Meet the team
Waru Travel are A Small Team, Big Passion for Papua.
Every journey involves two important elements: the local people and the environment around them, including our presence as visitors.
By keeping these aspects in mind, we aim to create travel experiences that bring positive benefits not only for you as a traveler, but also for the local communities who welcome us.
Alex Waisimon
Alex began his career as a guide and later built his own travel agency in Bali. After spending 30 years away from Papua, he returned a decade ago to focus on birdwatching and wildlife tours. In his first two years back, Alex worked as a local birding guide, learning the ins and outs of organizing birdwatching trips. With that experience, he went on to establish his own birdwatching lodge and collaborated with Indigenous Papuans to develop birding destinations in Nimbokrang. For Alex, leading birdwatching groups rekindles his childhood love for exploring the forest, where he finds joy in the sounds of birds and wildlife. Deeply committed to conservation and nature, Alex takes great pride in his dedication and unwavering spirit in the field every single day.
Carolin Waisimon
She designs the itineraries at Waru. Carolin grew up in Bali and has over 10 years of experience in the hospitality and travel industry. After leaving her career in Bali, she started helping on-site as a translator at Waru Travel and later became the Operations Manager at Isyo Lodge in Papua. She also took a short course in Sustainable Tourism Management in Queensland, which sparked her love for wildlife. Back in Papua, she began organizing birdwatching trips in Nimbokrang and cultural tours across the region. With nearly 15 years in tourism, Carolin now personally accompanies and guides female travelers who want to join individual or group tours, sharing her local knowledge and passion for wildlife and culture along the way.
Alexandra
Born in Bali, she grew up surrounded by the world of tourism, learning about travel, culture, and hospitality from a young age. Moving to Papua, she continued her studies in Biology, which helped her connect deeply with nature and sparked her interest in ecotourism. She believes in connecting visitors not just with the sights but with the heart and soul of Papua, making every trip an unforgettable adventure while respecting and supporting local communities.
Daud
Born and raised in Papua, the forest has always been a natural part of his life. Starting out as a porter, he has grown into a trusted guide, leading both private guests and group tours through the wild beauty of his homeland. works part-time for Waru.
Alex Mallo
Originally from the Pegunungan Bintang highlands, he moved to Jayapura to pursue his education. Earning a degree in Anthropology sparked his passion for Indigenous communities and education, eventually leading him to a fulfilling path as a birdwatching and trekking guide. works part-time for Waru.
Boas
After returning to Papua, he decided to help develop his village and became part of the field team for birdwatching group tours. He also leads village and trekking tours, sharing the natural beauty and cultural richness of his homeland with visitors. works part-time for Waru.