Papua, Garden Of Eden
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| Raja Ampat At Papua Island |
Papua is a land of contrasts, with some of the most impenetrable jungles in the world and snowcapped mountain peaks towering over glacial lakes. Papua is Indonesia’s largest 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, immense stretches of marshlands, cool grassy meadows and powerful rivers carving gorges through dense forests. The most heavily populated and cultivated parts of the island are the Paniai Lakes district and the Baliem Valley to the east.
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 MacArthur assembled his fleet for the invasion of the Philippines during the Second World War.
Birdlife International has called Lorentz Park “probably the single most important reserve in New Guinea”. It contains five of World Wildlife Fund's "Global 200" ecoregions: Southern New Guinea Lowland Forests; New Guinea Montane Forests; New Guinea Central Range Subalpine Grasslands; New Guinea Mangroves; and New Guinea Rivers and Streams.
GET IN
Travel permits (surat jalan) are required for all travel in Papua beyond the main coastal towns. The list changes randomly, but Jayapura and Biak are generally permit-free, and Sentani, Manokwari and Sorong are usually fine. Permits are mostly easily acquired in Jayapura and Biak, where they're usually obtainable in one day, although they are usually available at the other non-permit towns as well. Two passport photos and a token administration fee (Rp. 5000 or so) are required.
The permit must list all the places you're planning to visit, no changes allowed, unless you get a new one in a main town. Whenever you arrive in a new town in Papua, you have to get your permit stamped at the police station. Make lots of copies, you'll need them for hotels and such.
Despite the claims of some embassies to the contrary, no permits are required for travel to Papua. It's best not to mention Papua at all when applying for a visa.
By plane
Nearly all travellers arrive by plane. The main gateways are Biak, Manokwari and Jayapura, although there are also limited flights to Fakfak, Sorong and Timika. Garuda and Lion have direct flights from Jakarta to capital Jayapura; all other carriers, including Merpati and Batavia Air fly circuitous routes with stops at intermediate cities like Denpasar (Bali) Makassar (Ujung Panjang).
By boat
Pelni boats also stop at Jayapura and Farfak , amoungst other destinations. This is a relaxing and interesting way to arrive if you have the time. every regency capital situated at the coastal area owns a port, which can be visited by cruises: Ms. Dorolonda, sails from Surabaya, Makassar, Kupang, Ambon Fak Fak, Sorong, Monokwari, Nabire, Serui, Biak and Jayapura. Ms. Labobar sails from Batam, Jakarta Semarang, Surabaya, Makassar, Sorong, Manokwari, Biak, Serui and Jayapura.
By land
The only land border crossing between Papua and Papua New Guinea open to foreigners is on the north coast between Jayapura and Vanimo. There is no public transport across, so car or motorbike hire for some of the distance is required. Advance visas are required.
Private cars and motorcycles which are available to hire on charter to the particular destination. From Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Denpasar and Manado.
GET AROUND
Papua's main cities are not connected by road, and flying is the only practical option for covering longer distances. Boat charter for river travel is surprisingly expensive, the price going from US$60/day for a simple canoe to a whopping US$500/day (incl. gas) for a motorized outboard.
Tourism Office
Jl. Raya Abepura, Dinas Otonom Kotaraja, Jayapura - Papua
Phone. (62-967) 583001 Fax. (62-967) 586551
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