7. Pulau Biak
Pulau Biak is one of the most popular islands in Papua and is covered in historical points of interest. The main town on Pulau Biak is called Kota Biak and around the island you will find a wealth of diving options as well as bird watching tours.
Another spot not to miss in Biak is the Cenderawasih Museum and you can also travel to the other side of the island to take in the stunning rock formations in Urfu and Samber.
It is a haven for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. With tropical climate throughout the year, the water temperature is excellent for diving and exploring the corals and wreckages. Expect to see schools of lionfish, schooling jacks, snappers and batfish among many others.
Anggopi beaches which are perfect for a quite beach walk in the golden sand after which you can head to the Furama Restaurant or Warung Makan Barokah where you can get the best seafood at Pulau Biak. Don’t forget to visit the birds at Tamam Burung and Tamam Anggrek after which you can go do some shopping at Pasar Bosnik where vendors from all corners of Biak display their products.
8. Lorentz National Park
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also the home of a famous mountain called Puncak Jaya. The Castensz Pyramid (as the mountain is known in English) measures up to 4,900meters and if you want to learn all about the flora and fauna in Indonesia then this is place you need to visit.
There are hundreds of species of birds and 123 mammalian species in the park which will delight birdwatchers. Birds include two species of cassowary, 31 dove and pigeon species and 60 species of kingfisher. Six bird species are endemic to the Snow Mountains including the snow mountain quail and snow mountain robin, 26 species are endemic to the Central Papuan Ranges while three are endemic to the South Papuan Lowlands. The threatened species include the southern cassowary, Alpine woolly rat, southern crowned pigeon, Pesquets parrot, Salvadoris teal and Macgregors giant honeyeater.
The mammal species include the long-beaked echidna, short-beaked echidna and four species of cuscus as well as wallabies, quolls and tree-kangaroos. Endemic to Sudirman Range is the dingiso, a tree-kangaroo species only discovered in 1995. You can also enjoy trekking and mountain climbing up Puncak Jaya if you are feeling adventurous. Bear in mind however that this is a strenuous hike so make sure to plan accordingly and only attempt it if you are used to mountain trekking.
9. Aikima
If you want to get out and about in Papua then consider a trip to Aikima which is around 8km from larger Waimena and is the home of the Werapak Elosak Mummy.
This preserved corpse dates from 300 years ago and is the body of an ancient chief which has been smoked in order to prevent his body from decomposing.
The story goes that the reason for this was that the chieftain had magical powers and that the village wanted to preserve these after his death to keep the local area safe and free from evil spirits or marauding armies.
10. Museum Loka Budaya
Museum Loka Budaya in Jayapura is part of Cenderawasih University and is one the best museums in Papua. Here you will find a huge array of different artefacts such as ancient Asmat carvings and traditional costumes.
There are also crafts items from different parts of Papua and you will even find diverse collections such as exhibitions of old photographs and even musical instruments.
Anyone who enjoys taxidermy can also peruse a gallery of Papua stuffed animals including some of its signature birds of paradise.
11. The Bird and Orchid Garden
The bird and orchid garden on Biak island, known as Tamam Burung and Tamam Anggrek (TBTA Biak). For a bit of serenity in Kota Biak head to Ibdi, the Bird and Orchid Garden which has a collection of birds indigenous to Papua including hornbills, cockatoos and lories.
As well as the colorful avians you will also find several dozen species of orchids here so if you want to stroll around in a cool and unhurried part of the city then this is the place to do so.
This is also one of main attractions in Biak which is a pretty spot but doesn’t have a huge number of sightseeing spots in its own right.
12. Jiwika
Located close to the town of Jiwika, the Wimontok Mabel Mummy is said to be the remains of a famous chief who would have lived here in the 18th century.
His corpse has been preserved and you can now come and see this macabre spectacle for yourself if you want to know more about the history of the area.
This is also a typical off-the-beaten-track area in Papua so it’s a great place to meet some of the locals and see how people live in this amazing province.
