When it comes to Indonesia , most people first of all have an association with the fabulous island of Bali . However, it is worth moving away from the generally accepted stereotypes, as soon as a huge, unexplored space opens up to explore this world in general, and its survival skills in particular.
When it comes to Indonesia , most people first of all have an association with the fabulous island of Bali . However, it is worth moving away from the generally accepted stereotypes, as soon as a huge, unexplored space opens up to explore this world in general, and its survival skills in particular. If you have been fascinated by fascinating stories about impassable jungles and cannibals from childhood, then it's time to take your comfort for the sake of incredible photos and vivid impressions in New Guinea.
Territorial features
The island of New Guinea on the world map is located slightly south of Australia , where the eastern border of the territory of Indonesia is located. Here there are those wild places and impassable thickets, and the local tribes of the Papuans surprise with unusual, even slightly wild traditions . The territory of the island is divided into two parts - Western New Guinea, which is covered by the legal status of Indonesia, and the state of Papua New Guinea.
The area of the island of New Guinea has 786 thousand square meters. km, of which almost 422 thousand square meters. km belong to the territory of Indonesia. The northern shores of Western New Guinea are washed by the Pacific Ocean, in the south is the Arafura Sea, and the west will enjoy the waters of the Seram Sea. The peculiar capital of this part of the island is Jayapura , the largest city and port.
Part of the island, owned by Indonesia, is considered less developed than its second half. Initially, only the tribes of the Papuans lived here, but the authorities had decided to introduce a migration program, according to which the settlers received compensation and financial assistance for the first time. Thus, civilization began to grow gradually into the interior of the island .
Attractions of Western New Guinea
First of all, interest in tourism in New Guinea is based on the unique and pristine beauty of the local nature. No matter how dangerous, it did not seem, but that life-sustaining, which has taken root in these parts, will become a real treasure for those who are looking for exotics. Among the few, but colorful sights of Western New Guinea, there are:
- Jayapura. The largest city on the island, it provides an opportunity to understand and compare the standard of living, culture and life of local residents.
- Wamena. This city is a conditional border between civilization and tribes living in the Stone Age.
- Valley of Baliem. This is a unique place in its beauty, located in the highlands. It is here that tourists have the opportunity to get acquainted with those who did not change the spear on the shovel. The tribes of Yali, Lani and Dani joyfully demonstrate their way of life, causing real astonishment in the eyes of travelers.
- Biak. This island, which is the strongest in the number of the eponymous archipelago. At one time, bloody battles were fought here during the Second World War. Today, the island has left a lot of sunken military equipment, which makes diving off its coasts extremely interesting and entertaining.
- Flora and fauna. On the island, which is known as a paradise for nature experts, the animal world is amazingly diverse and saturated. New Guinea is known for its unique places in which the pristine nature is preserved.
Hotels and restaurants
It is not worth to expect high service, comfort and luxury from the hotels of New Guinea. Most of the upscale hotels are based in Jayapur. You can find excellent conditions for accommodation at Swiss-Belhotel Papua and favehotel Jayapura. Moderate comfort for a fee is offered by Homestay Galpera Papua and IZY Guest House.
A variety of institutions of public catering Western New Guinea can not boast. You can not even talk about high cuisine . But still there are a number of places where you can satisfy your hunger and get acquainted with local cuisine. In particular, this is Rumah Laut Cafe & Restoran, Duta Cafe Lesehan Atas Laut, Pit's Corner.
Information for tourists
Before packing suitcases and fleeing for air tickets, it is worth to learn a few moments about Western New Guinea, which will contribute to the integrity and safety of your property, and life. So, to the tourist on a note:
- The indigenous population is known as cannibals. Today the Papuans have officially abandoned the barbarous traditions, but still it is not worth losing one's vigilance.
- The crime rate here is very high. Looting, robbery, fraud, theft are the usual ways of earning for local marginalized people. Therefore, it is necessary to refuse walks on dark alleys, in the same way it is not recommended to show one's wealth or carry large sums.
- Take care of vaccinations . Without a note of vaccination against yellow fever, it will be difficult even to fly out of the airport in the direction of New Guinea.
How to get to Western New Guinea?
Visit the Indonesian part of New Guinea with an airplane. There is no direct flight from Moscow, you will have to make 2-3 dockings on the way.