Meet the team
Waru Travel are A Small Team, Big Passion for Papua.
Alex Waisimon
Founder and Bird Guide
Alex began his career as a guide and later built his own travel agency in Bali. After spending several 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
Director and Travel Designer
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 tours across the region. With nearly 14 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
Operational Manager
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
Bird Guide
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.
Alex Mallo
Trekking and Bird Guide
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.
Boas
Trekking Guide
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.