Baliem Valley and the Dani tribe waited a long time to be discovered. Papuan highland belongs to one the most recently explored New Guinea areas. The tall mountains in west Papua (Irian Jaya) were generally considered as uninhabited. No sooner than 1398 did the pilot Richard Archbold notice that there was something special about the deep, and large valley situated among the four-thousand meter tall mountains. In the valley there were clearly recognizable fields, similar to those he knew from Europe. The Baliem valley and Dani tribe were discovered by pure luck.
The Baliem Highlands is centered on the Grand Valley some 1,600 meters above sea level. Temperatures of the highland are ranged from 26 degrees Celsius at the day time and 12 degrees at night.. The valley is 60 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide and is surrounded on all sides by mountain peaks rising to between 2,500 and 3,000 meters.This valley has been the most visited part of the island, especially in recent years. This valley is home to the Dani tibesmen. They are living in primitive way of farming.
Baliem Valley, is a spectacular valley which an ideal location for our innovative trek that follows trails through the jungle and mountain environs of the Dani, Yali and Lani People. Until a generation ago these stone-age tribes had little to do with the outside world, until the arrival of white missionaries in the 1950s (a fact well documented in Heinrich Harrer’s account of the first ascent of Carstensz Pyramid in 1962). Even today, the Dani’s reliance on stone axes and on an agricultural lifestyle – that evolves around raising pigs and growing root crops – provides a fitting insight into their tribal traditions.
This spectacular valley is an ideal location for our innovative trek that follows trails through the jungle and mountain environs of the DANI PEOPLE. Even today, the Dani’s reliance on stone axes and on an agricultural lifestyle – that evolves around raising pigs and growing root crops – provides a fitting insight into their tribal traditions.
The proposed program of we attached here allows you to experience some trekking to deeper side of Dani’s communities at the southern part of the magnificent valley, to encounter people who are living in so-called STONE AGE as they are almost naked people, as well as to experience their ancient way of live.
The trekking it self is considered moderate to challenging grade as we will trek up and down the hills, cross rivers and thru its slippery banks.
Baliem Valley, inhabited by the Dani tribe, is the most fertile part of the highland covering the west of the New Guinea Island – Papua (Irian Jaya). Baliem Valley lies about 1600 m above the sea level, and it is surrounded by a crest of mountains some of which reach up to 4500 m. There are even some fish in the Baliem River which flows through the valley. The area covered by the Baliem valley is not large, roughly 60×30 km.
The first missionary, Loyd van Stone, parachuted there as late as 1954. Only then did the civilization of the Baliem valley, and Dani and Lani tribes, begin. Since then, the Baliem valley has become a gate for discovering the west of the Papua highland. No road has been built there yet, but in Wamana a large airport was built, and supplies are now transported by large freight airplanes. Despite all these developments, the Baliem valley is still dominated by the straw roofs of the Dani tribe. Danis are an indigenous tribe, which dwelled in the Baliem valley in the time of its discovery. Danis belong to some the “most decorative” tribes in the west Papua
You have probably seen the famous photos of Dani tribe members with boar tusks in their noses, and headdresses made of Paradise birds feathers. Dani men only wear long and thin kotekas. The women Danis wear short skirts woven from orchid fibers, decorated with straw, and with indispensable woven bags called “noken” across their backs. Similar to the women of the Yali tribe, the Dani women wear short skirts below their butts.
Despite the fact that Danis were discovered quite late – in 1938, they became one of the best known tribes in New Guinea. Dani occupied one of the most fertile parts of Papua. As a result they often had to fight for their territory. There were also frequent wars among the Danis themselves. They were the most dreaded head-hunting tribe on the island, which is even more remarkable if we consider that they did not eat their enemies, like the majority of other Papuan tribes did.
With us you can be in a face to face contact with Dani people. Dani build round or oval huts, and their villages are enclosed by fences. They are farmers, and their small fields are distinctly bordered. This is what helped Richard Archbold spot them from the plane. The Dani tribe’s customs and culture are very rich and interesting. Several pages could be written on these topics
The main reason that the Dani tribe is so well known, is that the Baliem valley where they live, is relatively easy to reach these days.
