Tree House Tribes & Baliem Valley

Welcome to West Papua! This morning you will meet at Jayapura Airport for your connecting flight at midday to Wamena. On arrival at Wamena Airport, you will be met for a short transfer to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is free at leisure. Wamena City is the capital of Jayawijaya Regency . and is nestled in a mountainous area which makes a great base before venturing into the highlands. Consisting of two words “Wa” and “Mena”, the meaning is the ‘Tame Boar'. Stay 3 Nights: Local hotel or similar

Following breakfast in your hotel, depart to explore the Baliem Valley. 80km in length and 20km wide, the valley sits at an altitude of approx. 1600m. Driving to Napua Hill, take in the panoramic views of Sinakma Village and the Baliem Valley below.

Continuing on, drive to Megapura, located in the Southern Baliem Valley, where local life remains traditional and untouched. Engage with the locals and appreciate their simple lifestyles. In the afternoon, drive back to town and time permitting, visit local market of Jibama. (B, Boxed lunch)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before you set off for a 40-minute drive to Jiwika Village located in the north of the Baliem Valley. This village is known for its preserved Mummy in Sumpaima Village, which you will have the privilege to see and understand the story and tradition behind this fascinating practice. From here, set off on foot to walk to the next village (approx. 10-minute walk), where you will then witness and enjoy the traditional Dani ceremonies of a mock battle and pig feast.

Observe how the villagers make fire traditionally, kill a pig with bow and arrow and cook it over hot-burning stones with vegetables and sweet potatoes. This traditional performance will be held over 4 – 5 hours. After the locals have cooked their traditional food, the chief of village will serve the pig and vegetables amongst the villagers. For health and safety reasons, guests will not be offered to eat the pig. Return to your hotel. (B, Boxed lunch)

Following breakfast at your hotel, you will then transfer to the airport at around 8am for your flight to Dekai. Fly over hills and rolling mountains and tangles of dense jungle with your guide and cook. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a simple lunch in a local restaurant before driving for approx. 1-hour to Lokpon dock. A stop will also be made at the local police station to register for our travelling permits through this region.

From Lokpon dock, board a motorised canoe with your expedition team to Patipi Village. Putt along the Braza River for about 2 – 3 hours. You will reach the village late in the afternoon and have time to explore, whilst your cook prepares dinner. Note: there is no shade or bathrooms available – your crew will stop if required. Guests are encouraged to bring cushions for comfort and an umbrella for shade. Stay: Basic accommodation (B/L/D)

Following breakfast at your camp prepared by your cook, board your motorised canoe as you continue to motor another 4-6 hours depending on the winds and water currents to Mabul Village.

Upon arrival at Mabul, you will walk into a small village where you will head to a local house and spend the evening. This afternoon is yours to explore the village and mingle with the locals, whilst we co-ordinate porters to carry our luggage ahead of our adventures the next day, as we venture into the jungle and meet the tree house tribe. Stay: Local homestay or similar (B/L/D)

Today, you begin your adventure into the Korowai (Tree house people) through the dense tropical rainforest. Trek through the swampy lowland, crossing rivers, climbing over fallen trees and soaking in the sounds of pristine jungle. Your trek today is approx. 4-5 hours, with local porters supporting you carrying your bags, foods, and other equipment.

The Korowai tribes build their house on the top of the trees around 10-15 metres above the ground. Some are even higher than this! It is forbidden to climb into the tree houses without the permission from the owners. Each treehouse is liveable for only 2-3 years. It is not possible to sleep in the treehouses due to safety. Stay 3 Nights: Temporary house near a local tree house (B/L/D)

Spending the day with the Korowai tribes, you have the opportunity to slip into their daily life and participate in activities, such as making bush traps, processing sago for cooking and fishing with the local tribe members. (B/L/D)

Today, you will trek to other tree houses with your expedition team. Search for more treehouses and local tribes who move around every 2-3 years. You may even see some treehouses that are left behind from previous seasons. The weather in Korowai is humid. Meals will be provided by your cook. (B/L/D)

This morning is yours to continue exploring until noon, when you will track back to Mabul with your porters. Stay: Local homestay or similar (B/L/D)

Enjoy breakfast at your camp/local house and walk to the dock where your motorised canoe is waiting. After the canoe is loaded, sail back to Dekai. Departing early, follow the river for approx. 5 hours.

Around noon, you will arrive at Lokpon and transfer for 1-hour to Dekai town, where you will check in to your basic accommodation. Stay: Basic local hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Enjoy breakfast before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Jayapura. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is yours at leisure. Stay: Grand Alison Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

The morning is yours until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward departure. (B)