Baliem Valley & Raja Ampat

Combine the highlands of Papua with the islands of Raja Ampat

12 days/11 nights ● from Wamena, Papua/ to Sorong, West Papua ● Private Tour ● 5 nights in The Baliem Valley Resort, 5 nights in Raja Ampat Boutique Resort in Hidden Bay ● Level of difficulty: None

This 12 days/ 11 nights tour to Papua and West Papua brings you to the Baliem Valley, home of the Dani and Lani tribes. You meet the Danis during private excursions. Surrounded by beautiful vegetation you pass through Dani hamlets, villages and fields. You attend a traditional pig festival, which is by far the most amazing experience of a trip to Papua. The second part of your trip takes you to Raja Ampat, where you’ll stay in a beautiful boutique resort and explore the archipelago on selected day tours. The accommodation may vary depending on availability, your interests, and budget. Of course, there’s also time to relax and enjoy some great snorkeling, with optional diving available as well.

This itinerary is a sample and can be tailored to suit your preferences, available time, and budget.

Price per person
from Wamena, Papua/ to Sorong, West Papua

for minimum 2 guests
USD 3.990 Price in EUR / IDR on request
  • PRIVATE TOUR
ENQUIRY
See all prices & conditions below

Day 1: Baliem Valley
Arrival in Wamena and transfer to The Baliem Valley Resort

When arriving at Wamena airport, you meet your local guide and your driver. On the way to The Baliem Valley Resort, we visit the market of Wamena. Here local Danis offer their agricultural products. Besides the very popular sweet potato, many other vegetables and fruits are offered. The market of Wamena is also the biggest trading place for the very sought-after wild boars. Once at The Baliem Valley Resort, you settle in your bungalow and, depending on the time of day, you can enjoy lunch or an afternoon coffee. Later, dinner is served in the restaurant.

Transportation: 45 minutes of drive. Local guide included. Accommodation: The Baliem Valley Resort. Meals: full board.

Day 2: Baliem Valley
Easy hiking in the southern Baliem Valley and encounter with the Dani people

Today we visit the southern Baliem Valley. We start our easy hike in the village of Sogogmo and we follow the mighty Baliem River. We cross suspension bridges, walk through Dani settlements, meet the locals and see them working in their terraced fields and wild sugar cane groves. For lunch, we enjoy a picnic with a magnificent view over the river and the narrow valley. We walk back on the other side of the river, passing more Dani fields and settlements, before we meet our driver again. In the late afternoon we are back at the Resort.

Transportation: 2 hours of drive. 4 hours hiking. Guide included. Accommodation: The Baliem Valley Resort. Meals: full board.

Double room at The Baliem Valley Resort
Hiking along the Baliem River

Day 3: Baliem Valley
The impressive Kotilola cave and the Meagaima mummy

After breakfast we drive to the famous Kotilola Cave with its gigantic stalactites and stalagmites. The cave has collapsed in some places, which favours lush vegetation. With the torch you can go a little deeper into the cave until you reach an underground river. There are also a lot of bats living here. After visiting the cave, we drive along the Baliem River until we get off at a small village.  Here we are taken one by one across the river in a canoe. Once on the other side, we visit the village of Meagaima, where there is also one of the very rare chief’s mummies to see. The mummy here is rarely visited due to its remoteness. Of course there is also time for a short rest in one of the local huts. From the village we take a beautiful walk through the Dani gardens until, after about two hours, we reach a suspension bridge that takes us back to the other side of the river where our vehicle is waiting for us.

Transportation: 2 hours of drive. 3-4 hours walking. Local guide included. Accommodation: The Baliem Valley Resort. Meals: full board.

Kotilola Cave

Day 4: Baliem Valley
Excursion to Lake Habbema, the highest lake in all of Indonesia

After an early breakfast, we drive to Lake Habbema. The savannah-like landscape of the Baliem Valley gives way to fantastic mountain rainforests with monstrous tree ferns and screw pines, covered with moss, lichens and climbing plants. At 3.200 metres, Lake Habbema is located on a large high moor, surrounded by enchanting meadows full of dwarf cypresses, rhododendrons and many species of orchids. A very unique flora! The lake is historically of certain importance, as the first explorers used it to land with seaplanes and then trek towards the Baliem Valley. We enjoy a picnic by the lake and if the sun is shining, we have a spectacular view over the Trikora mountain summit. Then, we go for a walk along the lake and you can even go for a cold swim! We are back to the Resort in the afternoon.

Transportation: 5 hours of drive. 1-2 hours  walking. Guide included. Accommodation: The Baliem Valley Resort. Meals: full board.

During a pig festival
decorated dani man starting a fire
A Dani from the Baliem Valley starting a fire

Day 5: Baliem Valley
Traditional pig festival, an unforgettable experience

Today is a very special day! After breakfast, we get ready to participate in a pig feast which takes place in a traditional Dani village. Many decorated people from the Dani tribe take part in the festival. Such pig feasts with hot stones and earth pits are probably the most interesting part of a trip to New Guinea. It is difficult to describe what exactly is so unique about these festivals because there is just too much happening at once. You have to see and experience it yourself.  For lunch, there is a picnic but you can also eat the food from the traditional earth pit if you like. The freshly cooked pork and sweet potatoes are delicious! In the late afternoon, we return to the Resort.

The pig festival takes place in changing villages. Precise information on travel times cannot be provided. 1 hour walking. Guide included. Accommodation: The Baliem Valley Resort. Meals: full board.