Wamena was a point of departure for many expeditions. The Dani villages are visited by virtually every tourist who sets out in west Papua. Some villages even show their original customs and hold mock wars.
Another thing which brought fame to the Dani tribe are the several hundred years old ”smoked” mummies of famous tribesmen. Two of them can be seen in the Baliem valley – in Akima and Jiwika villages.
The Baliem Valley was once dubbed Shangri La and it is easy to see why. The Valley is incredibly lush and fertile and is surrounded on all sides by towering peaks of 2,500to 3,000 metres.
The fertility is such that the valley has been farmed for 9,000 years but it was only discovered by westerners in 1938! There are three mains tribes inhabiting the Baliem Valley: The Dani in the base, the Lani to the west and the Yali in the south-east. Each tribe has a distinct culture. One sure and interesting way to distinguish between the tribes is from the Koteka, or penis gourd, sported by the male members. The men of each tribe tend to the growing of the gourds with the three tribes each cultivating a different style. The Dani use a long, thin Koteka, the Lani sport a medium sized, wide cannon-like gourd, and the Yali wear the longest of all.
The Dani
Entering Dani territory involves a journey into a deeper reality.
The inevitable pig-feast on arrival is your rite of passage into their unique culture for an engrossing a four or five hour intense experience. You will find yourself in a simple, traditional compound surrounded by fully greased and painted Dani tribes-people wearing their ceremonial best.
The whole elaborate affair is deeply spiritual, far more than a photo-session can ever capture. Here you will be warmly greeted by the amazing Chief Yali, our adoptive father who is legendary amongst the Dani for his kindness, generosity and skills in the art of co-operation and avoiding conflict. With this unique and privileged connection you will receive the full weight of Dani hospitality.
The Lani
Like the Dani, the Lani are expert farmers utilising a highly effective and efficient irrigation system to produce abundant crops of Sweet Potatoes (Ubi), Tobacco, Beans, Taro, Spinach, Sugar Cane and Bananas. Much of the Lani lands lie in a beautiful oasis interspersed with checkerboard patterned sweet potato gardens. The Lani are more stockily built than the medium-bodied Dani and their lands are more densely populated. They tend to congregate in largish villages rather than the small compounds which dominate Dani territory.
The weather in the Valley is predominantly sunny and trekking along the river amidst the terraced farmlands and wondrous forests is a trekker’s paradise. Trails are usually clear and maintained as local people travel them and this makes the trekking pretty comfortable.
The Yali
The Yali tribe lives high up along the valley ridges in the Jayawijaya mountains. The land here is rugged and thinly populated. The tribes-people live in wooden huts with roofs made of tree-bark and they are grouped into small compounds. A vegetable garden and dense rainforest will surround each compound.
Trekking in the Yali area is more strenuous than in the lower reaches of the Valley but it is perfect for the fit trekker who wants to experience truly virgin rainforest and the unique people who live amidst it.
In summary, The Baliem Valley will provide a never to be forgotten experience. The inhabitants of the valley are essentially peace-loving agrarians who welcome visitors wholeheartedly.
Baliem Valley Trek 04 Days 03 Nights
04 DAYS AND 03 NIGHTS BALIEM VALLEY TOURS
Approximately 4-5 hours trekking each day, medium difficulty, a bit of previous trekking experience needed
Itinerary
Day 01 : JAYAPURA – ARRIVAL (L,D)
On your arrival at Sentani airport of Jayapura, meeting service then transfer to Yasmin or Matoa hotel in Jayapura for overnight stay.
