Tourist Attractions in Papua, You Must Visit!

If you think Indonesia is no more interesting than countries in Europe, try visiting Papua. The easternmost island of Indonesia has all the natural beauty that you can never explore. The land and the underwater world become a paradise for fans of nature tourism. Not only is nature rich, Papua also holds the wisdom of local culture that still survives in this modern era. Exploring Papua will certainly be an interesting experience that you can share with family and friends.

Visit Papua and explore the riches of Indonesia. If you are still confused about going to Papua, where to go while there later, following a summary of several tourist attractions in Papua that must be visited.

1. Cenderawasih Bay National Park

The national park with an area of ​​1,453,500 hectares is almost 90% in the form of water. Not surprisingly, Cenderawasih Bay National Park is the largest and largest marine conservation area in Indonesia. Here, there are 196 species of mollusks and 209 species of fish that you can see in the underwater world. Quite often turtles, turtles, sharks and dolphins also accompany you while diving.

Cenderawasih Bay National Park was formalized in 1993 by the Ministry of Forestry. Besides enjoying the underwater world, you can also explore the islands. Mioswaar Island, one of the islands in tourist attractions in Papua, has a cave with hot springs with sulfur content that is worth your visit. Besides Mioswaar Island, there are still Yoop Island, Numfor Island, Nusrowi Island and other islands that you should not miss.

These tourist attractions are administratively located in two districts namely Wondama and Nabire. The national park is also a center for whale shark research conducted by the government in collaboration with Social and Community Organizations from home and abroad.

2. Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is one of the tourist attractions in Papua, its beauty attracts the attention of domestic and foreign tourists. Raja Ampat area consists of four large islands namely Waigeo, Misool, Salawati, Batanta and the surrounding small islands.

Raja Ampat has a variety of marine life. According to a report from The Nature Conservancy, as many as 75% of the world's marine species are found in Raja Ampat waters. During diving, you will be accompanied by about 1,511 species of fish and sea turtles. It's fun, huh? Even though you are free to dive at any time of the year here, the best time is in October and November. In these months, the weather is good and the water is very clear so visibility when diving is ideal.

If you don't want to dive, you can still enjoy the beauty of Raja Ampat by trekking on the islands. Afraid of getting lost? Quiet. You can use the services of a guide here. Guides in this tourist spot are local residents who daily work as fishermen. Don't forget to bring betel nuts or sweets to give to local residents. Areca nuts and sweets are considered a sign of friendship and will make you more familiar with them.

Here, there are many souvenirs that you can buy as souvenirs ranging from Asmat tribal statues to traditional musical instruments and fabrics.

3. Lembah Baliem (The Baliem Valley)

The Baliem Valley is home to the Dani, Yali and Lani tribes located around the Jayawijaya Mountains. Located at an altitude of 1,600 meters above the sea makes the temperature in this place can reach 10-15 degrees Celsius at night. Here, you can see and interact directly with native tribes who still wear koteka for men and tassel skirts for women.

In August, the Baliem Valley became a tourist spot in Papua which attracted a lot of tourists' attention. For three days an annual event was held, the Baliem Valley Festival. This festival is actually a way for the government to abolish tribal wars that often occur here. Inter-tribal wars have been banned, instead the festival was held which turned the war into an art and cultural performance to invite tourists.

In the war at this festival, there is a scenario that is run. Usually the war will begin with the abduction of women from one of the tribes or the theft of pigs that become livestock here. Furthermore, the war will take place with tribal dances beginning with traditional music. In addition to war, there is also an inter-village pig race competition and a roast pork party. You can also buy handicrafts from local tribes.

4. Lake Sentani

Lake Sentani with an area of ​​9,360 hectares is the largest lake in Papua. Located about 50 km from downtown Jayapura, Lake Sentani offers extraordinary beauty. There are at least 21 islands that adorn the lake with a height of 75 meters above sea level.

There are many activities that you can do here ranging from swimming, fishing, eating culinary around the lake to renting a boat to get around the lake. In addition, there are 24 villages around this tourist spot that you can visit and interact directly with its citizens. The view of a row of houses on stilts with fishing nets is a natural thing you see here.

What's interesting is that there is an annual event, the Lake Sentani Festival which is usually held in mid-June. When the festival takes place, tourist attractions in Papua will be full of tourists who want to watch a variety of local arts and cultural performances. In addition to enjoying the show during the festival, you can also satisfy your tongue and stomach with typical culinary Papua that is served here.

5. Lake Paniai

Lake Paniai is no less interesting than Lake Sentani. The lake is even called the most beautiful lake at the World Lake Conference in India on November 30, 2007 which was participated by 157 countries. This lake is located at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level with an area of ​​14,500 hectares. At dusk, the scenery at this tourist spot is very beautiful. You can see the silhouette of the cliffs, the birds flying above the lake plus the local fishing boat that began to move closer.

Here, you can fish with Mee and Moni women who are usually called 'mama'. Lake Paniai is one of the largest freshwater fish producers in Papua, many of the fish you find here such as carp, tilapia and tilapia fish.

The facilities provided at tourist attractions in Papua are quite complete, ranging from guard posts, guides, boat rental and fishing equipment, to food stalls around the lake. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Paniai Lake for longer, you can stay at the people's homes.

6. Sauwandarek Tourism Village

If in the Baliem Valley you can interact with the tribes who live in the mountains, in the Sauwandarek Village you can meet directly with the indigenous tribes that live on the coast. Sauwandarek Village is still in the Raja Ampat Regency, precisely in Meos Mansar. Here, you can see traditional houses made of wood and thatched roofs.

This cultural tourism place is only occupied by around 46 families. The women here usually make hats and bags from sea pandanus leaves. If you like their work, you can buy it directly on the spot.

Here, you can dive and snorkel. In addition, you can also trekking to a unique lake in this village. His name is Yenauwyau Lake, it is said to be unique because the water in this lake is salt water, not fresh water like most water in other ponds. According to local residents, in this lake there is a white turtle which if you see it you will get good luck.