beach is located on the east side of Biak Island, precisely in Woniki Village, East Biak, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua Province. Bosnik Beach can be reached by motorbike taxi or car rental. The white sandy beaches are very beautiful with scattered coral reefs. The ocean currents are quite heavy so you have to be careful if want to do snorkeling here.

Bosnik is a beach which is quite crowded with tourists. Around the beach, there are many huts that you can use to sit and relax while enjoying the view of the beach while sipping young coconut water.

4. Bakaro Beach

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Another Papua best beach is the Bakaro Beach. This beach is located about 3 km from White Sand Beach. The White Sand Beach is a favorite tourist spot of Manokwari residents. Bakaro Beach and White Sand Beach are only separated by Kampung Parisido, where most of the Biak Numfor people live.

Bakaro Beach is so exotic. Here you can swim and also fish. One of unique tourist attractions on Bakaro Beach is the act of calling fishes from deep seas to the seaside waters using a whistle made from the conch shell where the fishes will then approach and are feeded.

5. Tanjung Kasuari Beach

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One of the most beautiful beaches in Papua is located in Sorong, Papua. It is the Tanjung Kasuari Beach which become an oasis in Sorong City. From Sorong City, you can reach Tanjung Kasuari Beach by taking a public transport car for about 30 minutes.

Tanjung Kasuari Beach has clean white sand with clear blue sea water. Around the coast there are also many shady trees. The sea at Tanjung Kasuari Beach is also quite safe for you to swim. This beach is always crowded on weekends. So, if you want to enjoy a calmer atmosphere, just come on a normal day.

6. Amai Beach

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Another one of Papua best beaches are also located in the Depapre District. It is the Amai Beach located around 50 km from the city of Jayapura. To visit Amai Beach, you will only be charged a parking fee. From the parking area, you have to pass the path to the forest until you find the river flow. After that, then you will see the Amai Beach.

After playing with water in the sea, you can clean yourself in the river flow. Amai Beach has very soft white sand and clear sea water. Along the beaches there are shady trees where you can sit and relax.

7. Yaben Beach

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Yeben Beach is located in Raja Ampat, Papua, precisely on Yeben Island. You can reach Yeben Island by crossing from Cemara Beach for around 1.5 hours. Yeben Beach has beautiful white sand and clear sea water.

In the waters of Yeben Beach, you can swim or snorkel to enjoy the beauty of various coral reefs. The water currents are calm enough. The Yeben Island itself is just a small, uninhabited island.

8. Arborek Beach

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Still in Raja Ampat area, Arborek Beach also has the beauty that makes it worthy of being dubbed as the most beautiful beach in Papua. Arborek Beach is located on Arborek Island, about 1 hour from the capital city of Raja Ampat Regency, Waisai. Arborek Beach has a beautiful natural panorama of white sand. Uniquely, this white sand can not only be found on the beach, but throughout Arborek Island. In fact, the houses of the people on the island of Arborek were covered with white sand.

Some of the activities you can do at Arborek Beach are snorkeling, diving, and fishing. You can also watch the locals do “bameti”. It is an activity along the beach to find sea creatures that can be eaten. Bameti is generally done by the women in Arborek Village.

9. Cemara Beach

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Cemara Beach is located near Waiwo Beach. This beach is also located in Waisai, the capital of Raja Ampat Regency. From the city center, you can reach Cemara Beach in half an hour. It is not only the white sand and the clear blue sea that makes this Cemara Beach become one of the most beautiful beaches in Papua. This beach is even more alluring with the sea evergreen trees that grow around the beach.

10. Tablanusu Beach

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Finally, the best beach in Papua that you should not miss is the Tablanusu Beach. It is also located in the Depapre District. Tablanusu Beach is situated in the opposite direction to Amai Beach. This beach is quite unique where the beach is not a stretch of sand, but a flat stretch of gravel. You can get a free reflexology by walking barefoot on these rocks.

The waters at Tablanusu Beach are also very clear. You can swim, play banana boats as well as dive. The atmosphere at Tablanusu Beach is also calm. Rows of coconut tree adds the beautiful atmosphere.

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