The World’s Last Intact Rainforests and Coral Reefs
Papua
Where the Wild Things Are
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Australia, Papua New Guinea, or Papua (meaning “Far Away”), is the world’s second-largest island, after Greenland. Before the Ice Age, it was connected to Australia. Since May 1962, the island has been politically divided into two sections: the independent Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the east and Papua, administered by Indonesia, in the west. Papua’s lush rainforests, covering 75 percent of the island, glimmer after daily rainfall. Here, male Birds-of-Paradise perform elaborate courtship dances to attract females. At the island’s center lies Carstensz Pyramid, or “Jaya Wijaya,” one of the World’s Seven Summits, standing at 4,884 meters (16,024 feet). This rare equatorial glacier was first sighted by Dutch Captain Jan Carstenszoon in 1623 while sailing the Arafura Sea.
Land
Wild Rainforests and Their Remarkable Wildlife
Papua’s wild rainforests and towering mountain ranges host a rich variety of reptiles, marsupials, native freshwater fish, and birds, but lack large mammals. This environment has led to the evolution of about 40 species of birds-of-paradise, with cassowaries and crocodiles being the largest animals. For the past 55 to 56 million years, New Guinea and Australia have been isolated by the sea, allowing marsupials, tree kangaroos, and echidnas to thrive on the island. The extraordinary diversity of plants, such as orchids and figs, along with animals like cassowaries, parrots, and butterflies, contributes to Papua’s unique biogeography.
Sea
The World’s Most Biodiverse Sea
In stark contrast to the lush green mainland, the Bird’s Head Peninsula showcases seven shades of blue that conceal vibrant underwater colors. Its coastlines are adorned with seagrass beds where sea cows and sea turtles feed, alongside the world’s largest blue water mangroves, which provide nesting grounds for six of the seven marine turtle species, including the leatherback. Deeper waters are home to migratory species like the whale shark and blue whale, while the isolation of each island has given rise to unique endemic species such as the Wobbegong carpet shark, epaulette walking shark, melanistic manta rays, and Papua golden stingless jellyfish. Papua’s fringing reefs are the most biodiverse on Earth, hosting 574 hard coral species and 1,638 reef fish species, with individual reefs supporting up to 113 reef fish species per acre, making it the world’s most biodiverse sea.
Culture
The Aboriginal Heritage of Papua: 40,000 Years of Tradition
The first settlers arrived on these sandy beaches and mangrove flats about 40,000 years ago, fishing and collecting mollusks while venturing out to sea in dugout canoes and bamboo rafts, similar to those used on their journey from Africa. Up to 312 isolated aboriginal tribes inhabit the area, remaining territorial due to challenging terrain and limited resources. Many still hunt and forage in the rainforests, riverbanks, and reefs. The aboriginal islanders have exclusive rights to manage their indigenous land and sea, which includes temporarily closing marine areas to allow certain species to reproduce. Men forage using handmade wooden goggles and bamboo spears or hand lines.
Papua Safari
Travel back in Time
Even in an exotic country like Indonesia, Papua remains its final frontier. Embark on an adventure perfect for true explorers. Experience the blessings of Papua’s indigenous tribes in the swampy forests and mountains. Take a helicopter ride to see Oceania’s tallest mountain, Jaya Wijaya, and try sago worms with locals in Mayalibit Bay. Trek to spot the bird of paradise and rare orchids, harvest sea cucumbers with locals in Foley Misool, and swim with the world’s largest whale shark in Kaimana Bay. Glide close to melanistic manta rays in Dampier Strait and weave manta hats with local mothers in Waigeo. Marvel at the stunning coral gardens in Raja Ampat. Be inspired and experience life anew!
Service Excellence
Dedicated Concierge
Flexible Itinerary
