Papua Travel Information

Dani People

Papua Travel Information

Papua is a land of contrasts, with some of the most impenetrable jung les in the world and snowcapped mountain peaks towering over glacial lakes. Papua is Indonesia’s lar gest 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, immemse stretches of marshlands, cool grassy meadows and powerful rivers carving gorges through dense primeval forests.

The most heavily populated and cultivated parts of the island are the Paniai Lakes district and the Baliem Valley to the east. The people of the island can be divided into more than 250 sub-groups, including the Marin danim, Yah’ray, Asmat, Mandobo, Dani and Afyat. Those in the central highlands still maintain their customs and traditions, virtually untouched by outside influences.

The different tribes have lived, for the most part, in isolation from even one another, resulting in an incredibly diverse mixture of cultures. The coastal regions of Papua, however, were visited as early as the 7th century by traders from Sriwijaya.

European traders looking for spices began arriving in the early 16th century, and have left historical footprints in the area with names such as Bougainville, Cape d’Urville and the Torres Straits. It was the Dutch who made the most lasting impact on the island, when in 1828 they formally made Papua a Dutch Territory, which it remained until 1962.

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 Mac Arthur assembled his fleet for the invasion of the Philippines du ring the Second World War.

Getting there:
Land Transportation : private cars and motorcycles which are able to hire on charter to the particular destination. From Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Denpasar and Manado. While to connect the inland area by small air strips (Twin Otter and Cesna).
Sea transportation : in each regercies capital that situated at the coastal area owns a port which is able to stop by cruises :
Ms. Dorolonda, sails from Surabaya, Makassar, Kupang, Ambon, Fak Fak, Sorong, Manokwari and Jayapura VV.
Ms Nggapulu sails from Jakarta, Surabaya,Balikpapan, Pantoloan, Bitung, Ternate, Sorong, Manokwari, Nabire, Serui, Biak, and Jayapura VV.
Ms. Labobar sails from Batam, Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Sorong, Manokwari, Nabire, and Jayapura. VV.
Ms. Sinabung sails from Jakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Makassar, Baubau, Banggai, Bitung, Ternate, Sorong, Manokwari, Biak, Serui, and Jayapura VV.

Tourism Events

• Port Numbay Festival. An exhibition and festival of art of Papua people on August 2008 at Numbay Port. This event will also show unique Papua tribes and their cultural distinction.
• Baliem Festival will be held on every august or September. The main point of interest of the festival will be the massive tribal attraction involving the all natives group living on the surrounding area of the giant valley. All tribes group will deliver their envoy to attend the festival while bringing all tribes attributes, kotekas, art and craft. The Baliem festival is a right chance to observe the rich culture of the hinterland. Baliem valley area is mainly occupied by three tribes, namely Dani, Yali and Lani. Each tribe group will come over with their own identity. Here you will see clear difference among them refer to their dressing.

Source : indotravel.net

Originally posted 2010-04-16 19:14:32. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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