WELCOME TO PAPUA

Papua is home to the world’s third-largest rainforest, and is made up of 2 different countries: Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Papua

Papua, located in the easternmost part of Indonesia, is a land of unspoiled wilderness and incredible biodiversity. Known for its dense tropical rainforests, majestic mountains, stunning underwater world, and indigenous cultures deeply connected to nature, Papua remains one of the last great frontiers in the world. The island is home to a remarkable array of wildlife and plants.

From the legendary Birds of Paradise to rare endemic species, Papua is a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Our wildlife tours offer a firsthand experience of the island’s rich biodiversity, both in its lush rainforests and its breathtaking marine ecosystems.

Papua is truly a paradise for those looking to connect with nature and explore a land that remains wild, free, and spectacular.

Plan to Visit

Traveling to Papua is different from visiting other island destinations in Indonesia. There are certain factors that require careful planning to avoid unexpected issues, discomfort, or unmet expectations. Many places in Papua are still very remote, with limited logistics and transportation. Moving from one location to another often involves flights, overland, and boats. These factors mean flexibility is essential when traveling in Papua.

Climate

The climate varies from cool in the mountains to warm in the lower areas, with a gentle breeze along the coast. There is a chance of rain.

Temperatures in West Papua remain consistently high throughout the year, balanced only by the sea breeze. Rain showers are frequent, but they are usually short and heavy, quickly followed by sunshine. When it’s not cloudy, the sun can be intense, so a hat and high-factor sunscreen are essential. On cloudy days, the temperature is cooler, but the high humidity can make it feel stuffy. It is much cooler in the mountains.

Currency

The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR/Rp). Coins are available in denominations of 100, 200, 500, and 1000. Banknotes come in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 Rupiah.
Exchange rates (October 2024):
EUR to IDR: 10,000 IDR = 0.58 EUR and 1 EUR = 16,967 IDR.
USD to IDR: 10,000 IDR = 0.63 USD and 1 USD = 15,699 IDR.
For the latest exchange rates, visit xe.com

Cash or Debit Card?

You can withdraw cash locally or exchange money at banks or official currency exchange centers. Try to exchange large denominations for smaller ones, as it is often difficult to make payments with large bills.

Note: Don’t forget to inform your bank that you are “traveling” so that you can also withdraw money abroad.

Best time to travel to West Papua

For those who want to customize their journey in Papua with a combination of culture and nature, it’s important to plan carefully, as each has its best seasons.

  • Birdwatching is ideal during the dry season in Papua, from June to September.
  • Underwater tours are best from November to June, during the calmer months in Raja Ampat, which is also the perfect season for spotting Manta Rays.
  • Papua’s largest cultural festivals are held annually in September and October.
Travel document and Visa information

Passport

You will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in Indonesia.

Please note: If your passport is damaged, you will not be able to enter or leave Indonesia. The Indonesian government considers water damage, small tears, or rips on pages as damage.

Visa Requirements for Indonesia

You may need a visa for Indonesia depending on the purpose of your trip. The following applies to tourist visits:

  • You will need a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Read information about the Visa on Arrival on the Indonesian embassy’s website (information available in English). 
  • You can only obtain this visa if you enter Indonesia through one of the designated border checkpoints. The visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days from your arrival in Indonesia. 
  • You can extend your visa once for an additional 30 days, as long as your current visa has not expired. Make sure to extend your visa in time at the Indonesian Immigration Service (information available in English).
  • You are not allowed to stay in Indonesia longer than your valid visa period. If you overstay, you may be fined 1,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah for each day you exceed the stay. You could also face imprisonment or deportation.

Pre-Arrival Registration
You must complete an online declaration 48 hours before arriving in Indonesia. Complete the Electronic Customs Declaration on the Indonesian government’s website. You will receive a QR code that you need to show to customs.

Clothing

There is always a chance of rain during the trip, but in general, the summer is the driest time of the year. In the mountains, the air can be cool, especially in the mornings and evenings. Therefore, bring warm clothing, as it will be hot and humid in the lowlands, while the coast will be hot, dry, windy, and occasionally breezy. A fleece sweater and a windbreaker jacket can be useful in the mornings.

Some important tips:

  • In some areas, the paths are muddy, so it is recommended to wear boots.
  • It is also advisable to bring a sleeping bag.
  • Bring sufficient protection against mosquitoes and insects.
  • On the coast, the sun is very intense, so it is recommended to use sunscreen and reef safe sun screen for dive.
Packing List

To ensure your trip is well-prepared, here is a general list of items we recommend you bring. It is meant as a reminder when packing your luggage. The list is comprehensive, as everyone has their own preferences.

BIRDWATCHING

  • Passport and a copy
  • Travel information and e-tickets
  • Health insurance card
  • Good walking shoes & Flip flop
  • Boots, Waterproof hiking boots if applicable
  • Sleeping bag
  • Clothing for changing conditions
  • Fleece sweater
  • Light windbreaker jacket
  • Hat or head covering
  • Drybag
  • Binoculars
  • Water bottle for field use
  • Telescope and tripod if available
  • Flashlight with sufficient batteries
  • Mosquito & Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Earplugs
  • Sunglasses
  • Spare glasses if you wear them
  • Lens cloth for optics
  • Extra straps
  • Camera and memory cards/image tank
  • Laptop if available
  • Pen and notebook
  • Plug adapter
  • Extra batteries for cameras, etc.
  • Power bank
  • Small first aid kit for your personal needs
  • Bird book for birding

DIVING

  • Passport and a copy
  • Travel information and e-tickets
  • Health insurance card
  • Dive Card
  • Swimsuit
  • Wetsuit
  • Dive Mask
  • Snorkel
  • Swimfins
  • Rafe safe sunscreen
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Mosquito & Insect repellent
  • Sunglasses
  • Spare glasses if you wear them
  • Lens cloth for optics
  • Hat
  • Flip flop
  • Good walking shoes
  • Drybag
  • Earplugs
  • Water bottle for field use
  • Extra straps
  • Underwater flashlight
  • Underwater camera and memory cards/image tank
  • Extra batteries for cameras, etc.
  • Plug adapter
  • Power bank
  • Laptop if available
  • Pen and notebook
  • Small first aid kit for your personal needs
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