Day 6: Baliem Valley – Jayapura – Sorong
Last day in the Baliem Valley and transfer to Sorong

After breakfast, you are transferred to Wamena airport for your flight to Sorong via Jayapura. Upon arrival in Sorong, our representative awaits you and transfers you to the Hotel SwissBel in Sorong town. The rest of the day is at leisure but your guide will be happy to show you the fish market for a simple but great dinner

Transportation: Flight time to Jayapura: 30 minutes. Flight time to Sorong: 2 hours. 1 hour of drive. Guide included. Accommodation: Hotel SwissBel Sorong. Meals: breakfast.

Day 7: Sorong – Raja Ampat
First day in the Raja Ampat archipelago

After breakfast your driver brings you to the town’s port. You board the ferry to Waisai on Waigeo Island, Raja Ampat. Arriving 2 hours later, you are met by your resort’s boatman who takes you by speedboat to your final destination. After a short ride you have finally arrived in paradise. Your resort is located on a private island and offers true island romance and local delicacies. You settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Transportation: 10 minutes by car, 2 hours by ferry, 30 minutes by speed boat. Accommodation: Overwater bungalow. Meals: full board.

Your accommodation in Raja Ampat is truly a secret gem
All bungalows are equipped with a fan, mosquito net, and a private bathroom

Day 8: Raja Ampat
Snorkeling at Sawandarek village and Ransiwor

After breakfast you depart for a snorkeling trip to the village of Sawandarek on Mansuar Island. For years, the villagers have decided to stop fishing in order to preserve the underwater heritage of their village. Their efforts have paid off, making Sawandarek one of the most remarkable snorkeling sites in Raja Ampat. Snorkel with a variety of marine life such as barracudas, giant groupers, emperors, turtles, sharks, batfish and many more. Of course, there is time to visit the village and take a stroll through the sleepy streets. On the return trip you explore another beautiful site, Ransiwor, which lies between Kri and Mansuar Islands and is known for its stunning coral reef. Back at the resort, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Half day excursion. Accommodation: Overwater bungalow. Meals: full board. 

Day 9: Raja Ampat
Piaynemo, the Star Lagoon and The Passage

Following breakfast, your captain picks you up by boat and takes you to Piaynemo Island. A breathtaking view of the archipelago can be enjoyed from the top of Piaynemo, which is reached by climbing 300 steps. Next stop is the star shaped lagoon, Telaga Bintang. After lunch, there is time to snorkel at one of the nearby sites. The return journey to the resort is via the famous, picturesque and narrow passage between Gam and Waigeo Islands, simply known as “The Passage”. Swimming is not allowed here as the area is inhabited by sea crocodiles.

Full day excursion. Accommodation: Overwater bungalow. Meals: full board. 

Swim with Manta Rays
Arborek village

Day 10 : Raja Ampat
A day snorkeling with manta rays and visiting the village of Arborek

This day starts with the unforgettable experience of swimming with manta rays! These majestic creatures are just a few meters away from you and you can admire their beautiful ballet. Continue to the village of Arborek, famous for its colorful and rich snorkeling sites. After a swim to discover corals, fish, turtles and other underwater wonders, enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade of coconut palms and later take a stroll through the village. Return to your resort in the afternoon.

Half day excursion. Accommodation: Overwater bungalow. Meals: full board. 

Day 11: Raja Ampat
Free day in paradise

Wake up to the sound of birdsong and waves. Enjoy your breakfast while admiring the crystal-clear waters. Relax on the terrace of your bungalow, read, or put on fins, mask and snorkel to explore the surrounding bay. Just a few swims from your bungalow is a wall of colorful coral hiding hundreds of fish, turtles, and even small black tip sharks! You can also use the resort’s kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore the hidden coves in the area.

Accommodation: Overwater bungalow. Meals: full board. 

Have it all for yourself
Follow your guide to the best snorkeling sites

Day 12: Raja Ampat – Sorong Airport
Last day in Raja Ampat

After breakfast, your boatman takes you to Waisai harbour. You board the ferry to Sorong where your driver will take you to Sorong Airport for your return flight, or to your hotel.

Transportation: 10 minutes by car, 2 hours by ferry, 50 minutes by motor boat. With English speaking local guide. Meals: breakfast.

PRICE & CONDITIONS

Baliem Valley & Raja Ampat ● 12 days/11 nights ● Private Tour
Price per person from Wamena, Papua /to Sorong, West Papua
for 2 guests
USD 3.990 Price in EUR / IDR on request
  • +USD 500 for single room
for 3-6 guests
USD 3.390 Price in EUR / IDR on request
  • +USD 500 for single room
Single guest
on request
  •  
ENQUIRY
INCLUDES
  • Flight tickets Wamena - Jayapura - Sorong
  • Ferry tickets Sorong - Waisai - Sorong, first class
  • 5x nights in The Baliem Valley Resort
  • 5x nights in boutique resort in Raja Ampat
  • 1x night in Hotel SwissBel, Sorong
  • English speaking guide for excursions in the Baliem Valley
  • English speaking guide for excursions in Raja Ampat
  • English speaking guide during transits in Jayapura and Sorong
  • All transfers
  • Tours as per itinerary
  • Meals full board
  • Papua special travel permit (Surat Jalan)
DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Flights to Wamena, Papua (WMX) /from Sorong, West Papua (SOQ)
  • Raja Ampat Marine park fees
  • Private expenses, tips, and additional beverages
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Costs for excess luggage

For payment we accept USD, EUR, and IDR. Please let us know your preferred currency. We ask for a deposit of 15% of the tour price at the time of booking. The balance is due no later than 4 weeks before the start of the tour. Prices are subject to change. The final price will be quoted upon confirmation of the tour. Foreigners need a travel permit for Papua (“surat jalan”). We will take care of this permit before your arrival. For the permit we need a copy of your passports and passport photos. A list of equipment will be sent with the booking confirmation.

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