About Us
We started our first expeditions to the remote areas of Papua with tourists over 30 years ago and are still one of the few reliable tour operators for this part of the world. With our The Baliem Valley Resort in the highlands of Papua, we have one of the best accommodations in New Guinea, allowing every guest to explore this adventurous region. In addition to our guided special tours to destinations such as the Korowai or the Asmat, we are also one of the specialists worldwide for the Carstensz Pyramid. In addition, we have recently started offering year-round tailor-made tours to very exotic destinations in Papua, far from the usual tourism.
After more than 300 successful expeditions and many guests in our resort, we would be happy to welcome you as our customer soon. Whether you are a single traveller or a tour operator, we look forward to receiving your request.
Since his childhood Marc has been strongly connected with Indonesia and Papua. Already as a young student he accompanied tours and since 2012 he is a tour guide himself. Several times a year he leads tours to the very exotic destinations in Papua. Marc is also responsible for sales and administration of the Baliem Valley Resort and your main contact for questions about the Baliem Valley and other destinations in Papua. He is co-author of travel guides about Papua, ambitious hobby photographer – most of the photos on this website are taken by him – and believes in the positive effects that sustainable, respectful tourism can have. For further photos you may see his Instagram, what else..
Since 1979, his main interest is in the cultures of Oceania, especially in Papua, the Indonesian part of the New Guinea island. Until today, he successfully organised and guided more than 250 expeditions in New Guinea and the Salomon Islands. Werner is co-author of publications by world-famous explorers Heinrich Harrer and Dieter Kronzucker. Furthermore, the physician organised and guided more than 20 TV productions to China, Mongolia, Namibia and especially Papua/Indonesia. With more than 30 tours to the Carstensz Pyramid one can safely assume that he is the current world record holder for tours to this mountain. Werner has received two certificates of honor from the Indonesian government and owns his own museum.
Laura Sakalian
Raja Ampat Expert
With years of experience in Raja Ampat, Laura’s in-depth knowledge is the foundation of our operations in the area. She has also traveled to almost every other corner of Papua and is a regular visitor to the Baliem Valley. This vast experience allows her to create truly unique and personalized itineraries that you will not find anywhere else.
Madi Jumading
The Baliem Valley Resort
Since joining The Baliem Valley Resort in 2014 as On-Site Manager, Madi has been instrumental in ensuring that guests enjoy a delightful stay. He oversees your stay from start to finish, ensuring that your tours run as smoothly as possible, and serves as your primary on-site contact. Madi’s dedication is central to the Resort’s unique guest experience.
Siprianus Osan
Jayapura handling
Siprianus is responsible for handling all guests in Jayapura/Sentani. He takes care of the tickets, welcomes you at the airport, assists with check-in, and guides most of the excursions in the surrounding area.
Iwan Darsono
Sorong Handling
Iwan is our local representative in Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat. With him by your side, you can count on a seamless start and finish to your trip, ensuring you never get lost.
Ketut Medal
Office Support
With many years of experience in the tourism industry, Ketut is a seasoned professional. He works diligently behind the scenes, ensuring smooth operations with attention to detail.
Rest of Team
In alphabetical order: Amos, Anton, Bernard, Derrangen, Frans, Fransiskus, Herman, Jimmy, Joni, Jupiter, Lanigeo, Layus, Les, Markus, Maspur, Melius, Nabin, Paulus, Paulus M. and family, Penius, Sakarias, Tanapius, Tapania, Terong, Thomas, Wanamuke, Weakuli, Willem, Yesaya, Yoni, Yosef.
Papua Explorer is a member of ASITA