EXPLORING IRIAN JAYA - BALIEM VALLEY AND ASMAT COAST TOUR
(14 Days / 13 Nights)

Day 1
Welcome to Wamena, check in at the Resort, having lunch. Visiting the local market in Wamena and hanging bridge in Sinakma in the afternoon. Back to the Resort for dinner.

Day 2
Morning drive to Jiwika, walk up to the salt-water spring on the mountain (45 minutes walk). Local Dani women will demonstrate how to make salt in traditional way. Back to Jiwika, we will have lunch in the local village of Kurulu. After lunch we visit the Mummy at Sopahima, and also some typical Dani villages nearby. An easy and very interesting walk through the Dani County is waiting for us.

Day 3
In the morning, we will be leaving the resort for a full day traditional pig festival in a Dani Village. It will be your chance to see a full ceremony and take pictures from each event. The traditional pig cooking with hot stones is one of the most interesting events on the highland of Irian Jaya.

Day 4
Early in the morning depart for a full day excursion to Lake Habema (approx.3.300 meters above sea level), a 2 hours drive through extremely interesting vegetation on the mountains up to the sub-alpine and alpine flora areas. Upon arrival we will walk along the Lake, Lunch will be prepared by local cook of the crew. From the Lake we have a spectacular view of the very close Mount Trikora. Back to the Resort late in the afternoon.

Day 5
In the morning we will walk up to the near Sekan-Mountain where we have a fantastic view over the Resort. Rest of the day in the Resort area to see different corners and activities around the large property, where 300 tribes people live in their traditional way.

Day 6
One hour flight to Senggo. Through the local harbor, we will start downing the river with big motorized canoes. Spending one night in a village at the Siret riverside. We will be having dinner there.

Day 7
Breakfast in the morning breeze. Meanwhile, the river waits for us. We are continuing our boat tour, downing the river to Atsy. Having lunch in a traditional house and bringing some Asmat artifacts home. Amanamkei is the next village to visit. We will spend the night in Yeu house, enjoy typical music and dances.

Day 8
Spending a half-day in Amanamkei to experience Asmat people daily life. People of Amanamkei are known worldwide as perfect woodcarvers. Watching them carve the statues and canoes will bring a great experience. Downing the river to Jow, the less visited Asmat Village, close to the open Arafura Sea. We will spend the night in this fantastic village. Big cultural festival is waiting for us.

Day 9
All day long in Jow village experiencing cultural festival which is attended by hundreds of eccentric Asmat people. Bound your memories up here, bring them home.

Day 10
Continuing a fantastic trip along Mangrove jungles in the early morning. Launching on a wide long river, getting into narrow water channels, witnessing splendid lowland jungles flora and beautiful birds of New Guinea would refresh your mind. Overnight in a traditional Asmat Village, Warse.

Day 11
From Werse we reach the coastal town of Agats within three hours. In Agats we will stay in an economic hotel. After lunch we have time to see the local museum with some very good Asmat art. Some interesting shops offer a vast collection of Asmat artifacts.

Day 12
An eight-hour trip to Parigi Island passing through the wild south coast of Irian Jaya by big long boat. Being on this small island, we will spend the night on a beautiful serene beach. Local fishermen will roast plenty fresh fish for us. Having a romantic evening under the stars.

Day 13
Continuing our boat tour to Timika. After two-three hours journey to the local Mapurajaya harbor, we will have local bus transportation to the city. Overnight in Amole Jaya Hotel in Timika. Having lunch and dinner there.

Day 14
Morning at leisure till departure to Timika Airport for forward flight via Biak to Denpasar Bali. If there is a group of minimum 10 persons and the booking is at least done months before the planned departure, Dr. Weiglein will personally accompany the group if requested.