Discover the beauty of Central Papua from Lake Sentani to the Baliem Valley, and explore the unforgettable natural and cultural diversity of Eastern Indonesia.
Central Papua offers a variety of adventures and natural beauty, complete with rich culture and traditions.
From mountains, beaches, valleys, to modern cities, Central Papua is a charming tourist destination for true adventurers. Here are eight of the best places in Central Papua that you must visit.
1. Lake Sentani
Lake Sentani is the largest lake in Papua, located in Jayapura Regency, with an area of 9,360 hectares. Surrounded by green hills, this lake offers enchanting natural views.
Lake Sentani is a source of pride for the local community because the water sources of 14 large and small rivers flow here, producing up to 1,823 tons of quality fish per year.
With its amoeba-like shape and decorated with 22 small islands, this place is the perfect location to enjoy the panorama and get to know Papuan culture. The best time to visit is during the Sentani Lake Festival, which offers dance performances, traditional music and boat races.
2. Jayawijaya Mountain
Jayawijaya Mountain, also known as the Cartenz Pyramid, is the highest peak in Indonesia, towering 5,030 meters above sea level in Puncak Jaya Regency. This peak is part of the Jayawijaya Mountains and the only snowy peak in Indonesia.
Being part of the “Seven Summits of the World,” Jayawijaya Mountain is a dream for climbers. Although the climb is challenging, the view of the eternal snow at the peak makes it an unforgettable experience.
With proper physical and mental preparation, you will be rewarded with a stunning landscape with clouds blanketing the mountains.
3. Wasur National Park
Papua is rich in exotic flora and fauna, and Wasur National Park in Merauke Regency is home to a variety of unique species. The park covers an area of around 413,810 hectares, making it the largest savanna in Indonesia and Asia.
Here, you can find rare animals such as cassowaries that have distinctive feathers resembling a broom. Many migratory fauna from various parts of the world stop by this park, creating an authentic wildlife exploration experience. Visiting Wasur National Park will take you on a wildlife adventure rich in biodiversity.
4. Base-G Beach
Base-G Beach, also known as Tanjung Ria Beach, is one of the beautiful beaches in Jayapura City. The origin of its name is related to the World War II period, where this beach was used as a military base by the Allied forces.
This beach has clean cream-colored sand and calm blue sea water. The sunset view at Base-G Beach is so stunning, with a gentle breeze and gentle waves. This beach is the perfect choice to relax while enjoying the natural and calming atmosphere.
5. Baliem Valley
Baliem Valley at the foot of the Jayawijaya Mountains, about 27 km from Wamena City, is home to the indigenous Papuan tribes, namely the Dani, Yali, and Lani. This valley has an area of 1,600 km² and is famous for its natural beauty and strong culture.
Here you can see honai, traditional Papuan houses, and experience the life of the tribes firsthand.
Every year, the Baliem Valley hosts the Baliem Valley Festival, which features various traditional activities and traditions, such as dance performances and ceremonies. This festival is the perfect opportunity to get to know Papuan culture more closely.
6. Monalisa Beach
Monalisa Beach in the capital of Central Papua province is a stunning beach with beautiful sea views, especially at sunset. This beach has an iconic bridge that extends into the sea, becoming a favorite spot for visitors to take pictures.
From this bridge, you can see the view of the open sea with clear water and fresh air. The gentle breeze and calm atmosphere make Monalisa Beach an ideal place to relax while enjoying the natural beauty of Papua.
7. Bihewa Waterfall
Bihewa Waterfall is one of the hidden natural tourist destinations in Central Papua. Located in a remote area, this waterfall offers clear and fast flowing water in the middle of a lush forest.
The journey to this waterfall may require extra effort, but once you arrive there, you will be treated to a calming natural view. For those of you who are looking for tranquility and want to experience the natural beauty of Papua without the crowds, Bihewa Waterfall is the right choice.
8. Kuala Kencana
Kuala Kencana, a modern city in Mimika Regency, is an urban center with sophisticated facilities that are rarely found in other areas of Papua.
The city has high-tech infrastructure, such as an automatic wastewater disposal system and an underground electricity network, making it the first city in Indonesia to adopt such a system.
There are elite housing and complete public facilities here, but access to this area is limited and requires special permits.
Visitors can still enjoy the beauty and grandeur of this city by taking pictures in front of the city entrance, where there is a magnificent monument as a landmark of Kuala Kencana.
Central Papua is a tourist destination full of charm, from lakes, beaches, national parks, to exotic valleys.
Each place offers stunning natural beauty and rich culture. If you are planning a vacation and looking for an unforgettable experience, Central Papua is the perfect choice for an adventure in Eastern Indonesia.