Day 02 : JAYAPURA – WAMENA (BLD)
Early transfer to the airport to catch Merpati flight to Wamena at 0715am on arrival in Wamena full day sightseeing tour in Baliem Valley to visit local market, Sinatma hanging bridge and Dani traditional villages surrounding. Lunch at a local restaurant and then continue to visit Wesaput surrounding and then explore the community of the Dani people in Suroba village. Afternoon drive back to Baliem Pilamo hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 03 : WAMENA – JIWIKA (BLD)
After breakfast at hotel, full day tour to explore the northern part of Baliem valley, drive to Jiwika within 40 minutes then start to climb up to Milli Mountain to see how the Dani women making salt in traditional way. And then walk down to Sumpaima village to see the old Mummy. Afterwards continue walking to Anemoigi village to enjoy the Dani pig feast and dance. After lunch at Lauk Inn restaurant explore the village surrounding. Before return to Wamena drive further to north to visit Waga – Waga villahe and Kontilola cave. Late afternoon drive back to Wamena. Dinner and overnight at Baliem Pilamo hotel
Day 04 : WAMENA – JAYAPURA (B)
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport leaving for Jayapura. On your arrival catch your onward flight destinations.
Rate : US$ 750/person min 02 Person twin share
Rate including:
Pick up and transfer services in Wamena, Hotel based in Palemo Baliem, Trekking Guide, Porter, Comfortable 4 wheel drive car, All meals, Entrance fees, refreshment, West Papua Permit, Police Permit, Conservation Fees.
Rate excluding:
Return air tickets to Wamena, Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic drinks, Village Donation, Addtional Tips for Porter and Trekking Guide, Laundry and any personal expenses.
08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS SOUTH BALIEM VALLEY TOURS
itinerary:
Day 01 : JAYAPURA – ARRIVAL (L,D)
Arrive at Sentani airport of Jayapura, meet and transfer by c ar in 5 minutes drive to Sentani Indah Hotel or Matoa Hotel in Jayapura for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 02 : JAYAPURA – WAMENA – YOKOSIMO – HITUGI (BLD)
Breakfast at hotel, then transfer to the airport leaving for Wamena (0715/0815). Upon arrival at Wamena airport transfer to Baliem Pilamo Hotel for a short briefing about the trekking. From here you will drive to Sogokmo where the trekking begins with guide, cook and porters. Walk and crossing the metal suspension bridge on Baliem River near by Sogokmo then hike up to 5 hours through the beautiful country side and Dani villages to Hitugi. You will encounter and greeted by the Dani people who work in their steep sweet potato garden, arrive in Hitugi in the afternoon, accommodation at the head of the village house. Lunch and dinner will provide by our cook.
Day 03 : HITUGI – SYKOSIMO (BLD)
From Hitugi village, we hike 1,5 hours down to Mugi river and cross the small traditional rope bridge near a small water fall. From the waterfall we still hike 30 minutes and will arrive in the village of Syokosimo, accommodation at the teacher’s house. After lunch in the village, we hike to the next Danis compounds lie on the top of the hill to explore and experience the Dani daily life and culture. Late afternoon we return back to our accommodation in the village for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 04 : SYOKOSIMO – USEREM – IBIROMA (BLD)
Today, we hike up and down, the trail is steep and could be very sleeper if it is in rainy season. The first 2 hours hike to the village of Userem through the steep sweet potato garden near the Baliem river. In userem village we cross another metal suspension bridge on the Mugi river, and after 30 minutes walk from Mugi river we will encounter and crossing another longer (40m) width traditional suspension bridge on Baliem river. From the Baliem river the trail is going up and take 2,5 hours to arrive in the village of Ibiroma. Our accommodation is at a local traditional guest house.
Day 05 : IBIROMA – KURIMA – JIWIKA (BLD)
From Ibiroma village in the southern of Baliem Valley gorge, we hike 2,5 hours to Kurima. The still traditional Dani village are very close and can be briefly explore during the hike to Kurima. The local people life and traditional remain unchanged here, and the sophisticate agriculture system has been practiced along time ago. Arrive in Kurima by noon, we drive 1,5 hours to Jiwika in the northern of the valley via the town of Wamena. Lunch at local restaurant in town, afternoon we may walk and visit the Dani villages near Jiwika, including the 250 years old mummy at Sumpaima village and view the Dani Pig feast and dance in the village of Anemoigi. Accommodation at Lauk Inn (a very basic tourist accommodation).
