Tree House Tribes & Baliem Valley

12 Days
from AUD$ 11,457

Highlights

  • Witness the preserved Mummy in Sumpaima Village
  • Enjoy the traditional Dani ceremonies of a mock battle and pig feast
  • Village stay experience
  • Spend time with the Korowai tribes
  • Witness treehouse dwellings of the Korowai tribe
  • Participate in preparing bush traps, processing sago for cooking and fishing

The legendary Baliem Valley is the land immune to time; hidden in West Papua’s interior.

The Dani people who live here, were still dependent on tools of stone, bone and wood until 1938. Visiting the Baliem Valley, you will take in high mountain scenery and past simple Dani villages and be taken to a world far removed from the fast paced city life generating an experience to be savoured. Pig feasts, traditional dancing and music all form this incredible journey, before venturing by motorised canoe deep into the forest in search of rare tribes still living in the bows of forest canopy in treehouses. Perched 10-15m above the ground, this minority group of forest dwellers have little contact with the modern world, making their way of life truly fascinating and something almost fable like.

Journey map

Fitness level

Easy
Moderate
Challenging
Tough

Itinerary

Day 1 - Flight to Wamena

Welcome to West Papua! This morning you will meet at Jayapura Airport for your connecting flight at midday to Wamena. On arrival at Wamena Airport, you will be met for a short transfer to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is free at leisure. Wamena City is the capital of Jayawijaya Regency . and is nestled in a mountainous area which makes a great base before venturing into the highlands. Consisting of two words “Wa” and “Mena”, the meaning is the ‘Tame Boar’.

3 nights at a local hotel or similar

Day 2 - Baliem Valley (Wamena) Tou

Following breakfast in your hotel, depart to explore the Baliem Valley. 80km in length and 20km wide, the valley sits at an altitude of approx. 1600m. Driving to Napua Hill, take in the panoramic views of Sinakma Village and the Baliem Valley below.

Continuing on, drive to Megapura, located in the Southern Baliem Valley, where local life remains traditional and untouched. Engage with the locals and appreciate their simple lifestyles. In the afternoon, drive back to town and time permitting, visit local market of Jibama. (B, Boxed lunch)

Day 3 - Jiwika - Dani Ceremonies of Pig feast & Dance)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before you set off for a 40-minute drive to Jiwika Village located in the north of the Baliem Valley. This village is known for its preserved Mummy in Sumpaima Village, which you will have the privilege to see and understand the story and tradition behind this fascinating practice. From here, set off on foot to walk to the next village (approx. 10-minute walk), where you will then witness and enjoy the traditional Dani ceremonies of a mock battle and pig feast.

Observe how the villagers make fire traditionally, kill a pig with bow and arrow and cook it over hot-burning stones with vegetables and sweet potatoes. This traditional performance will be held over 4 – 5 hours. After the locals have cooked their traditional food, the chief of village will serve the pig and vegetables amongst the villagers. For health and safety reasons, guests will not be offered to eat the pig. Return to your hotel. (B, Boxed lunch)

Day 4 - Wamena – Dekai – Patipi

Following breakfast at your hotel, you will then transfer to the airport at around 8am for your flight to Dekai. Fly over hills and rolling mountains and tangles of dense jungle with your guide and cook. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a simple lunch in a local restaurant before driving for approx. 1-hour to Lokpon dock. A stop will also be made at the local police station to register for our travelling permits through this region.

From Lokpon dock, board a motorised canoe with your expedition team to Patipi Village. Putt along the Braza River for about 2 – 3 hours. You will reach the village late in the afternoon and have time to explore, whilst your cook prepares dinner. **Please note there is no shade or bathrooms available – your crew will stop if required. Guests are encouraged to bring cushions for comfort and an umbrella for shade.** (B,L,D)

Overnight basic accommodation

Day 5 - Patipi – Mabul

Following breakfast at your camp prepared by your cook, board your motorised canoe as you continue to motor another 4-6 hours depending on the winds and water currents to Mabul Village.

Upon arrival at Mabul, you will walk into a small village where you will head to a local house and spend the evening. This afternoon is yours to explore the village and mingle with the locals, whilst we co-ordinate porters to carry our luggage ahead of our adventures the next day, as we venture into the jungle and meet the tree house tribe. (B,L,D)

Overnight in a local homestay or similar

Day 6 - Explore Korowai Tribes (Tree Houses)

Today, you begin your adventure into the Korowai (Tree house people) through the dense tropical rainforest. Trek through the swampy lowland, crossing rivers, climbing over fallen trees and soaking in the sounds of pristine jungle. Your trek today is approx. 4-5 hours, with local porters supporting you carrying your bags, foods, and other equipment.

The Korowai tribes build their house on the top of the trees around 10-15 metres above the ground. Some are even higher than this! It is forbidden to climb into the tree houses without the permission from the owners. Each treehouse is liveable for only 2-3 years. It is not possible to sleep in the treehouses due to safety. (B,L,D)

3 nights in a temporary house near a local tree house

Day 7 – Local Activities

Spending the day with the Korowai tribes, you have the opportunity to slip into their daily life and participate in activities, such as making bush traps, processing sago for cooking and fishing with the local tribe members. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Tree House

Today, you will trek to other tree houses with your expedition team. Search for more treehouses and local tribes who move around every 2-3 years. You may even see some treehouses that are left behind from previous seasons. The weather in Korowai is humid. Meals will be provided by your cook. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Tree house – Mabul

This morning is yours to continue exploring until noon, when you will track back to Mabul with your porters. (B,L,D)

Overnight in a local homestay or similar

Day 10 - Mabul – Dekai

Enjoy breakfast at your camp/local house and walk to the dock where your motorised canoe is waiting. After the canoe is loaded, sail back to Dekai. Departing early, follow the river for approx. 5 hours.

Around noon, you will arrive at Lokpon and transfer for 1-hour to Dekai town, where you will check in to your basic accommodation. (B,L,D)

Overnight in a basic local hotel or similar

Day 11 - Dekai – Jayapura

Enjoy breakfast before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Jayapura. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is yours at leisure. (B,L,D)

Overnight at Grand Alison Hotel or similar

 

Day 12 - Jayapura – Departure

The morning is yours until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward departure. (B)

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What’s included

  • English Speaking Guide + cook during trip to Korowai
  • 11 nights accommodation
  • Limited local porters during in your time in the tree house region
  • Private motorised canoe Dekai – Mabul and return to Dekai
  • Private land transport in Wamena / Dekai / Jayapura
  • Meals as mention in the itinerary
  • Traveling permits
  • Donations/entrance fees
  • Activities at Korowai
  • Dani ceremonies of Pig Feast & Dance
  • Activities at Korowai such as: sago processing, fishing in traditional & hunting
Exclusions
  • International flights
  • Visas
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • All services, meals other than those indicated above
  • Personal porters
  • Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program.
  • All items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips

**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.

* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.

* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.

A non-refundable deposit of 35% per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.

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Availability

Start Date
End Date
Duration
Availability
Price
Start Date
15th Oct 2023
End Date
26th Oct 2023
Duration
12 Days
Availability
Enquiry Only
Price
$11,457 AUD
Start Date
13th Oct 2024
End Date
24th Oct 2024
Duration
12 Days
Availability
Available
Price
$12,029 AUD