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Valley in western New Guinea
Photo: Philomène Martinelli Globe-Trotting.com, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Baliem Valley is a region in central Papua. Surrounded by mountains as high as 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) and practically isolated from much of the island, this valley hosts some of the traditional cultures of Papua.
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A remote village featuring a 100-year-old mummy. Less touristy area because of its 'difficult' access.
A developed tourist village where its highlight is a 300-year-old mummy, preserved by smoke. Be aware that a fee may be paid per person if the mummy is photographed together with the locals.
Danau Habema
The highest lake in Indonesia. 3300 masl.
Air Terjun Mbua
A pretty deep cave that needs a decent level of fitness to explore. Right at the end of the walkable portion are the waters that you can choose to dive into. Make sure to bring flashlights.
Baliem Valley Cultural Festival
An annual event that gives visitors a general introduction of the cultures of Papua's last frontier tribes. Highlights include dances and simulation of tribal warfare.
Choice of sweet and savory meat murtabak.
This is one of the few places in Wamena where you can have your daily fix of coffee plus a selection of pastries.
A resort owned by a German that incorporates the traditional house called Honai into bungalows and the local diet into some of your meals. The owner also offers up to a one-week-tour that takes you to a first-hand look at the local tribes. Resort is 45 minutes away from town on a hillside.
Perhaps the best option within the Wamena city. Modern hotels with standard rooms.
Owned through a Dutch association and managed by an Indonesian couple. The guesthouse is clean, has about 5 rooms (2 or 3 double rooms, 2 or 3 single rooms), shared bathroom, and a shared kitchen (breakfast included: bread, jam, fruit), and free Wi-Fi. The association is part of an orphanage and help young Papua get job training. Very friendly guesthouse. You can check availability at uskomwamena@gmail.com
The only grocery store in town.
The Indonesian traditional meatball soup (bakso) and soto.
There is no road from Jayapura to Wamena. The most reliable way to get to Baliem Valley is flying from Jayapura, about a 40-minute flight.
Read in the guideThere is a road from Wamena to the south, but due to flooding and the lack of bridges, where there are rivers only the roads are not as complete as they appear on the map.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Wamena · Regional · WMX
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