Day 06 : JIWIKA – PIG FEAST – WAMENA (BLD)
After breakfast we hike 1 hour up to Iluerainma to see the Dani make salt by the soak the banana stalks into the brine’s pool, dry and carry them home. Lunch today is at Lauk Inn restaurant, the whole afternoon is spent in the village of Anemoigi where we can view the Dani Mock battle and Pig feast. We will see how the dani make fire traditionally, kill a pig with bow and arrow and cook them into the hot – burned stone with vegetables and sweet potatoes. Late afternoon we drive 40 minutes back to Wamena, dinner at local restaurant in town, accommodation at Baliem Pilamo hotel.
Day 07 : WAMENA – JAYAPURA (BLD)
Breakfast at hotel, then transfer to Wamena airport for a flight departure to Jayapura on MZ 7505 (0830/0930). Upon arrival, transfer to Sentani Indah hotel then proceed with the excursion to Mc. Arthur memorial and boating to Assei village. Lunch at local restaurant. Dinner and overnight at Sentani Indah Hotel.
Day 08 : DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport leaving Jayapura for the next destination.
Rate : US$ 1.200/person min 02 Person
Rate including:
Pick up and transfer services in Wamena, Hotel based in Palemo Baliem, Trekking Guide, Porter, Comfortable 4 wheel drive car, All meals, Entrance fees, refreshment, West Papua Permit, Police Permit, Conservation Fees.
Rate excluding:
Return air tickets to Wamena, Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic drinks, Village Donation, Addtional Tips for Porter and Trekking Guide, Laundry and any personal expenses.
08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS YALI TRIBAL TOURS
Itinerary:
Day 01 : JAYAPURA – ARRIVAL (L,D)
Arrive at Sentani airport of Jayapura, meet and transfer by c ar in 5 minutes drive to Sentani Indah Hotel or Matoa Hotel in Jayapura for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 02 : JAYAPURA – WAMENA (BLD)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight depart to Wamena. Arrive at Wamena airport met and transfer to Baliem Pilamo Hotel. Afterwards visiting the local market, hanging bridge and museum. After lunch at a local restaurant drive within an hour to Jiwika to see the old mummy of Mabel’s family at Sumpaima village and explore the villages surrounding. Late afternoon drive back to Wamena, dinner and overnight stay at Baliem Pilamo Hotel.
Day 03 : WAMENA – KOSAREK (BLD)
Depart from Wamena for Kosarek by charter Missionary’s plane. After lunch we walk through the village nearby. Afternoon return to Kosareka. Overnight at local house.
Day 04 : KOSAREK (BLD)
Full day trekking to visit the village of Hombuga, Mine and Konoas. Afternoon return to Kosarek. Overnight at teacher’s house or in tents.
Day 05 : KOSAREK (BLD)
Full day trekking through the Kussuarek hill visiting the village of Wahai, NAhomas and Uldam/Pasekni. Lunch serve en-route. Halfway enjoy the Yali pig feast and dance in Uldam/Pasekni. Afternoon return to Kosarek. Overnight at teacher’s house.
Day 06 : KOSAREK – WAMENA (BLD)
After breakfast walk to the landing strip of Kosarek for the flight back to Wamena by Missionary’s plane. Upon arrival in Wamena, continue with onwards arrangement. Lunch at a local restaurant, dinner and overnight at Baliem Pilamo hotel.
Day 07 : WAMENA – JAYAPURA (BLD)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Jayapura. Arrive at Jayapura airport met by the guide then touring the city and lake Sentani. Lunch at local restaurant. Dinner and overnight at Hotel near Sentani area.
Day 08 : DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport leaving Jayapura for the next destination.
Rate : US$ 1.300/person min 02 Person
Rate including:
Pick up and transfer services in Wamena, Hotel based in Palemo Baliem, Trekking Guide, Porter, Comfortable 4 wheel drive car, All meals, Entrance fees, refreshment, West Papua Permit, Police Permit, Conservation Fees.
Rate excluding:
Return air tickets to Wamena, Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic drinks, Village Donation, Addtional Tips for Porter and Trekking Guide, Laundry and any personal expenses.
