The Best Kept Secret of Papua
Kaimana
A Sanctuary for Unique Marine Species
Kaimana Marine Protected Area, covering 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 square miles) in West Papua Province, Indonesia. It hosts a rich marine biodiversity, including 1,005 fish species, 471 hard coral species, and 28 mantis shrimp species. The bay is known for its endemic species, shaped by geological upheavals from shifting tectonic plates over the past ten million years, forming new island chains in the Indonesian Archipelago. Triton’s reefs act as a crossroad for marine larvae from the Banda Sea, while freshwater from the mainland creates a low-salinity environment where these larvae thrive.
Land
The Remarkable Flora and Fauna
Wild Kaimana lies on the west coast of New Guinea, separated by Arguni Bay between the Kumawa and Lengguru mountain ranges, forming three distinct ecosystems. The collision of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates eleven million years ago created the Lengguru range, resulting in deep valleys and underground rivers flowing into the sea. This isolation has led to unique endemic species, with a 2014 expedition recording rare species like the pygmy kangaroo and the no-eye fish. Kaimana also boasts one of the richest avifaunas globally, highlighted by the magnificent crowned pigeon.
Sea
Home to endemic species
Tectonic activity has formed flooded grabens, creating semi-enclosed bays like Triton and Etna, and narrow straits such as Namatota, Iris, and Mai Mai. Freshwater from Lengguru mixes with marine larvae from the Banda Sea, supporting species like Nursalim’s flasher wrasse, Stalix jawfish, the nocturnal Triton Bay walking shark, and Wobbegong carpet shark, creating an ideal habitat for whale sharks. In contrast, the Kumawa Range’s coastal areas are surrounded by the cobalt blue Seram Sea, rich in hard coral gardens and vibrant reef fish. Arguni Bay’s tidal rivers form seafoam estuaries that host Indo-Pacific bottlenose and Australian humpback dolphins, while Lakahia Island and Tumbu-Tumbu Islet provide nesting sites for green, hawksbill, and olive Ridley turtles.
Culture
Sustainable Coastal Living
Early settlers created rock wall paintings on sea cliffs around 40,000 years ago, when it was possible to walk from Australia’s Torres Strait to New Guinea, now known as the shallow Arafura Sea. In 1606, Portuguese navigator Luís Vaz de Torres arrived in Triton Bay, naming it “Lobo.” Nearly 200 years later, the Dutch established Fort Du Bus to reinforce their control in the East Indies. Today, eight indigenous tribes—Irarutu, Kuri, Kuripasai, Mairasi, Kambrauw, Madewana, Koiwai, and Napiti—manage 1.3 million acres of marine conservation in Kaimana, practicing sustainable fishing methods known as “Sasi Eggama.”
Kaimana Safari
The Untamed Papua’s Coastline Meets the Sea
Embrace the tranquility of Triton Bay, a beautifully untouched gem in West Papua. The shadow of 1,000-meter peaks greets you as you explore the lagoon. Immerse yourself in the rainforest, hike to the peak of Ermun, and kayak along the coast to pristine white sand beaches shaded by coconut trees—perfect for a picnic. Submerge 3 meters underwater alongside majestic whale sharks and playful dolphins. The reefs of Iris Strait teem with diverse marine life, including pygmy seahorses and wobbegong sharks. The Mommon Waterfalls cascade into the sea at iconic Mommon Bay, and a trek into the Papisoi rainforest rewards you with the refreshing spray of another waterfall.
Service Excellence
Dedicated Concierge
Flexible Itinerary
